Blue Slip NSW

When do you need a blue slip?

You will need to get a blue slip if your vehicle's registration has been expired for more than three months, or if it was brought into New South Wales from interstate or overseas. While these are the most common reasons, you will also need a blue slip if your vehicle:

• Has no number plates
• Was previously written off
• Requires adjustments in its registration records because something about the vehicle has changed significantly, such as a new engine
• Needs defect notices cleared

How long does a blue slip last?

Once your vehicle has passed inspection and you have been issued a blue slip, you have 42 days to use it to register your vehicle. If you don't get your vehicle registered during this time you will need to take your car in for another blue slip inspection.

How hard is it to get a blue slip?

Compared to a pink slip, blue slip inspections are far more rigorous and come at a higher cost (pink slips are generally around $45). Blue slips require more thorough safety and operation checks, and check identification numbers on the vehicle and its parts, such as the engine number, to make sure that nothing has been reported stolen. If a check comes back with evidence of stolen parts, the police may investigate and you will need to supply proof that you bought the vehicle or its stolen part/s legally.

How to get a blue slip for a motorcycle

Getting a blue slip for a motorcycle is similar to getting one for a car. A thorough check is conducted by your mechanic, though it is a simpler inspection as a bike has fewer features to check than a car. Make sure you have completed all necessary repairs to make your motorcycle roadworthy and have your paperwork ready for inspection and registration.

How to get a blue slip for a trailer

Like a motorcycle, trailers are slightly easier to get passed for blue slip inspections. During an inspection, your mechanic will check your wheel bearings, winch and tyres, so be sure they are all in good working order before going in.

FAQs about blue slips

• What to do after getting a blue slip?

  Once you've been issued a blue slip, you should look to register your vehicle. A blue slip report is only valid for 42 days and you need it to register your vehicle – if you pass this date, you'll have to apply for a new one. You'll also need to purchase CTP insurance as a separate step before registering your vehicle.

• Can you get a green slip without a blue slip?

  Yes. You can get a green slip without a blue slip. You generally only need a blue slip inspection if your vehicle is unregistered or being transferred from interstate.

• How long can your car be unregistered?

  You can't drive your car if it's unregistered, but you can renew your registration up to 3 months after it has expired.

• Is your car still insured if it's not registered?

  It might be, but most car insurers do not cover you if you drive your vehicle while it is unregistered — it's a common general exclusion that you'll find in most product disclosure statements (PDS). If it's not registered, it usually means that your CTP insurance is no longer valid.

• What is the difference between a blue slip and a pink slip?

  A blue slip is a safety inspection report issued by Service NSW which states that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. You need a blue slip before your vehicle can be registered. A pink slip, on the other hand, is a safety inspection report issued by an authorised inspection station. It is needed to prove that your vehicle meets minimum safety requirements. If your vehicle is more than five years old, you need to get a pink slip inspection.

• Where can I get a blue slip?

  You can get a blue slip from an authorised inspection station. The inspection results are sent to Transport for NSW electronically. You can find an inspection station here.