Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about vehicle history reports and our services

What is MotorRegistry?

MotorRegistry is an Australian business which is authorised to obtain vehicle history data from government and other sources, and provides this to customers in a high-value, easy-to-read report. We are based in Sydney, Australia but have a presence in multiple states.

What information do I need for a vehicle history report?

To generate a vehicle history report, you'll need the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or licence plate number. This report provides details about the car's history, including previous owners, damage history, and any outstanding debts.

What is a VIN, and where can I find it on my vehicle?

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle since 1986. It can usually be found on the vehicle compliance plate, on the vehicle’s dashboard, near the windshield, or on the driver’s side door frame.

Can you search by chassis number for older vehicles?

Yes! Just enter the chassis number in the same field where you would enter the VIN or rego number. We may not be able to source all information for older vehicles, but we will certainly provide the critical details you need.

How do I find out if there’s money owing on a vehicle?

You can check if there’s money owing on a vehicle by purchasing a report from us. We will access the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) to do this check. This service ensures the vehicle is free from any financial encumbrances.

What is a PPSR check, and why is it important?

A PPSR check is a search of the Personal Property Securities Register to see if there are any financial interests, such as loans or leases, linked to a vehicle. It’s important to conduct this check before purchasing a used car to ensure there are no financial liabilities. You could lose the vehicle and your purchase amount if the vehicle still has financial liabilities when you purchase it.

Is my personal information secure on MotorRegistry?

Yes, MotorRegistry takes your privacy and data security seriously. We use encryption and other security measures to protect your information when performing vehicle checks or requesting reports.

Can businesses use MotorRegistry?

Yes, businesses can use MotorRegistry to streamline vehicle management tasks, such as checking registration status and obtaining vehicle history reports for their fleet. Dealers can produce branded vehicle history reports to add value for car buyers. Please contact us at [email protected] to explore our B2B options.

What states are supported for vehicle registration checks?

MotorRegistry supports vehicle registration checks across all Australian states and territories, including NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, and ACT.

Why did I receive a Interim Report and not the full report?

Occasionally government data agencies such as NEVDIS and PPSR have service outages. These are often unscheduled and sometimes run for extended periods. We send the interim report as a courtesy so that you will have the critical information we are able to obtain at that point in time. It may be enough to prevent a risky purchase. We always send the full report as soon as the government service is back online.

Can MotorRegistry change information on the report or PPSR certificate?

MotorRegistry retrieves official information from government and other sources. We are unable to alter information we get from NEVDIS or PPSR. To verify or correct finance information, the finance company listed against the security on the PPSR certificate must be contacted by the debtor. To alter vehicle registration information, please contact the state authority the vehicle is registered under.

Can MotorRegistry remove a stolen vehicle notification from the report?

Unfortunately, we do not have the authority or ability to change the 'NEVDIS Stolen Vehicle Notification'. This data is not stored or maintained by the PPSR. When available, it is transmitted to us at the time of a search. To change it, the police must liaise with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). ACIC will only deal with the police.

We recommend taking the following steps:

  • Contact the relevant police jurisdiction about the issue
  • If the vehicle is not recorded as stolen in their system, ask they contact ACIC
  • If the police are not aware of ACIC, note that it was previously managed by 'CrimTrac'
  • If they are still unsure, suggest they speak to their stolen vehicles unit.
Why did the report did not have certain details, for example odometer information?

MotorRegistry rely on multiple internal and external sources for vehicle data. In most cases this data is complete, however not all vehicles have all information available. This is especially the case for older vehicles, vehicles that have been unregistered for a period, or certain vehicle types. We provide an 'Odometer Assessment' regarding the odometer; however, this information is contingent on our third-party data partners, who occasionally don't have it on record. So, we explicitly note this in the disclaimer at the bottom of the purchase screen before purchasing to ensure we set expectations right. We are working with our partners and government agencies to improve this. It is provided as accurately as possible.

Can I have a refund?

Our refund policy is detailed in our Terms & Conditions. Please review this document for information on eligibility for refunds.

I still need help, how do I contact you?

If this page didn't answer your question, you can contact us here.

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