Thinking about hitting the open road with your own caravan? Before you can take off on that dream trip across New South Wales, there’s one essential task to tick off the list — registration. Whether you’ve just bought a brand-new van or you’re restoring an older one, every caravan needs to be officially registered to be road legal.
If you’re shopping for caravans in Heatherbrae, make sure you understand the registration process so you’re not caught out with hidden surprises after purchase. It’s not overly complicated — but there are a few important steps, rules, and costs you need to be across before heading to Service NSW.
Do I Need to Register My Caravan?
Yes — in NSW, all caravans and camper trailers must be registered to be used on public roads. Registration provides proof that your van meets safety standards and allows it to be legally towed behind a vehicle. Unregistered caravans are only permitted on private property or for towing short distances to inspection stations with a valid unregistered vehicle permit.
What Documents Do I Need?
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll typically need when registering a caravan:
- Proof of identity (usually your NSW driver’s licence)
- Proof of ownership (e.g., tax invoice, receipt, or declaration)
- Compliance certificate from the manufacturer (for new vans)
- Weighbridge certificate (especially for home-built or unplated vans)
- Roadworthy inspection or blue slip (for older or unregistered vans)
- Completed registration application form
- Third-party property insurance (CTP not required for caravans)
Make sure all your documents are current and legible. Incomplete paperwork will delay your registration.
Where Do I Go to Register?
Caravan registration is handled through Service NSW. You can book an appointment online or visit a service centre in person. If the caravan needs an inspection (e.g. a blue slip), that must be completed before your appointment. Many caravan dealerships will assist with this process if you’re buying from them directly.
What If I Built My Own Caravan?
If you’ve built a caravan from scratch or heavily modified an existing trailer, you’ll need to go through a more detailed certification process. This includes:
- Engineering certification
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) allocation
- Blue slip inspection
- Weighbridge certificate
- Possibly a brake system inspection
You’ll also need to show that your build complies with Australian Design Rules (ADR) and Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) 1. Home-built caravans take more time and effort to register, but it’s absolutely possible if done right.
How Long Does Registration Last?
In NSW, you can register a caravan for either 6 or 12 months. Most people opt for 12 months for convenience. Service NSW will send reminders when your registration is due to expire. If you miss the renewal window, the caravan becomes unregistered — and you’ll need to go through the inspection process again.
What’s the Cost to Register a Caravan in NSW?
Costs vary depending on your caravan’s ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) and whether it’s used for private or business purposes. Expect to pay:
- Registration fee
- Vehicle tax (based on weight)
- Plate fees (if applicable)
- Blue slip or pink slip inspection fees
- Stamp duty (on initial purchase)
As a ballpark, small caravans may cost around $150–$300 annually, while larger models can exceed $500. Keep in mind that unlike cars, caravans do not require compulsory third-party insurance (CTP), which keeps overall rego costs a bit lower.
What If I’m Moving From Another State?
If your caravan was previously registered in another state, you’ll need to cancel that registration and complete the NSW registration process. This typically involves:
- Blue slip inspection
- Weighbridge certificate
- NSW registration application
- Surrendering the interstate plates
NSW doesn’t always recognise other states’ compliance certificates, so a fresh inspection is usually necessary.
Can a Dealer Register the Caravan for Me?
Yes. If you’re buying from a licensed dealership — especially one like 7th Street Caravans — they’ll often handle all the paperwork, inspection scheduling, and registration fees as part of the sale. This can be a huge time-saver and ensures your caravan is ready for the road from day one.
FAQs
1) How Long Does It Take to Register a Caravan in NSW?
In most cases, the registration process can be completed in a single day — provided all your documents are in order and your inspections (if needed) are already done. If you’re buying new from a dealership, they often register the van on your behalf before pickup. If you’re registering a second-hand van or a home build, it might take a few extra days to gather the required certificates and inspection reports. The actual visit to Service NSW usually takes less than 30 minutes. You’ll leave with your number plates and paperwork once everything is approved. Booking appointments online can help avoid wait times at busy locations. Always plan ahead and allow a buffer, especially if you’re prepping for a road trip.
2) Do I Need a Blue Slip or Pink Slip?
It depends. A blue slip (Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Report) is required if the caravan is currently unregistered or was registered interstate. A pink slip (Safety Check) is for annual renewals on registered vans more than five years old. If your van is brand new and hasn’t been registered before, it may only require a compliance plate check or pre-delivery inspection. Service NSW will advise what’s needed based on your situation. Don’t assume — double-check before heading in. Trying to register without the right inspection can mean wasted time and extra fees.
3) What’s a Weighbridge Certificate, and When Do I Need One?
A weighbridge certificate is a document that shows the caravan’s actual weight (Tare and/or ATM). It’s especially important for home-built caravans, modified vans, or older models without compliance plates. Even some new caravans may need one if the dealer hasn’t pre-registered it. You can get a certificate from any public weighbridge, often located near industrial areas or waste facilities. Bring your caravan fully unladen to get an accurate Tare weight. This certificate proves your van is within legal mass limits and helps ensure your rego details are correct.
4) Can I Register a Caravan Without Number Plates?
Yes — in fact, most new caravans don’t have plates when first registered. If you’re buying a van with no plates (either new or unregistered), Service NSW will issue a new set upon registration. You’ll need to bring all the required paperwork and complete the application at the counter. Once you’ve paid, you’ll be given plates to attach on the spot. If your caravan has interstate plates or expired NSW plates, you must surrender them during the process.
5) What Happens if My Caravan Registration Expires?
If your caravan registration lapses, the van becomes unregistered and illegal to tow on public roads. You won’t be able to renew online — you’ll need to get a new blue slip inspection and reapply in person. Late registration can also void your insurance. If the rego expired more than three months ago, Service NSW treats it as a new registration. To avoid hassles and extra costs, always renew before expiry. Set a reminder in your calendar or sign up for Service NSW alerts to stay on top of it.
Speak With the Local Experts at 7th Street Caravans
Whether you’re registering a brand-new van or need help understanding the process for a second-hand caravan, our team is here to guide you through every step. From compliance checks to helping you find the right paperwork, we make it easy to get road-ready.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.