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.
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.
Driver Licence Transfer
WA Members and recognised partners do not need to transfer their licence until it expires.
https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/visiting-moving-from-interstate.asp
NT Licences must be changed within 3 months. No fee as long as licence is current.
QLD Due to COVID you don’t need to transfer until your licence expires. (Normally, you would need to change within 3 months of arriving)
https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/transfer
NSW Licences must be changed within 3 months. No fee as long as licence is current.
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/transfer-interstate-driver-licence
VIC Members and recognised partners do not need to transfer their licence until it expires.
ACT Needs to be converted within 3 months
TAS Needs to be converted within 3 months
SA Needs to be converted within 3 months
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 – https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/license-a-vehicle-new-to-wa.asp
QLD – https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/registration/register/vehicle
NSW – https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/registration/get-nsw-registration/index.html
VIC – https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/renew-update-or-cancel/register-an-interstate-vehicle
ACT – https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/82/kw/interstate%20
TAS – https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/registration/buying-selling/ex-mainland_vehicles
If anyone can navigate through the sometimes labyrinth of paperwork, policies and procedures and roadblocks it’s the resilient ADF families.
We believe in you, good luck & as always travel safely!
Trish Dodds
DFA National Delegate for Western Australia