Getting your vehicle back on the road in Queensland is straightforward. If you’ve bought a project car, let your registration expire, or need to visit a mechanic or inspection centre, it’s important to understand the requirements for an unregistered vehicle permit. Driving without the proper license can result in fines, insurance cancellation, and legal issues.
This guide explains the rules, permit costs, who can apply, and how to apply. Staying informed helps you follow the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) rules for safely and legally moving an unregistered vehicle.
What Is an Unregistered Vehicle Permit in Queensland?
- An Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) is a temporary permit from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). It lets you legally drive an unregistered vehicle on public roads for specific, one-time reasons.
- A UVP does not replace full registration. It is meant for short, point-to-point trips when standard registration is not possible or practical.
When You Need an Unregistered Vehicle Permit
- You need a permit to drive or move an unregistered vehicle when selling or disposing of it. If you’re taking your car to a wrecker, cash-for-car services in QLD can help with paperwork and safely handle unregistered vehicles.
- You usually do not need a permit to drive an unregistered vehicle directly to a Safety Certificate (roadworthy) inspection or to a TMR office for registration. You must have a Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance certificate and remove the old number plates first.
Can You Drive an Unregistered Car in QLD Without a Permit?
- No. It is illegal to drive an unregistered vehicle without a permit. Without current registration or a permit, you cannot use the car legally. Penalties include heavy fines or being held responsible for damages in an accident.
- Queensland Police and TMR use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to check registration. These systems are in patrol cars and at roadside locations, scanning plates in real time to spot unregistered or uninsured vehicles.
Do Speed Cameras Check Rego in QLD?
Yes. Speed and red-light cameras in Queensland check the vehicle registration database. Even if police do not stop you, these systems can detect unregistered vehicles and send penalty notices by mail.
How Long Can a Car Be Unregistered Before It Needs a Roadworthy in QLD?
In Queensland, whether you need a roadworthy inspection depends on how long your registration has lapsed. If it has been less than 3 months since you bought the car and you still own it, you can usually renew without a new Safety Certificate. If more than 3 months have passed, you must get a roadworthy inspection and a new Safety Certificate before registering the vehicle again.
If you need to move an unregistered vehicle during this time, you must get a QLD unregistered vehicle permit. This permit lets you make limited trips, such as driving to an inspection station or a mechanic, while following Queensland road laws.
How Long Can a Rego Lapse in QLD?
In Queensland, there is no grace period after your registration expires. Once your rego lapses, your vehicle is unregistered and not roadworthy. TMR may let you renew quickly without a late fee, but this does not make it legal to drive. Driving an unregistered vehicle can lead to fines and the loss of insurance coverage. CTP insurance is also invalid after your rego lapses.
How to Get an Unregistered Vehicle Permit in QLD
These are the steps you need to apply for a QLD unregistered vehicle permit:
Step 1: Gather vehicle details (VIN, chassis number, or engine number).
Step 2: Describe the need for a permit and specify your travel route, including start and end points.
Step 3: Complete your application online through TMR or visit a TMR customer service centre in person.
Step 4: Receive your permit. You will get a digital or printed permit once it is approved.
Step 5: Carry your permit with you when driving and be ready to show it if asked.
Can You Get an Unregistered Vehicle Permit Online in QLD?
Yes. If you have a Queensland Driver’s Licence or a Customer Reference Number (CRN), you can apply online through the TMR portal. If you do not have a CRN, you must apply in person at a TMR service centre.
How Much Does a QLD Unregistered Vehicle Permit Cost?
The cost of an unregistered vehicle permit in QLD includes a permit administration fee from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance for the approved travel period. As of 2026, the permit fee is about $38.50 per day, and the CTP insurance cost depends on your vehicle type and the number of days needed.
How Much Is a Day Permit in QLD?
For most standard passenger vehicles, a one-day unregistered vehicle permit in Queensland costs between $70 and $95, including CTP insurance. Multi-day permits cost more per extra day and are available for up to 7 days, depending on your approved travel purpose and route.
