Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) Australia: How to Apply in 2026

A Vehicle Import Approval is permission from the Australian Department of Infrastructure to bring a road vehicle into Australia, issued under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA). You apply online through the ROVER system. Crucially, the approval must be granted before the vehicle is shipped — a car arriving without it can be refused entry, exported back or even destroyed at your cost.

Almost everyone. Whether it is a new car, a used car or a classic, and whether it is for personal use or resale, an import approval is required. The question is which pathway you apply under.

Older vehicles (25+ years): vehicles manufactured 25 or more years ago — a rolling date — can be imported with fewer standards requirements. See our Australia 25-year rule guide.

Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) / SEVS: specialist and enthusiast vehicles listed on the RAV can be imported and then modified by a Registered Automotive Workshop.

Personal import (formerly Personal Import Scheme): if you have owned and used the car overseas for at least 12 months before it leaves, you may qualify.

Other pathways cover racing vehicles, trade samples and vehicles for testing.

1. Create an account on ROVER (Road Vehicle Regulator).

2. Choose the correct pathway and enter the vehicle details (VIN, build date, make and model).

3. Upload evidence: V5C, purchase invoice, photos, build date evidence and, for personal import, proof of 12 months' ownership and use.

4. Pay the application fee.

5. Wait for a decision — allow several weeks, and more at busy times.

6. Once approved, book shipping. Present the approval with your customs entry in Australia.

Your car must be professionally cleaned before shipping and will be inspected for soil and plant matter on arrival. You pay customs duty (5% for most cars), 10% GST and Luxury Car Tax if the value is above the threshold. Finally, the car must pass state registration checks.

Common reasons are insufficient ownership evidence, a vehicle not on the RAV, or the wrong pathway. You can correct and reapply, or request a review. Never ship the car before the approval is granted.