Moving From NSW to VIC? The Ultimate Guide to Transferring Your Rego

For over two decades, I’ve been helping families and individuals move home across Australia. One thing I’ve learned is that moving interstate isn’t just about packing boxes – it’s also about handling the important details. One crucial task when moving from Sydney to Melbourne is changing your rego from NSW to VIC. As the owner of North Removals, I understand firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to juggle paperwork like this amidst the excitement (and stress) of an interstate move.

In this guide, we’ll set the stage for what you need to know about updating your rego as you relocate. I’ll walk you through everything from the initial paperwork to the final licence plate change in Victoria. My goal is to take the mystery out of the process so you know exactly what to expect. After all, I believe that with the right guidance, even the bureaucratic parts of moving can be tackled without breaking a sweat.

So, if you’re feeling a bit anxious about how to get your NSW plates swapped for Victorian ones, you’re not alone – and you’re in the right place. By the end of this guide, you’ll see that moving to Melbourne can be an exciting fresh start without any rego headaches. Let’s dive in and make sure this part of your move is one of the easiest things you cross off your checklist!

Transferring Vehicle Registration from NSW to VIC – Step by Step

Moving your vehicle registration between New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC) is a vital procedure for people who relocate. The registration process will make your vehicle compliant with Victorian laws and prevent any unforeseen legal trouble. 

As a Melbourne resident, I know these facts firsthand. As the founder of a five-star removalist firm, North Removals, we help many people move interstate; so this advice is for you.

Below we will provide you with full assistance for your registration transition process.

1. Roadworthy Certificate (RWC):

A vehicle registration in Victoria requires you to obtain an RWC to prove your vehicle satisfies state safety requirements. Here’s how to proceed:

Licensed Vehicle Tester: You need to schedule an inspection with one of the licensed vehicle testers working in Victoria. You can find one through their website list of authorised testers through the VicRoads website.

Inspection Details: During the inspection the tester will check multiple components which include brakes, tyres, steering and lights to verify the vehicle´s safety compliance.

Validity Period: The validity period for RWCs starts from the date of issue and extends for 30 days, so book your registration appointment within this period.

RWC Exemption Note: If your vehicle is currently registered in NSW in your name, and the registration is still active (or expired within the last 3 months), VicRoads does not require a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC). In this scenario, you can skip the RWC inspection step. However, if the vehicle registration has been expired longer or ownership details differ, obtaining an RWC remains mandatory.

2. Appointment for registration:

You should schedule an appointment with VicRoads following RWC acquisition to complete vehicle registration. Before your appointment, download and complete the Vehicle Registration Form (VicRoads PDF) to save time at the service centre.

• Online Booking: People can use the VicRoads appointment booking page to select their preferred booking time.
• In-Person Visits: You can book an appointment by contacting VicRoads via phone or by visiting any Customer Service Centre if online booking options are unavailable.

3. Necessary Documentation:

Gather the following documents for a seamless registration process:

Current Interstate Registration Papers: Proof of your vehicle’s existing registration in NSW.

Roadworthy Certificate (RWC): You need to present the original document issued by your authorised vehicle inspector, the aforementioned Roadworthy Certificate (RWC).

Identity Requirement: Your identity verification includes valid documents such as a driver’s licence or passport. Make sure these are not expired!

Proof of Victorian Residential Address: The proof of domicile in Victoria requires documentation, including utility bills, rental agreements.

Vehicle’s Current Number Plates: These will be surrendered during your appointment. Take them off your NSW-registered vehicle.

4. Attend the Appointment:

On the day of your appointment, you should consider the following:

• Document Submission: Present all the gathered documents to the VicRoads officer.
• Payment of Fees: Pay the applicable registration fees. For an estimate, refer to the VicRoads registration fees page or keep reading our article.
• Plate Issuance: If your processing is successful, you will receive your new Victorian number plates.

Additional Considerations:

• Timing: The registration transfer needs to be completed within three months of relocation to prevent penalty charges.
• Vehicle Standards: Your vehicle must meet Victorian roadworthiness standards according to vehicle standards requirements. Starting from January 2011 all vehicles need to have Electronic Stability Control (ESC) installed. You can find additional information about this requirement on the VicRoads website.
• Refunds: Service NSW provides a refund option to eligible users who return their NSW plates. Use this form to apply for a refund.

