Four steps to renew your NSW vehicle registration
There are 4 steps to renew your vehicle registration:
- Choose a registration period.
- Get a CTP green slip.
- Organise a pink slip (if your vehicle is 5 or more years old).
- Pay registration fees.
Renewing your registration is easier than starting a new registration in NSW.
1. Choose a registration period
In NSW, you can register light vehicles for a period of 6 months or 12 months. For trailers and heavy vehicles, registration periods are 3 months or 6 months.
Essential to know
- Registration and green slip periods must match.
- For example, if you register your vehicle for 12 months, you have to buy a green slip for 12 months.
2. Get a CTP green slip
The best way to get a green slip is to use the greenslips.com.au Calculator. It compares all 6 insurers and shows the cheapest prices available for your vehicle and circumstances.
Buy your green slip online or by phone from your chosen insurer.
If you prefer to buy a green slip in person, some insurers use brokers or agents, such as the Post Office.
When you have paid for a green slip, the insurer immediately notifies Service NSW so you can register your vehicle. This process may take longer from rural or regional Post Offices or agents.
3. Organise a pink slip
A pink slip is an annual safety check required to register vehicles more than 5 years old. A vehicle less than 5 years old does not require a pink slip for registration. Your registration renewal notice tells you if your vehicle needs an inspection. The price of a pink slip is fixed each year.
How much does a pink slip cost?
Where can I get a pink slip done?
4. Pay registration fees
You can pay registration fees and renew registration online, in person at Service NSW, by post or by calling 13 77 88.
To pay for registration:
- Online, enter your plate number or billing number from the Certificate of Registration and pay with BPAY or credit card.
- In person at Service NSW, pay by credit card, debit card or EFTPOS.
- By phone on 13 77 88, pay by credit card.
- By post, pay with credit card authority or cheque and send to:
Service NSW, PO Box 21, Parkes NSW 2870
The cost of registration varies and depends on what type of vehicle you drive and whether it is standard or conditional registration.
FAQs
How do I know when my registration is due?
Service NSW sends out a registration renewal notice 4-6 weeks before the renewal due date. It then sends reminders by email and text. You can renew registration up to 3 months in advance as long as you request a registration renewal notice first.
Another way to find out the registration due date is to use Check a vehicle registration. It is a free service which shows the registration due date, name of the CTP insurer and other details about registration. It does not provide the name and address of the owner.
What happens if I do not renew my registration in time?
If you do not renew your registration in time, your vehicle will be unregistered. There are heavy penalties for driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.
- Renew registration within 3 months of the expiry date, or your registration will be cancelled.
- Renew within 21 days of renewal date, otherwise you have no choice but to renew for 12 months.
You can request a registration reminder sticker to make sure you renew on time.
I lost my renewal notice so how do I get my billing number or payment details?
When you renew registration online, you can use just your plate number to find your vehicle. The plate number automatically brings up all your payment details.
You can also order a replacement registration renewal notice online.
Can I renew registration for 6 months instead of 12?
Yes, you can renew registration for 6 months. You need to renew within 21 days of the registration renewal date. Otherwise, you have no choice but to renew for 12 months.
If you renew registration for 6 months, then you need to buy a green slip for 6 months.
What happens if my car fails the pink slip?
If your car fails the pink slip (safety check):
- The mechanic issues a Repairs Needed report.
- After repairs are done, your vehicle needs another safety check.
- The final safety check is free as long as you return within 14 days to the same mechanic.
How do I get pensioner concessions on registration?
Service NSW checks whether you are eligible for pensioner concessions when you register or transfer a vehicle. A pensioner is entitled to free, automatic registration of one vehicle.
- You do not need to apply for free registration as a pensioner.
- Your registration automatically renews when Service NSW receives your pink slip (safety check) and confirms you bought a CTP green slip.
There are other types of concession available on motor vehicles.