NT written off vehicle register

Introduction

The Northern Territory written-off register aims to reduce the number of stolen vehicles that could be registered with false identification.

You must notify the MVR if your vehicle is written off so it can be recorded in the NT written-off vehicle register.

This applies to all vehicles 15 years old or less (except trailers not more than 4.5 tonnes aggregate trailer mass and all plant based special purpose vehicles).

A vehicle is considered to be written off if it is assessed as a total loss.

Total loss is when the cost to salvage and repair the vehicle would be more than the fair market value of the vehicle at the time it was damaged.

A written-off vehicle falls into one of the following three categories:

  • statutory write-off
  • repairable write-off
  • a written-off vehicle that has been stolen and cannot be recovered.

Statutory write-off

This is a vehicle that has sustained extensive damage to major vehicle components.

The vehicle must be assessed as a total loss and must meet the statutory write-off criteria as detailed in the damage assessment criteria for the classification of statutory write-offs. Go to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council and search for 'damage assessment criteria'.

These vehicles must have their compliance plate and vehicle identification number permanently marked with a diagonal chisel line. This must be carried out by the person or organisation that has assessed the vehicle as a total loss.

If the vehicle is offered for auction or sale, it must have a label with the following message:

  • 'Statutory write-off. Warning. This vehicle cannot be registered. Suitable for parts/dismantling only. The vehicle identification number (VIN) has been cancelled.'

This label is to have lettering of at least 9mm on a contrasting background, and must be clearly readable from a distance of at least 2m. The label should be at least 230mm x 170mm.

Repairable write-off

This is a vehicle or heavy trailer that is assessed as a total loss and is not a statutory write-off.

Find out how to re-register a repairable write-off.

Further information

Read the V54 written-off vehicle register information bulletin PDF (153.1 KB).


Report a written-off vehicle

Your vehicle must be added to the written-off vehicle register within 14 days of your vehicle being declared a total loss by your insurance company. This is also called a written-off vehicle.

If you're not making an insurance claim on your vehicle, you must complete the written-off advice within 14 days of the date of the incident.

Queries and other business for written-off vehicles are dealt with Monday to Friday only.

You can get a refund of current registration where applicable.

Who can submit

The registered owner must submit the advice.

Another person can also submit the advice on the registered owner's behalf.

They can include any of the following:

  • the insurer that declared the vehicle to be a total loss under a contract of insurance
  • a licensed motor vehicle trader
  • a person approved by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to assess damaged vehicles
  • a person who is qualified or accredited to assess damaged vehicles.

How to submit

To advise your vehicle has been written off, follow these steps.

Step 1. Complete written-off vehicle advice

You must complete a VS7 written-off vehicle advice PDF (390.4 KB).

Step 2. Submit written-off vehicle advice

You can send your advice by email or mail.

Email

Send your advice to nt.wovr@nt.gov.au.

Mail

Send your advice to:

Written-Off Vehicle Register - vehicle compliance
GPO Box 2520
Darwin NT 0801

For more information, read V54 NT vehicle written-off vehicle register PDF (153.1 KB).


Re-register repairable write-off

Only a vehicle that has been assessed as a repairable write-off will be considered for registration in the Northern Territory (NT).

Your vehicle will have to undergo all of the following:

  • roadworthy inspection
  • vehicle identity and validation inspection
  • stolen motor vehicle (SMV) check.

The SMV check can only be arranged by transport inspectors via official request and you will be informed of the outcome.

Your vehicle must pass all three to be re-registered.

You must apply to have your vehicle undergo these inspections at a vehicle inspection facility.

Queries and other business for written-off vehicles are dealt with Monday to Friday only.

Before you apply

Fill in the application for inspection of written-off vehicle form PDF (439.4 KB), including other documents such as evidence of ownership or photographs.

How to apply

You can apply by email, fax or mail.

Email

Email your application to nt.wovr@nt.gov.au.

Fax

You can fax your application and documents to 08 8941 0260.

Mail

You can send your application and documents to:

WOVR application – vehicle compliance
GPO Box 2520
Darwin NT 0801

After you have applied

You will be contacted to arrange a vehicle assessment at an inspection facility in Darwin, Katherine or Alice Springs.

Roadworthy inspection

The vehicle must pass a full roadworthy inspection. Any repair work undertaken will also be inspected during this inspection.

You will need to bring all of the following to a vehicle inspection facility if advised that it is required:

  • photo evidence of the repairs before and after
  • detailed wheel alignment report including OEM target data
  • vehicle identification chassis number (VIN)
  • structural repair certification
  • vehicle safety devices and systems certification
  • engineering certification.

Vehicle identity validation inspection

The vehicle must also pass an identity validation inspection at an inspection facility.

The vehicle may be required to be left at the facility for the duration of the inspection at the office in Darwin, Katherine or Alice Springs.

The vehicle owner will be notified when the inspection has been completed. This will generally occur within one day.

Stolen motor vehicle check

The vehicle must clear this check by the relevant authority who may require further inspection of the vehicle. The SMV check can only be arranged by the transport inspectors via official request who will inform you of the outcome.

You will need to provide evidence of identity.

More information

For more information get a copy of V74 Registration of a repairable write-off PDF (439.4 KB)