Some vehicles (such as a car, caravan, motorbike or trailer) must have an identity inspection (tier 2) before they can be registered in South Australia.
This only applies if they:
- were last registered interstate, unless it's to be registered in South Australia under exactly the same name as its current (or expired less than 3 months) registration
- are from overseas
- have an unknown registration (plate) number
- were a Commonwealth-registered vehicle
- were previously registered in South Australia, but the vehicle details, such as, engine and vehicle identification numbers don't match records or are unknown
- are a one-off new construction
- are a new vehicle from interstate and the applicant is unable to provide evidence of purchase such as an invoice from the dealership
- are a repaired written-off vehicle - refer to MR1547 Written off vehicles repair diary (536.8 KB PDF)
Presenting a vehicle for an inspection
You don't need a booking for an identity inspection. However, opening times are subject to change daily depending on capacity.
The identity inspection includes a basic safety check. Vehicles must be presented in a complete and roadworthy state.
All vehicles to be inspected must be driven in and out of the inspection facility, and must have one of the following:
- current South Australian or interstate registration
- unregistered vehicle permit (not required if trailered or not driven to the inspection facility)
- trade plate (the trade plate owner must have some financial interest in the vehicle).
Vehicles transported to the facility by trailer or other means must be offloaded and driven into the facility at the time of inspection.
Vehicle inspection locations
Metropolitan Adelaide
Metropolitan vehicle identity inspection station
7 Naweena Road
Regency Park SA 5010
Phone 8400 8777
No booking required.
Standard opening hours
- Monday to Friday - 8 am to 4:30 pm
- first Tuesday of every month - 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Temporary opening hours
- Friday 18 April - closed
- Monday 21 April - closed
- Tuesday 22 April - 7:00 to 5:00 pm
- Wednesday 23 April - 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Thursday 24 April - 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Friday 25 April - closed
Southern Adelaide
Southern vehicle identity inspection station
Unit 2/7 Ellemsea Circuit
Lonsdale SA 5160
Phone 8307 0350
This station only inspects cars and motorbikes. This means trailers, caravans and heavy vehicles will need to be inspected at our Regency Park location instead.
No booking required.
Standard opening hours
Open Wednesday and Thursday only - 9 am to 3 pm (closed 12:30 pm to 1 pm).
Temporary opening hours
- Wednesday 23 April - closed
- Thursday 24 April - closed
Mount Gambier and surrounding districts
Mount Gambier vehicle inspection station
322 Commercial Street West
Mount Gambier SA 5290
Phone 8726 1311
No booking required.
Standard opening hours
Open Monday to Friday - 8 am to 11:30 am.
Temporary opening hours
- Friday 18 April - closed
- Monday 21 April - closed
- Tuesday 22 April - 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- Wednesday 23 April - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (closed 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm)
- Thursday 24 April - 8:00 am - 10:00 am
- Friday 25 April - closed
Other country areas
Identity inspections can be carried out by the South Australia police in country areas if you meet all the following requirements:
- you live more than 40 kilometres from the Adelaide GPO
- your local police station is more than 40 kilometres from the Adelaide GPO
- you're a resident in the local police response area
- you can supply proof of vehicle ownership.
If the VIN and the vehicle engine cannot be easily be accessed by police – they may request you to get a mechanic to confirm the details in order for the inspection to be completed.
Contact your local country police station to check availability and to make an appointment for the inspection.
After the inspection
You'll receive a vehicle identity inspection report, which is required when registering a vehicle. It's valid for 3 calendar months from the time of the inspection.
To register the vehicle, take the report to a Service SA centre. A $71 fee will be payable for the tier 2 inspection report.
If your vehicle was inspected at a police station, you must show your payment receipt at Service SA, otherwise you'll be charged the fee.
