Vehicle identity validation inspections and certificates
Find out about vehicle identity vadilation certificates and how to get one.
You'll need a vehicle identity validation (VIV) certificate if you want to register a vehicle which:
- is recorded as a 'repairable write-off' in the written-off vehicles register
- has previously failed a VIV inspection, regardless of the age of the vehicle
- is being transferred from interstate, and VicRoads has asked you for a VIV certificate
- meets these criteria:
- was recorded as a statutory write-off before 1 January 2002
- was registered in Victoria before 1 May 2002
- had its Victorian registration cancelled.
You don't need a VIV certificate if your vehicle is a repairable write-off, is more than 15 years old, and has never failed a VIV inspection.
VIV inspections
To get a VIV certificate, you must take your vehicle to an approved VIV inspection centre. Once there, the inspector will:
- check any damage has been repaired correctly
- confirm the vehicle's identity and any parts that were used to repair it
- give you a VIV certificate once your vehicle has passed.
You must book at least five business days in advance.
Before you book
Before you book an inspection, make sure the vehicle's roadworthy and ready to register, and that you have all your paperwork ready (refer to 'what to bring' in the 'on the day of inspection' section below).
Make sure you have:
- your driver licence number
- the vehicle's details, including:
- vehicle identification number (VIN)
- engine number
- make and model
- colour
- garage address
- registration number (if known).
You can't make multiple bookings for the same vehicle. If you do, you'll forfeit your deposit.
If you made an error in your booking, contact the VIV centre using the information in your appointment confirmation email as soon as possible.
If you want to move or cancel a VIV insepction, you must contact the VIV centre five business days prior to your booking. Fees apply.
Find an inspection centre
The 'book an inspection' link allows you to review centre availability and book your inspection with them directly.
| Location | Inspection centre | Inspections offered |
|---|---|---|
| Cheltenham | Southland Automotive |
|
| Fawkner | Fawkner Niscare |
|
| Frankston | LRH Automotive Services |
|
| Geelong | GEL Motors |
|
| Kangaroo Flat | Kangaroo Flat Auto Services |
|
| Moorabbin | Tri Honder Service Centre |
|
| Tyabb | Vic Vehicle Inspections |
|
Costs
| VIV transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
Inspection fee A $150 deposit* is payable at time of booking. The remainder is payable at the inspection. * Card payment fees apply | $592.10 |
| Reinspection fee | $114.85 |
| Booking transfer fee | $11.60 |
| Inspection cancellation fee | $154.10 |
If you violate the terms of service of the booking system, you may forfeit your deposit.
Deposits aren't refundable if you:
- don't go to the inspection
- are late to an inspection
- cancel the inspection with less than five business days' notice
- make multiple appointments for the same vehicle
On the day of the inspection
Vehicle drop-off
Bring the vehicle to the inspection centre at 8.30am.
Make sure you're on time because if you're late, you'll need to rebook for another day and pay another deposit.
You can't be there during the inspection. You must leave the inspection centre and come back later.
You must bring the vehicle you booked in. If you bring a different car, the inspection centre might ask you to make a new booking, and you may lose your first deposit.
What to bring
You can't use a statutory declaration to replace of any of these requirements.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
Your vehicle
| If it's unregistered, you can:
|
| Evidence of your identity | Make sure you can prove your identity. |
| Proof of purchase for the vehicle |
|
| Proof of purchase for all repairs and replacement parts | We can't accept vehicle parts or repairs where you can't show a tax invoice or receipt for them. Tax invoices or receipts for second hand replacement parts must include the VIN of the vehicle they were taken from. Tax invoice and receipts must adhere to the Australian Taxation Office's requirements for tax invoices. |
| Crash-repair diary | The diary must:
View more on written-off vehicles. |
| Manufacturer's repair instructions | Bring a copy of the manufacturer's repair instructions for your vehicle's make, model and year. Parts lists are not considered as repair instructions. |
| Supplementary restraint system report (PDF) | Get this report from an authorised dealer. You only need it if the vehicle has airbags that have been deployed or are faulty and:
|
| Original front-wheel and rear-wheel-alignment report, in colour | This report helps ensure the vehicle's wheels have the correct alignment, camber and toe. The report must:
|
| Original structural repair and full underbody measurement report | You only need this if the vehicle had impact damage. For motorcycles, you must get:
|
| Additional items, by inspector request | The VIV inspector might also ask for:
|
Somebody can act on your behalf at the inspection
If you can't make it to the inspection, you can authorise someone to act on your behalf at the inspection. You must provide this person with a letter that allows them to act on your behalf. Make sure the letter includes:
- a statement in relation to your approval for the agent to attend the inspection on your behalf
- the vehicle's registration number (if known) and VIN
- your full name, driver licence number and signature
- the agent's full name and driver licence number
Your agent will need to prove their identity. when they drop off and pick up the vehicle.
After the inspection
If your vehicle passes the inspection, you'll get a VIV certificate. The certificate is valid for three months from the date of issue.
When registering your vehicle, you'll need to bring the originals for your VIV certificate and Victorian roadworthy certificate. They must also be current. (i.e. not expired).
You can't use an expired roadworthy or VIV certificate to register a vehicle.
Failed vehicles
A vehicle can fail a VIV inspection if:
- it hasn't been repaired well enough
- it has structural issues
- the paperwork isn't correct or complete
- the identification paperwork has incorrect information or other issues
- it's not roadworthy.
When a vehicle fails an inspection, you have 20 working days to fix minor problems. You can't extend this deadline. If you don't meet this deadline, you must make a new 'first appointment'.
If the inspector thinks there's still major work required, they can say the vehicle needs a whole new inspection. Any additional repairs need to be recorded in the repair diary.
The inspector can also ask you to get a vehicle damage and structural repair report (PDF) completed by an independent, insurance-approved panel shop.
When everything has been fixed, book a reinspection with the VIV centre who did the first inspection.
You must book a new inspection and pay all fees again if:
- you don't fix everything within 20 working days
- the vehicle is reinspected and fails again.
If a vehicle fails for identity reasons, or it seems suspicious, it will be referred to Victoria Police.
Lost VIV certificates
If you have lost a VIV certificate, email [email protected]. Include as much information you can, including:
- the vehicle's details (vehicle identification number, engine number, registration number if known)
- your name, licence number, and phone number
- any details of upcoming registration appointments with VicRoads, or when and where you plan on registering the vehicle
- a statutory declaration that explains how the certificate was lost or damaged.
The VIV team will respond to you within five business days.