Vehicle inspection · Roadworthy inspection
Roadworthy certificates in Western Australia
In WA the inspection is the Vehicle inspection (Certificate of Inspection). Here is when a buyer or seller needs one, how long it lasts and who can carry it out.
At a glance
- Official nameVehicle inspection (Certificate of Inspection)
- Needed to sell?Not for a currently registered car. Private sellers are not legally required to have the car inspected before selling it.
- Valid forA Certificate of Inspection is valid for 3 months.
- Who inspectsAuthorised Inspection Stations
- AuthorityDepartment of Transport and Major Infrastructure (Transport WA)
Unregistered and interstate vehicles
An inspection is needed for vehicles licensed interstate, licences expired more than 3 months, unlicensed vehicles, and to clear defect notices.
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 Major Infrastructure (Transport WA) on 22 September 2026; confirm with them before you buy or sell.
WA roadworthy FAQs
Do I need a roadworthy to sell a car in Western Australia?
Not for a currently registered car. Private sellers are not legally required to have the car inspected before selling it.
What is a roadworthy called in WA?
The official name is Vehicle inspection (Certificate of Inspection). You will also hear: Vehicle inspection, Roadworthy inspection.
Does an unregistered or interstate car need an inspection in WA?
An inspection is needed for vehicles licensed interstate, licences expired more than 3 months, unlicensed vehicles, and to clear defect notices.
How long is a WA inspection valid?
A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 3 months.
Who can carry out the inspection in WA?
Authorised Inspection Stations.
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)
- Queensland — Safety certificate
- South Australia — Roadworthy inspection
- Tasmania — AIS inspection report
- Australian Capital Territory — Roadworthy inspection (Certificate of Inspection)
- Northern Territory — Roadworthy inspection