Roadworthy certificate · RWC · Safety cert
Roadworthy certificates in Queensland
In QLD the inspection is the Safety certificate. Here is when a buyer or seller needs one, how long it lasts and who can carry it out.
At a glance
- Official nameSafety certificate
- Needed to sell?Yes, in most cases. When you transfer registration, the seller must give the new owner a current safety certificate. Sales to or between licensed dealers are exempt. Valid for 2 months or 2,000 km for private sellers (3 months or 1,000 km for licensed dealers), whichever comes first.
- Valid forValid for 2 months or 2,000 km for private sellers (3 months or 1,000 km for licensed dealers), whichever comes first.
- Who inspectsApproved Inspection Stations (AIS)
- AuthorityDepartment of Transport and Main Roads
Unregistered and interstate vehicles
A safety certificate is also needed to re-register an unregistered vehicle or to move to Queensland registration from interstate.
An inspection is not a history check
A roadworthy or safety inspection covers the car's condition on the day. It does not show finance owing, or whether the car has been reported stolen or written off. For that, run a PPSR check before you pay.
Rules change. This guide was last checked against Department of Transport and Main Roads on 22 September 2026; confirm with them before you buy or sell.
QLD roadworthy FAQs
Do I need a roadworthy to sell a car in Queensland?
Yes, in most cases. When you transfer registration, the seller must give the new owner a current safety certificate. Sales to or between licensed dealers are exempt. Valid for 2 months or 2,000 km for private sellers (3 months or 1,000 km for licensed dealers), whichever comes first.
What is a roadworthy called in QLD?
The official name is Safety certificate. You will also hear: Roadworthy certificate, RWC, Safety cert.
Does an unregistered or interstate car need an inspection in QLD?
A safety certificate is also needed to re-register an unregistered vehicle or to move to Queensland registration from interstate.
How long is a QLD inspection valid?
Valid for 2 months or 2,000 km for private sellers (3 months or 1,000 km for licensed dealers), whichever comes first.
Who can carry out the inspection in QLD?
Approved Inspection Stations (AIS).
Does a roadworthy show if a car has finance owing or was written off?
No. An inspection checks the car’s safety on the day it is inspected. Finance owing, stolen and written-off records come from a PPSR check, which is a separate search.
Other states and territories
- New South Wales — Safety inspection report (pink slip)
- Victoria — Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC)
- Western Australia — Vehicle inspection (Certificate of Inspection)
- South Australia — Roadworthy inspection
- Tasmania — AIS inspection report
- Australian Capital Territory — Roadworthy inspection (Certificate of Inspection)
- Northern Territory — Roadworthy inspection