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Vehicle Modification Certification Requirements by State and Territory

The Australian Design Rules are national standards, but the process for certifying vehicle modifications is managed at the state and territory level. Each jurisdiction operates its own scheme with different names, certifier qualifications, documentation requirements, and levels of government involvement.

This page covers light vehicle modifications (Gross Vehicle Mass 4,500 kg or less). Heavy vehicles fall under the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

National overview

State Scheme Certifier title Authority
NSW VSCCS Licensed Certifier Transport for NSW
VIC VASS VASS Signatory Transport Victoria / VicRoads
QLD Approved Person Scheme Approved Person Dept. of Transport and Main Roads
SA RES Scheme Recognised Engineering Signatory Dept. for Infrastructure and Transport
WA Direct approval Automotive Consultant Dept. of Transport and Major Infrastructure
TAS AVCAIS Approved Vehicle Certifier Dept. of State Growth
NT Approved Engineers Recognised Engineer Motor Vehicle Registry
ACT Engineering Signatories Recognised Engineering Signatory Access Canberra
Important: Modification certificates issued in one state are not automatically accepted in another. If you are purchasing a modified vehicle from interstate or relocating, check with the transport authority in the receiving state before assuming your certification will transfer.

New South Wales

NSW operates the Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme (VSCCS). Significantly modified, individually constructed, and certain imported vehicles must be certified by a VSCCS licensed certifier.

Licensed certifiers hold a minimum Certificate IV in a relevant discipline, carry $20 million public liability and $5 million professional indemnity insurance, and are authorised for specific licence categories. Certificates are issued electronically and do not expire. Old ECS certificates are no longer accepted.

Authority: Transport for NSW
Reference: Modified and non-standard vehicles (NSW Gov)
Find a certifier: VSCCS Certifier Search (Service NSW)

Victoria

Victoria uses the Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS). Any modification affecting an applicable ADR, structural integrity, safety systems, handling, or emissions requires a VASS approval certificate.

VASS signatories hold a four-year engineering degree and are eligible for professional engineer registration. Certificates for light vehicles are valid for 30 days. Some minor modifications are exempted under VSI 8.

Authority: Transport Victoria / VicRoads
Reference: VSI 8: Guide to Modifications (Transport Victoria)
Find a signatory: VASS Signatory Contact List

Queensland

Queensland operates the Approved Person Scheme via TMR. Modifications are categorised as Minor, Basic, Complex, or Specific. Only Complex modifications require certification by an Approved Person. Specific modifications must be approved directly by TMR.

Modifications certified in another state are not automatically recognised in Queensland. Interstate certificates must be re-certified by a QLD Approved Person.

Authority: Dept. of Transport and Main Roads
Reference: Vehicle Modifications (TMR)
Find an Approved Person: QLD Approved Person Search

South Australia

South Australia uses the Recognised Engineering Signatory (RES) scheme. SA also accepts VASS certificates issued in Victoria for many modification types.

Authority: Dept. for Infrastructure and Transport
Reference: Vehicle Standards and Modifications (SA Gov)
Contact: 13 10 84 (Service SA)

Western Australia

WA requires a modification application to DTMI before work begins on complex modifications. The process follows a defined sequence: submit application, receive approval in principle, carry out the work, obtain engineering certification, submit report for final approval, then present for government inspection.

Note: WA's process is more hands-on from the government side. Starting work without approval in principle can result in the modification not being accepted.

Authority: Dept. of Transport and Major Infrastructure
Reference: Complex Light Vehicle Modifications (Transport WA)
Contact: 13 11 56

Tasmania

Tasmania uses the AVCAIS scheme through the Department of State Growth. Approved Vehicle Certifiers operate within authorised inspection stations.

Authority: Dept. of State Growth
Reference: Modification Inspections (Transport TAS)
Contact: avc@stategrowth.tas.gov.au or (03) 6166 3271

Northern Territory

The NT operates through approved engineers recognised by the Motor Vehicle Registry. In most cases, the NT will recognise certification provided by an interstate engineer approved in their home jurisdiction.

Authority: Motor Vehicle Registry
Find an engineer: NT Approved Engineers
Contact: 13 23 11

Australian Capital Territory

The ACT uses recognised engineering signatories. Modifications are assessed against VSB 14 and ACT-specific requirements. Access Canberra accepts signatories approved in other states and territories.

Authority: Access Canberra
Reference: Modified Light Vehicles (Access Canberra)
Contact: 13 22 81

Interstate transfers of modified vehicles

Victoria's VASS certificates are generally accepted in SA, WA, NT, ACT, and TAS. NSW VSCCS certificates are generally NSW-specific. Queensland does not automatically recognise any interstate certifications. WA requires its own government approval process.

If you are buying a modified vehicle from another state or relocating, contact the transport authority in the receiving state to confirm what they will accept before you travel.

For help finding a qualified certifier, see our automotive engineer directory.