Apply for an unregistered vehicle permit

You can apply for an unregistered vehicle permit if you need to drive or tow an unregistered vehicle (including a car, caravan, motorcycle or trailer) on the road to:

  • get to an inspection
  • get to repairs
  • attend a car event or rally
  • relocate the vehicle.

Permits may be granted for a maximum of 3 days but are usually only issued for as long as necessary - eg one day for a vehicle inspection.

The journey must start or finish in South Australia for the permit to be valid. Where a permit is required to travel interstate, it is advisable to check with the interstate authority to ensure the permit is valid for the nominated journey.

Permits are not available for vehicles being used for hire, reward, to carry a load or for commercial purposes.

Apply for a permit online

You can apply online if you have a mySAGOV account.

To apply, log in to your mySAGOV account using your web browser (not the mySAGOV app). Select Start now below to begin.

You'll need:

  • the vehicle's details eg make, VIN or engine number, the plate number (if the vehicle has plates)
  • details of the proposed journey
  • access to a printer.

Some permits can't be issued online - eg left-hand drive vehicle permits that require a left-hand drive exemption certificate, or defected vehicles with a lift and tow restriction.

Other ways to apply

Cost

The cost of the permit will depend on if it's for a vehicle or trailer and how many days you need it for - visit the vehicle registration fees page.

What happens next

The permit must be attached to the windscreen of your vehicle, or if the vehicle does not have a windscreen, the permit must be carried with you while driving the vehicle.

No refund is paid if a permit is cancelled.

Lost or damaged permit

If a permit is lost or damaged, you can access a free replacement from your mySAGOV account providing the permit is not expired.

To access the permit:

  • Log in to your mySAGOV account using your internet browser (not the mySAGOV app). Select Start now below to begin.
  • Select My services
  • Select View My Documents
  • Select Download Document to access a PDF copy of the permit

Start now

Need help?

Contact Service SA


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Page last updated 20 December 2024

Provided by:
Department for Infrastructure and Transport
URL:
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/registration/conditional-registration/unregistered-vehicle-permits
Last Updated:
20/12/24
Printed on:
29/01/25
Copyright statement:
SA.GOV.AU is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence. © Copyright 2025
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