Independent Australian guide
Vehicle History Check in Australia: What It Reveals Before You Buy
A vehicle history check helps you look for a registered security interest, and available stolen or written-off data, before paying for a used car. An official PPSR search uses the VIN and currently costs $2 online. A commercial report may add other fields; check its actual inclusions before buying.
What a vehicle history check actually covers
A vehicle history check starts with a VIN-based PPSR certificate. Other fields depend on the provider and the data it can access.
| What it shows | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Finance owing / security interest | A registered lender interest may put your purchase at risk. |
| Written-off status | Available NEVDIS data may show whether the vehicle has been written off. |
| Stolen status | Available NEVDIS data may flag a reported stolen vehicle; Tasmania needs a separate check. |
| Odometer history | Some commercial reports may include readings; the official PPSR certificate is not a mechanical inspection. |
| Registration history | Check current rego with the relevant state or territory authority; partner report coverage varies. |
Source: PPSR car check guidance. NEVDIS information may be missing or out of date. Official PPSR guidance ↗
What it does not cover
A register search does not assess mechanical condition, prove that every accident was reported, or replace a service-history review. Arrange an independent inspection and compare the VIN on the car, paperwork and search certificate.
What it costs
The official online PPSR vehicle search costs $2 as published by the PPSR. Commercial report prices and included fields vary by provider; check the current offer on the provider’s page. A plate lookup is not the same as a PPSR search.
| What it shows | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Official PPSR search | $2 online, VIN or chassis number required. |
| Commercial history report | Price and inclusions vary; confirm on the provider site. |
| Registration check | Use your state or territory road authority; fees and fields vary. |
Source: PPSR car check, checked September 2026. Confirm current prices before purchase. Official PPSR guidance ↗
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Why it matters before you buy
If a registered security interest remains, a lender may seek to repossess the vehicle even after you have paid the seller. A written-off record can affect registration, insurance and resale. These are risks to investigate, not a claim that every flagged car must be rejected.
How to run a check in 3 steps
1. Find the VIN on the vehicle and documents. 2. Search close to the day you buy, using the VIN on the official PPSR or a provider you trust. 3. Read the certificate carefully and follow up any warning with the seller or relevant authority.
Free check vs full report
A free introductory lookup, where a provider offers one, can help you start. It is not a substitute for the official PPSR certificate or a full commercial report.
| What it shows | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Official PPSR certificate | Security interests plus available stolen and written-off data; $2 online. |
| Free partner basic check | Only where specifically offered; coverage varies and may be limited. |
| Paid partner report | May add odometer, valuation or other history; verify fields and price. |
Source: PPSR car check and the relevant provider’s published offer. Confirm on each provider page. Official PPSR guidance ↗
Sample report
A partner-approved sample report has not been supplied. Review the provider’s own sample and field list before paying. We do not create or display a simulated vehicle result.
This link goes to an independent public information service. We receive no commission from it.
Common questions
Is a vehicle history check worth doing?
How much is an official PPSR car search?
Do I need the seller’s permission?
How long does a search take?
Can I search the PPSR using only a number plate?
This link goes to an independent public information service. We receive no commission from it.