<P> Registration of motor vehicles in Australia is done through each state and territory government, through their road transport agencies . Registration certificates record the registered operator of a vehicle, they often act as proof of ownership, though technically, this is not the case . Ownership is governed by common law . Ownership of the vehicle (if a secured financial asset) may be checked through the Personal Property Security Register of the federal government, though this is not a mandatory register . Often some proof of entitlement or ownership is required to register a car . A "Certificate of Vehicle Registration" or similar is issued by the state or territory agency, this document can be used as a secondary identity document of the operator . Along with the certificate, the agency also issues vehicle registration number plates . The registration lasts generally for a maximum of a year, after which time the vehicle registration must be renewed . The registration certificate notes the model, make, year, shape, VIN Chasis number and Engine number, weights, engine capacity and number of passengers . A compulsory third party insurance policy is required to renew the vehicle, as well as inspections for older or commercial vehicles . While most states and territories no longer issue registration stickers for the vehicle, registration details are available electronically by police or online by individuals in most states . Vehicles can be registered to companies or individuals . Certain vehicles are registered with the federal government, e.g. military or through the Federal Interstate Registration Scheme (FIRS) via state or territory agencies . Increasingly, many registration functions can be performed online . </P> <P> Generally, privately built cars registered in any of the European Union country must demonstrate compliance with a range of National regulations and EU directives, including, for example, that they have adequate seat - belt arrangement and a calculation of frontal / side impact resistance likely to protect passengers and pedestrians in certain types of accidents . Kit cars supplied as bare chassis without bodywork and with unguarded wheels do not meet EU safety criteria for registration . </P> <P> Vehicle registration for England, Scotland and Wales is the responsibility of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency . </P> <P> The United Kingdom operates a four - track type approval system that can lead to a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). The first two tracks are regular schemes for production vehicles that can be registered anywhere in the EC; the other schemes, known as National Small Series Type Approval (which consists of the SVA / ESVA) and the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA), are intended for vehicles that are to be registered in the UK . </P>

When does a vehicle need to be registered