Apply for a trader's plate

If you want to use trader's plates for your business, you must apply for them.

You can use trader's plates to drive an unregistered, roadworthy vehicle for specific purposes. Conditions of use apply.

Who can apply

You can apply for trader's plates if you're a:

  • licensed motor vehicle dealer
  • vehicle manufacturer
  • mechanical repairer or
  • vehicle services provider - for example, a detailer or seller of vehicle accessories.

Answer the questions below to check you meet the other requirements.



How to apply

To apply for a trader's plate, follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in the R03 application for trader's plate form PDF (216.4 KB).

Step 2. Provide evidence of identity and residency.

Step 3. Submit your application:

If your business has multiple locations, you must submit a separate application for each location.

After you apply

A transport inspector will contact you within 10 working days to arrange an inspection of your business premises.

You must:

  • have your business name prominently displayed
  • be suitable to hold a motor vehicle trader's licence.

The inspector will sign the inspector's report on your application and give you back your application.

If you're approved

If you're approved, you must go to an MVR office and:

  • bring your completed application with the signed inspector's report
  • pay a trader's plate fee by EFTPOS, Mastercard, Visa, BasicsCard or cash.

You will then receive your trader's plate, a trader's plate register book and label to go with the plate.

Conditions of use

You must also:

  • meet the conditions of use as outlined in your trader's plate register book and application
  • make sure the vehicle is only driven by the trader, employee or potential buyer or agent who holds a current driver licence
  • record the following details in the trader's plate register book whenever the vehicle is being used: 
    • date
    • plate number
    • make of vehicle
    • purpose of the trip
    • trip times
    • driver's name
    • address
    • licence number
    • signature of the driver.

Trader’s plates have an expiry date of 31 December each year.

You can renew your trader’s plate by email, phone or in person. You don't need to complete a form.

You can pay the trader's plate fee using EFTPOS, Mastercard, Visa, BasicsCard or cash.

If your trader’s plate has expired for more than 12 months, you must submit a new application to the MVR.

If your trader’s plate is lost or damaged, follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in the R03 application for trader's plate form PDF (216.4 KB)

Step 2. Pay the trader's plate fee.

Step 3. Submit your application in person at an MVR office and collect your trader’s plate, trader's plate register book and label.

If you need a replacement register book, you can get it at MVR for free.

If you sell or close your business, you must notify the MVR in writing within 14 days of the sale or closure.

You can receive a refund if you have at least one full month remaining until your trader’s plate expiry date.

MVR will deduct an administration fee from the refund.

You must supply:

You must return the trader’s plate and any supporting documents with the form to an MVR office.

Contact

If you have any questions, email mvr@nt.gov.au or call 1300 654 628 from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

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