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This article was contributed by former DFA National Delegate for WA Trish Dodds (2019-2021)}

*post updated 6 February 2025. If you have an overseas licence, specific licence conditions or vehicles which may require special registration, please check with the new state or territory of residence.

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It was our first posting and it was a huge one from Brisbane to Perth. A long flight over with two small children, stuck in an apartment for two weeks trying to scramble for things to keep the little people entertained.

And let’s not forget the never-ending, tedious task of unpacking and assembling all of our belongings I thought the worst was over. Little did I know the nightmare was just about to start……The nightmare of registering the car and changing my licence interstate.

For those of you who have been through this in the past I’m sure you can relate to how painful at times this can be.

From waiting at the transport centre for an eternity with your toilet training toddler, to scrambling for a screwdriver to change over your licence plates in the car park on a scorching hot day and let’s not forget the sometimes-multiple trips because “You need this document and not that document.” Where you then go home to try and find your document box in amongst your tower of other boxes.

The good news is if you can go in prepared for battle and armed with all the facts you may just be able to save yourself a headache.

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Each state and territory have their own set of policies and provisions so it’s important and highly recommended to do your research into your posting locations requirements before you move. This way you can get together all the required documents and keep them in your luggage rather than packing it away to be put on the removal truck.

If you have an overseas driver licence, please note different rules may apply based on where your current licence is from. Some Australian states and territories will allow a transfer without passing theory and practical tests, whereas others may not. If your current licence is in a language other than English, you may also need a recognised English translation from an approved National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) translator.

Driver licence transfer

• WA members and recognised family members do not need to transfer their licence until it expires.
• NT licences must be changed within 3 months. No fee as long as licence is current.
• For QLD, members and recognised family members do not need to transfer their licence until it expires.
• NSW licences must be changed within 3 months. No fee as long as licence is current.
• VIC members and recognised family members do not need to transfer their licence until it expires.
• New ACT residents need to convert their interstate licence within 3 months.
• Those new to TAS should convert their interstate licence within 6 months. ADF Members do not need to transfer their interstate licence.
• SA requires members and their families to convert their interstate licence within 3 months. A fee applies.

I have done more heavy clicking for you and below is a quick link to each state and territories step by step guide for registering a vehicle new to the state/territory.

• WA
• NT
• QLD
• NSW
• VIC
• ACT
• TAS
• SA *Please note, SA has a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) where serving members of a foreign military stationed in Australia can import their personal vehicles.

If you have a trailer or other similar vehicle, please remember to check the requirements of the new state or territory of residence as rules may differ.

If anyone can navigate through the sometimes labyrinth of paperwork, policies and procedures and roadblocks it’s the resilient resourceful ADF families.  

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We believe in you, good luck, and as always, travel safely!