Motor vehicle registration

Motor vehicle registration is the registration of a motor vehicle with a government authority, either compulsory or otherwise. The purpose of motor vehicle registration is to establish a link between a vehicle and an owner or user of the vehicle. This link might be used for taxation or crime detection purposes. While almost all motor vehicles are uniquely identified by a vehicle identification number, only registered vehicles display a vehicle registration plate and carry a vehicle registration certificate. Motor vehicle registration is different from motor vehicle licensing and roadworthiness certification.

Motor vehicles may also be registered with property owners or managers to gain benefits. For example, organisations with parking facilities may require registration of a vehicle with them to allow authorised users to park there.

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.

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Wikipedia