Some vehicles may require a vehicle identity inspection (tier 2) before they can be registered in South Australia.
When the inspections are required
A vehicle or trailer must be inspected if it:
- was 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
- is from overseas
- has an unknown registration (plate) number
- was a Commonwealth-registered vehicle
- was previously registered in South Australia, but the vehicle details, such as, engine and vehicle identification numbers) don't match records or are unknown
- is a one-off new construction
- is a new vehicle from interstate and the applicant is unable to provide evidence of purchase such as an invoice from the dealership
- is a repaired written-off vehicle - refer to MR1547 Written off vehicles repair diary (536.8 KB PDF)
Presenting a vehicle for inspection
You don't need a booking for an identity inspection. However, opening times are subject to change daily depending on capacity.
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 assessment station
7 Naweena Road
Regency Park SA 5010
Phone 8400 8777
No booking required.
Opening hours
- Monday to Friday - 8 am to 4:30 pm
- first Tuesday of every month - 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Southern Adelaide
Southern vehicle identity assessment station
Unit 2/7 Ellemsea Circuit
Lonsdale SA 5160
Phone 8307 0350
This station only inspects light vehicles.
No booking required.
Opening hours
Open Wednesday and Thursday only - 9 am to 3 pm (closed 12:30 pm to 1 pm).
Mount Gambier and surrounding districts
Mount Gambier vehicle inspection station
322 Commercial Street West
Mount Gambier SA 5290
Phone 8726 1311
No booking required.
Opening hours
Open Monday to Friday - 8 am to 11:30 am.
Other country areas
Inspections can be carried out by the South Australia police in country areas if you meet all of 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 can't easily be accessed by police – they may request you to get a mechanic to confirm the details – in order to complete the inspection.
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.
