Navigating VicRoads can feel like a maze, especially when it comes to trailers. Whether you’re snagging a bargain on Facebook Marketplace or selling your old workhorse to upgrade to a new Trailers Star model, there are rules that most people—and even some sellers—get wrong.
In Victoria, the difference between a smooth transfer and a legal headache usually comes down to three things: the 750kg rule, the registration fees, and the VIN.
1. The RWC Myth: When Do You Actually Need One?
The most common question we get in Melbourne is: “Do I need a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) to sell my trailer?”
In Victoria, the rule is based on ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass)—the total weight of the trailer plus its full load capacity.
- Under 750kg ATM: No RWC is required for a transfer of ownership. Most single-axle box trailers fall into this category. You simply fill out the VicRoads “Transfer of Registration” form and pay the fee.
- Over 750kg ATM: An RWC is mandatory. If the trailer has a braking system (which is legally required for anything over 750kg), it generally falls into this bracket. This includes most tandem-axle trailers, large plant trailers, and heavy-duty car carriers.
Pro Tip: If you are buying a used tandem trailer in Victoria, never hand over the cash until the seller provides a valid RWC. Without it, you cannot legally transfer the registration into your name.
2. Counting the Cost: Melbourne Trailer Rego Fees
Registration in Victoria is relatively affordable compared to other states, but the “hidden” costs of a transfer can add up. As of 2024-2025, here is what you can expect to pay for a standard light trailer (up to 4.5 tonnes):
- Standard Annual Rego: Approximately $60 – $70 (This is a flat fee for “Goods Carrying Trailers” and does not include TAC charges, as trailers don’t carry people).
- Transfer Fee: Around $30 (Paid by the buyer).
- Motor Vehicle Duty: This is the “hidden” one. You pay $8.40 for every $200 (or part thereof) of the trailer’s market value.
Example: If you buy a heavy-duty used plant trailer for $5,000, your duty will be approximately $210.
3. The Homemade Path: Getting a VIN in Victoria
Building your own trailer or bought an old “no-name” trailer without a compliance plate? You cannot register it in Victoria without a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
The Process for a New VIN:
- Application: You must apply to VicRoads for a “VIN Allocation.” You’ll need to provide proof of identity and a description of the trailer.
- Stamping: Once approved, you must have the VIN stamped into the trailer’s drawbar or a permanent part of the chassis (letters must be at least 2.5mm high).
- VASS Certificate: If the trailer is “complex” or over a certain weight, VicRoads may require a certificate from a VASS (Vehicle Approved Signatory Scheme) engineer to prove it’s structurally sound.
4. Buying New vs. Used: The “Headache” Calculation
While used trailers can be cheaper upfront, many Melbourne buyers find that once they add up the cost of:
- An RWC inspection ($150 – $250)
- New tyres or bearings (often neglected on used trailers)
- The 4.2% Motor Vehicle Duty
…the price of a brand-new, fully compliant trailer from Trailers Star is surprisingly competitive. When you buy new from us, we handle the compliance plates and provide all the paperwork needed for an instant, hassle-free registration.
Summary: Stay Legal, Stay Safe
Before you head to a VicRoads hub in Sunshine, Burwood, or Dandenong, double-check your ATM. Knowing the difference between a 749kg trailer and a 751kg trailer could save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of paperwork.
Tired of the used trailer gamble? Skip the RWC stress and the “mystery” history. Check out our range of brand-new, VicRoads-ready trailers today. We make the registration process as smooth as the drive home.