What is ROVER?
ROVER, or Road Vehicle Regulator, is the governing body that regulates trailer registration in Australia, with all new builds required to comply with the Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) legislation before a vehicle can be added to the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) and registered with your state/territory authority.
As an individual or business, ROVER exists as an online portal where you can submit new registration applications or manage existing applications and approvals.
How to Register A Trailer (Step-by-Step)
To register your diy trailer, your ROVER application will be processed as a concessional RAV entry (CRE) approval application (unless you have built more than four low-ATM trailers within a 12 month period). CRE approvals will come with a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and do not require a quality management system like vehicle type approvals.
IMPORTANT: Your trailer must meet all relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs) to be approved through ROVER. As part of the process, you’ll need to make a declaration confirming compliance. If your trailer was built to Fabplans specifications and aligns with the requirements of VSB 1 Rev 6, you can make this declaration with confidence. Visit this link for a full list of the ADRs applicable to trailers.
**The following instructions apply to diy individuals building up to four trailers per year.**
STEP 1
Visit ROVER and select ‘Sign in’. If you don’t have an account, you can create a new one.
STEP 2
STEP 3
Under Application type, select the following:
- What would you like to apply for? ‘Single Road Vehicle approval’
- Has the vehicle you are seeking approval for previously been entered on the RAV….? ‘No. This vehicle is not on the RAV and does not have a MVSA plate.’
- Is the vehicle you are seeking approval for intended for use on the public road? ‘Yes’
STEP 4
STEP 5
Complete the Vehicle Use details using the following as a rough guide.
- What type of vehicle are you seeking approval for? ‘Trailer (with an ATM less than or equal to 4,500kg)’ **This is likely the option you will need to select for Fabplans trailer designs.
- What are you seeking an approval for? ‘Single trailer’
- Is this application for a new or used vehicle? ‘New’
- Does this application cover multiple identical vehicles of the same type? ‘No’
- What is the category of the vehicle? Ensure you read the categories here to select the right option for your trailer. This will involve referring to the GTM listed in your Fabplans trailer plans pdf. In the example images shown below, we have selected ‘TB – Light Trailer’
STEP 6
Complete the Vehicle details section
- Make: Concessional trailer
- Model: enter the type of trailer you have built, e.g. flat top, motorbike, box, etc.
- When was the vehicle manufactured? Enter the year and month you completed construction.
- Do you have a VIN/Chassis? No
- Do you need a VIN? Yes
- Are you/the applicant the owner of the vehicle? Yes
Next, you’ll be required to demonstrate proof of ownership or intent to purchase. After consulting ROVER, we’ve been told wording along the lines of the following is sufficient for this question.
- I, [your name], declare that I have built this trailer and can confirm the following specifications (TARE: xxxxkg, GTM: xxxxkg, ATM: xxxxkg). Ensure you enter the details specific to the trailer you have built.
STEP 7
Provide any Required Supporting Material by first entering the details of the trailer you have constructed. For more information on what ‘trailer type’ to select, refer to VSB 1 (Rev 6) Chapter 4 or contact ROVER.
Next, upload your supporting documents.
- To validate the ATM: upload an image of the first page of your Fabplans trailer plan pdf which shows the maximum ATM for that specific trailer design. Our drawbars have been tested and comply with ARD 62/02.
- Identifying the vehicle: upload an image of the front, rear, side and drawbar of your trailer.
STEP 8
The Extent of Compliance, you’ll be asked to indicate that your trailer meets each of the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) that apply to light trailers.
One of the easiest ways to demonstrate compliance is to check for a Component Type Approval (CTA) number on any of the parts used in your build – for example, lights, couplings, safety chains, or brake components. This information is often included in the product description when purchasing parts from suppliers.
If a particular ADR is not applicable to your trailer, you’ll need to provide a short reason such as “Not required for this trailer.” In most cases, you’ll likely select ‘Full Compliance’ or ‘Not Applicable’ for each item.
Please note that this information is provided as general guidance only and does not constitute specific compliance advice. You are responsible for confirming that your trailer satisfies all applicable ADR requirements before lodging your declaration in the ROVER system.
STEP 9
This is where you can add evidence of compliance. For this step, you can create a document reference number (one that you’ve made up) and list evidence that you are compliant. For example:
- Followed trailer plans that conform to VSB1-6, including compliance with ADR 62/02. If required to upload documents, only the first page of your pdf trailer plans is required.
- Photos of trailer build – shows visual features which are required for compliance.
- Weighbridge certificate – confirms TARE weight.
- Receipts for CTA approved parts and steel.
STEP 10
STEP 11 - Final ROVER STEP
Review and sign the list of Declarations, and submit your application. Following submission you will be requested to make payment before your application can progress. The ROVER fee is ~$50.
ROVER Application Submitted. What's Next?
Submitted applications may take up to 60 business days to be processed. An assessor may contact you if they require further information.
After your application has been successfully approved by ROVER, and has been added to the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) database, you’re ready to register your trailer with your state/territory authority. To check if your trailer has been loaded to RAV, visit RAV Public Search.
Vehicle Identification Plate (VIN plate) – To comply with ADR 61/03 (see VSB1-6, chapter 13) you are required to attach a VIN plate, generally to the drawbar of your trailer. Ensure that your VIN plate is up to date and displays all relevant information for compliance.
Trailer Registration - State/Territory Requirements
Click the options below to expand.
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To register a trailer in Queensland you will need:
- Evidence of the vehicle’s garage address – for example, a QLD driver licence or rates notice.
- Evidence of your identity.
- Your ROVER approval
You may also require:
- A completed vehicle details inspection sheet (F3529) (if registering a single axle trailer with ATM of 750kg or less).
