Notifying of written-off vehicles
A notifiable vehicle that is a total loss (write-off) may need to be reported to the Department of Transport and Main Roads to be listed on the written-off vehicle register.
A total write-off is a notifiable vehicle that is so damaged by corrosion accident, collision, demolition, dismantling, fire, flood, trespass or other event that the cost of repair combined with the wreck’s salvage value is greater than the market value.
After the vehicle has been written off, it must have a label attached that states whether it’s a statutory or repairable write-off.
Who needs to notify of a written-off vehicle
Individuals
Usually your insurance company or another notifier will tell the Department of Transport and Main Roads if your vehicle is written off.
In this case, the insurance company will tell you that the vehicle has been written off and may give you a label to attach to the vehicle in a conspicuous location.
If you choose to keep the vehicle after it’s written off, it will still be recorded on the register.
If you have a vehicle that’s a total write-off, and your insurance company or another notifier hasn’t already written off the vehicle, you must notify the Department of Transport and Main Roads that the vehicle has been written off before you sell or dispose of the vehicle.
Businesses
Vehicle insurers, self-insurers, loss adjusters, dealers, auctioneers and auto parts dismantlers must notify the Department of Transport and Main Roads when a notifiable vehicle has been assessed as a total loss.
Auction houses and motor dealers selling second-hand vehicles with a written-off classification must advise buyers that the vehicle is recorded on the written-off vehicle register as either a repairable or statutory write-off.
How to notify
Individuals
Complete a written-off vehicle notification form (F4069) and lodge with the Department of Transport and Main Roads when you cancel the vehicle's registration.
If the vehicle is a repairable write-off and the owner wants to re-register it, the vehicle needs a written-off vehicle inspection.
Businesses
Businesses that deal with written-off vehicles regularly need to provide the following:
- a written-off vehicle notifier registration/amendment application (F4058)
- a new customer application (organisation) (F3503) if your organisation doesn't have a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer reference number
- either
- a certificate of registration of a company or business issued by the Australian Securities Investments Commission
- a certificate of incorporation issued by the Office of Fair Trading
- either
- a copy of your current Queensland driver licence
- evidence of your identity and a new customer application (individual) (F3503).
Submitting your application
By email
Send your application and supporting documents by email to viunit@tmr.qld.gov.au.
By post
Vehicle Identification Unit
GPO Box 5232
BRISBANE QLD 4001.
Making changes to the register
A notifier may change the details of notifiable information on the register only if the:
- vehicle hasn’t yet been repaired or left their possession
- changes are very limited, such as fixing typing errors.
The vehicle’s history remains on the register even after it’s repaired or transferred to a new owner.
Checking if a vehicle is written off
Before you buy a second-hand vehicle, check the Personal Property Securities Register to see if it’s recorded as written off.
Beware! A private seller isn’t required to tell you that the vehicle is on the written-off vehicle register. Get tips on buying a used vehicle.