Vehicle Registration Transfer Costs From NSW to Victoria

Moving a car from NSW to Victoria similarly involves re-registering the vehicle in Vic. The total outlay will include a roadworthy inspection, VicRoads registration fees, Victoria’s transport accident charge (CTP), new plates, and motor vehicle duty. Below are approximate costs by vehicle value tier:

Vehicles Under $20,000

For a car under $20,000, expect total costs around $1,600–$1,900 to change from NSW to VIC registration. Key fees:

• Roadworthy inspection (RWC): about $150–$200 in Victoria for a standard car roadworthy certificate​.
• VicRoads registration fee: approx $333 (annual admin fee for light vehicles in 2024–25)​.
• Transport Accident Charge (CTP insurance): about $520 for a metropolitan area vehicle (covers the mandatory injury insurance via TAC)​.
• New Victorian plates: around $42 for a standard set of plates (one-time cost)​.
• Stamp duty (Vic motor vehicle duty): 4.2% of the vehicle’s value for passenger cars up to about $77k​.

Vehicles $20,000–$60,000

In this middle range, transferring a NSW-registered car to VIC will cost approximately $2,500–$3,500 total (increasing with the car’s value). The breakdown is as follows:

• Roadworthy (RWC): $150–$200 (typically around $180)​.
• Vic registration fee: $333 (standard 12-month rego fee)​.
• TAC/CTP charge: ~$520 for metro areas (covers personal injury insurance)​.
• Number plates: $42 for new Vic plates​.
• Stamp duty: 4.2% of the car’s value (since vehicles in this range are below the Vic luxury threshold)​.

Vehicles Over $60,000

For cars worth above $60k, Victoria’s transfer costs rise mainly because of higher duty on expensive vehicles. Approximate total cost can range $4,000–$6,000+ depending on the vehicle’s value. The components include:

• Roadworthy (RWC): ~$200 for inspection​ .
• Vic registration fee: $333 (flat fee for 12 months)​ 
• TAC/CTP insurance: ~$520 (metro zone rate)​.
• Plates: $42 standard plate fee​.
• Stamp duty: 4.2% of the value up to $76,950, then 5.2% on amounts between $76,951–$100,000 (higher rates apply beyond that)​

In practical terms, a $80,000 car would owe about $4,160 in duty (5.2% rate), whereas a $70,000 car would be about $2,940 (still at 4.2%). For ultra high-end cars, duty increases to 7% and 9% in higher brackets​, but for most “over $60k” vehicles the duty will fall in the 4.2–5.2% range. Use the state revenue office victoria calculator to see your fees.

Wrapping up, moving a car from NSW to Victoria costs around $1,600–$1,900 for vehicles under $20k, $2,500–$3,500 for cars valued between $20k–$60k, and $4,000–$6,000 or more for vehicles over $60k. Costs include a roadworthy inspection, registration fees, transport accident charge (CTP), number plates, and motor vehicle duty.

To have a better understanding of cost when moving to Victoria, I invite you to check our Melbourne cost of living calculator.

Switching Your Rego from NSW to VIC? We’ll Handle the Move

As we’ve seen, the key to a smooth rego transfer from NSW to VIC is preparation and prompt action. Taking care of your car’s registration early – and having all your documents and inspections sorted out – means you can cruise into Melbourne life without worrying about fines or legal hiccups. A little bit of planning goes a long way: when you know what needs doing and tackle it step by step, you’ll find the whole process far less daunting than it might seem at first.

If you are about to move to my city, you might want to read about the worst suburbs in Melbourne to get a better idea of which areas may not be the best fit for you. And if you’re comparing expenses between the two cities, be sure to check out our guide on the cost of living Melbourne vs Sydney. It’ll help you plan a realistic budget and avoid any financial surprises.

Finally, when you’re ready to make the jump, our professional interstate removalists can take care of the heavy lifting and logistics. We’ll also share those small but crucial tips that keep everything running smoothly. For those who might need extra storage before settling in, our overview of melbourne storage prices can give you an idea of what to expect and how to factor it into your moving budget.

As you already know moving can be challenging, but it’s also the start of an exciting new chapter. With the right support and a bit of preparation, your move can truly be stress-free – contact us today and let us help you with the welcome to your new home!