NT written off vehicle register

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 (158.2 KB).

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 (323.6 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 (158.2 KB).

Only a vehicle that has been assessed as a repairable write-off and previously registered in the Northern Territory (NT) can be considered for re-registration under the Written-Off Vehicle (WOV) scheme.

Before your vehicle can be re-registered, it must:

• be assessed as suitable for repair
• undergo repairs with an authority to repair (ATR)
• have a vehicle identity validation (VIV) and inspection
• meet all documentation and certification requirements.

Passing inspection and completing this process does not guarantee registration. Approval remains at the registrar's discretion.

Preliminary assessment

First you must apply for a preliminary assessment using the VS74 application for a preliminary assessment of a written-off vehicle PDF (852.6 KB).

As part of this process:

• the vehicle must have been registered in the NT at the time it was written off
• no repairs must have been carried out before the assessment
• you must submit all supporting documentation, including proof of ownership and residency.

Email your completed VS74 application to nt.wovr@nt.gov.au or submit by mail to:

Written-Off Vehicle Unit
GPO Box 2520
Darwin NT 0801.

After the assessment, you may be issued an ATR outlining the conditions that must be met.

Before starting repairs, you must sign the ATR and email it to the Written-Off Vehicle Unit at nt.wovr@nt.gov.au.

WOV examination

Once repairs are completed in line with the ATR, you can apply for an examination using the VS8 – application for an inspection or examination of a written-off vehicle (WOV) PDF (751.8 KB).

It examines that:

• all ATR conditions have been met
• the repair logbook and documentation meet standards
• vehicle identity and repair evidence are acceptable.

You may be asked to provide additional information.

If the vehicle passes, you can get a vehicle identity validation (VIV) inspection.

VIV inspection

Next, the vehicle must pass a VIV inspection at an inspection facility in Darwin, Katherine or Alice Springs.

You may need to leave the vehicle at the inspection facility while it's being inspected.

You will be notified when the inspection is complete, usually within one business day.

Stolen motor vehicle check

When the vehicle is being inspected, it may also get a stolen motor vehicle check.

If your vehicle is checked, you will be informed of the outcome.

Roadworthy inspection

The vehicle must be repaired in accordance with manufacturer repair instructions or accepted industry standards and pass a full roadworthy inspection.

You may need to provide supporting documents, including:

• repair logbook with before and after photos
• manufacture repair procedures or evidence of industry standards
• certification for structural, powertrain and safety system repairs
• vehicle safety devices and systems certification
• receipts for parts and labour
• any additional documentation required under the ATR.

You will receive a report with the results of the roadworthy inspection.

More information

For more information, read the V74 Registration of a repairable write-off  PDF (233.8 KB).