- A copy of a certificate of inspection (if ATM >750kg or more than 1 axle) – If your trailer has an ATM of 750kg or more, it will require a pre-registration inspection by a Heavy Vehicle Registration Assessment Scheme (HVRAS) accredited person. For hand written certificates, bring the original blue safety certificate or pink copy. For electronic certificates, bring a printed copy or write the certificate number on the vehicle registration application.
- Weighbridge certificate to prove tare mass.
If you need to tow your trailer on the road in order to get it registered, it’s a good idea to check with your CTP insurer beforehand to see if any vehicle cover also applies to the trailer.
For a full list of document requirements, visit the Queensland Government website.
What is the cost of registering a trailer in Queensland?
- Certificate of inspection (if required): ~$100
- Booking fee: ~$35
- Registration certificate (12 months) up to 4.5t ATM: ~$165 to $280
- Number plate fee: ~$35
- Duty fees (based on value of trailer)
Visit this link for a registration quote.
To register your QLD trailer, visit your local Transport and motoring service centre.
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To register a trailer in Victoria, you will need:
- Your trailer
- Evidence of the trailer’s weight (e.g. weighbridge certificate)
- For trailers with ATM up to 750kg, a Light trailer registration form (pdf)
- For trailers with ATM over 750kg-4500kg, a Vehicle registration form (pdf)
- Evidence of your identity
- Your ROVER approval
For more information, visit the Victorian Government website.
What is the cost of registering a trailer in VIC?
- ATM <750kg: Booking fee ~$21 | Licence plate fee ~$21 | 12 months registration fee ~$70
- ATM >750kg-4500kg: Booking fee ~$55 | Licence plate fee ~$21 | 12 months registration fee ~$70
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To register a trailer in New South Wales, you will need:
- Application for Registration form – form available here.
- Proof of identity.
- Proof of registration entitlement – this can be your VIN.
- Unregistered vehicle inspection report (blue slip).
- Weighbridge certificate.
- Your ROVER approval
You may also require:
- An unregistered vehicle inspection by an AUVIS examiner to verify your trailer is safe and meets design and identity standards.
For more information, visit the NSW Government website.
What is the cost of registering a trailer in NSW?
- Safety and identity check (blue slip): ~$80
- Registration certificate (12 months) – includes tax and stamp duty: ~$300
- Number plate fee: ~$30
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To register a trailer in the ACT, you will need:
- A weighbridge certificate showing the trailer’s VIN and measured tare weight (unloaded weight).
- To book an appointment and present the trailer for inspection at the ACT Government Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (HMVIS) or any ACT Authorised Vehicle Inspection Station (AIS).
Once your trailer has passed the above inspection, you can visit a Access Canberra Service Centre to complete registration. Bring your identity documentation and any other paperwork pertaining to your trailer.
For more information, visit the ACT Government website.
What is the cost of registering a trailer in ACT?
- Registration fee: Up to ~$1,400 depending on the trailer Tare weight.
- Duty fee (based on value of trailer)
- Number plate fee: ~$50
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To register a trailer in Western Australia, you will need:
- A Certificate of Inspection to say your trailer has passed inspection at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS).
- A completed application to license a vehicle form (Form VL17).
- Proof of identity meeting specific requirement
- Weighbridge certificate
- Your ROVER approval – this includes the VIN and other details which may be used to calculate your registration fees.
You are required to submit your application in person at a DTMI service centre or regional agent.
For more information, visit the Western Australian Government website.
What is the cost of registering a trailer in WA?
- Admin: $20
- Vehicle fees: ~$15 per 100kg (rounded up to the nearest 100kg). This is based on the GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) of your trailer.
- Stamp duty (based on the value of the trailer).
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To register a trailer in South Australia, you will need:
- SA driver’s licence or proof of age card.
- Proof of purchase (this can be your ROVER approval).
- A completed ‘Application for registration and compulsory third party insurances’ form.
- Your ROVER approval.
You may also require an identity inspection if requested.
You are required to submit your application in person at a Service SA centre.
For more information, visit the South Australian Government website.
What is the cost of registering a trailer in SA?
- Registration fees: ~$105
- Duty fees (based on value of trailer)
- Number plate fees: ~$35
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To register a trailer in Tasmania, you will need:
- A passed inspection report from an approved inspection station.
- Your ROVER approval.
- Proof of identity documents.
You are allowed to tow your unregistered trailer to an inspection station provided you have an inspection booking.
For more information, visit the Tasmanian Government website.
What is the cost of registering a trailer in TAS?
- Registration fees: ~$210
- Duty fees (based on value of trailer)
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To register a trailer in the Northern Territory, you will need:
- To book a vehicle/trailer compliance inspection at a government vehicle inspection facility.
- To complete a R11 application to register a vehicle, and attach evidence of identity, proof of vehicle ownership (e.g. ROVER approval) and your passed inspection report.
For more information, visit the NT Government website.
What is the cost of registering a trailer in NT?
- Registration fees: ~$110 to $580 depending on trailer Tare weight.
- Duty fees (based on value of trailer)
- Number plate fee: ~$50
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FAQs
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Under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, ‘concessional trailers’ are trailers produced by a manufacturer who is producing less than four low-ATM trailers per year. Prior to this Act, these trailers were commonly referred to as ‘homemade’ trailers. Applications for concessional RAV (Register of Approved Vehicles) approvals must be submitted through ROVER.
The RVS legislation allows anyone to build four or less low-ATM trailers (4.5 tonne ATM or lower) in a 12-month period and apply for a concessional RAV approval. People looking to build more than four trailers per year are considered manufacturers and/or importers and will require a vehicle type approval (VTA).
As of November 2025, the ROVER application cost is ~$50.
