Vehicle registration ("rego" colloquially) is the state/territory licence that authorises a specific vehicle to be used on public roads. Each state has its own transport authority — TfNSW, VicRoads, TMR (QLD), Department of Transport (WA), etc. — and each issues plates in their own format.
Australian rego formats by state
| State | Format | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 3 letters + 2-3 digits (ABC-12 or ABC-123) | Transport for NSW |
| VIC | 3 letters + 3 digits (ABC-123) | VicRoads |
| QLD | 3 letters + 3 digits (123-ABC) | TMR |
| WA | 3 letters + 3 digits (1ABC-123) | Dept of Transport |
| SA | 3 letters + 3 digits (S123-ABC) | Service SA |
| TAS | 3 letters + 3 digits (ABC-123) | Dept of State Growth |
| ACT | Y + 2 letters + 2 digits + letter (YAA-12C) | Access Canberra |
| NT | 3 letters + 2 digits (CA-12-AB) | MVR |
Rego vs VIN — what's the difference?
The rego is issued by the state and changes if the vehicle moves states or gets a new plate set. The VIN is fixed for the vehicle's entire life. PPSR and NEVDIS records are attached to the VIN, but you can search either system by rego — the system internally converts to VIN via the relevant state authority.
For a vehicle history check, both work — Aussie Car Check accepts the rego because that's what most buyers have on hand at inspection.