Can I Drive My Unregistered Car to a Mechanic in QLD?
You can only drive your unregistered car to a mechanic if you have an Unregistered Vehicle Permit. Unlike trips to a roadworthy inspection, moving to a mechanic for maintenance is not exempt. You must follow the exact route on your permit. Any stops or detours can void the license and lead to fines.
Can I Drive My Unregistered Car to Get Registered in QLD?
Yes, this is one of the few legal exemptions. To do this without a permit, you must have a valid CTP insurance certificate (for 6 or 12 months) in the car and drive by the most direct route to the TMR office.
Can You Sell a Car Without Rego or Roadworthy in QLD?
Yes, you can sell an unregistered vehicle in Queensland “as is,” but you must follow some important rules. If you sell privately, you need to clearly state that the vehicle has no current registration and no Safety Certificate.
If you sell to a wrecker or removal company, they usually handle unregistered vehicles and arrange towing. You still need to fully disclose the vehicle’s status and show a recycling certificate to stay within the law, no matter who buys it. To learn more, visit our blog on obtaining an ARAA certificate for auto recycling to ensure smooth, efficient recycling.
What Is the Penalty for Driving an Unregistered Vehicle in Queensland?
Penalties for driving an unregistered vehicle in Queensland are strict and can add up quickly.
- An Unregistered Vehicle Fine can range from $313 to $700, depending on your vehicle type and the length of the registration lapse.
- A fine for driving without insurance can range from $550 to $700 or more if you do not have valid CTP insurance.
- Combined penalties can exceed $1,300.
- If there is an accident, all insurance is void, and the driver is personally responsible for any property damage or injury costs.
Do You Lose Points for Driving an Unregistered Vehicle in QLD?
Driving an unregistered vehicle usually only results in a fine and does not add demerit points. You may get points if the vehicle is unsafe or if you commit other offences.
Is There a Grace Period for Expired Rego in QLD?
No, there is no grace period for expired registration in Queensland. Once your rego expires, your vehicle is unregistered. Queensland uses police patrols, smart cameras, and ANPR systems to identify unregistered cars quickly. Driving while unregistered is illegal, fines apply, and your insurance is cancelled.
Can You Put 3 Months Rego on a Car in QLD?
Queensland allows flexible registration periods, including 1 or 3 months if you use the TMR Direct Debit system. Direct debit lets you split the cost instead of paying all at once, but Afterpay is not available. If you pay manually, you can only choose 6 or 12 months.
What Happens If You Don’t Transfer Rego Within 14 Days in QLD?
In Queensland, you must transfer registration within 14 days of selling a vehicle, or you will face late fees. If you do not transfer it, the seller will remain listed as the operator and may incur fines, tolls, or parking notices from the new owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an unregistered vehicle permit in QLD?
A temporary license from TMR that allows you to move an unregistered vehicle for specific purposes like repairs or relocation.
Can you drive around with an unregistered car?
No. You may only drive for specific exempt purposes (such as a roadworthy) or with a permit on a direct route.
Can I get a permit online in QLD?
Yes, via the TMR website if you have a QLD Customer Reference Number.
How long can a rego lapse in Queensland?
It is 0 days until the driving license expires, but you need to renew it 3 months before you are required to get a new Safety Certificate.
Final Checklist Before Driving an Unregistered Vehicle in QLD
Here is a quick checklist you can use before driving an unregistered vehicle:
- Make sure your unregistered vehicle permit is approved and active for the day you plan to travel.
- Travel only for the permitted reason and use the approved route.
- Check that compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance is included with your permit or documented separately.
- Keep a printed or digital copy of your permit with you while driving.
- If you are driving for inspection or registration without a permit, make sure the number plates have been removed.
An unregistered vehicle permit in QLD is the only legal way to move a car that is not fully registered. Applying for a license may seem inconvenient, but it is much better than risking big fines, demerit points, or having no insurance if there is an accident. Always plan your trip, follow the approved route, and keep your paperwork handy.