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Search REVS

REVS allows you to check if there is a debt on a vehicle or boat that you’re planning to buy. See more about REVS.

To perform your REVS check, follow this step-by-step process.

1. Find your vehicle's or vessel's identification numbers

To do a REVS check, you will need the:

engine number (except for trailers or caravans)
the vehicle identification number (VIN), or the chassis number or hull identification number (HIN) for a boat
registration number (if the vehicle is registered).

Make sure you get these numbers directly from the vehicle and not from any document the seller gives you. If the numbers are not correct, the REVS certificate will be invalid.

Finding chassis and VIN numbers

A chassis number is the identification number attached to motor vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1989.

A VIN is the identification number attached to motor vehicles manufactured on or after 1 January 1989.

Look for these numbers on the engine block or the compliance plate under the hood.

Sample chassis number: 2J2291BW
Sample VIN: 1 G 1 F P 2 2 P X S 2 1 0 0 0 0 1

Finding HIN numbers

The HIN system consists of a unique series of characters and numbers. Look for a metal plate fastened to the hull, or numbers moulded or engraved in the hull.

Sample HIN: AU-STA 36119 H899

2. Phone us on 13 13 04 to conduct REVS search

Call centre opening hours

Monday to Friday - 8 am to 6 pm
Saturday - 8 am to 4:45 pm
International callers: +61 7 3405 0970 (+10 hours UTC)

Alternative ways to conduct a REVS search

use a REVS broker
visit a Fair Trading counter.

NOTE: We do not offer an online REVS search option.

3. Pay a small fee

The cost depends on how you want to receive the REVS certificate:

By fax - $16.70

Fee includes REVS search and certificate. We will fax it to you immediately. If there is an error in faxing your certificate, we will post it instead.

By post - $12.50

Fee includes REVS search and certificate. We will post it within 24 hours of your request.

4. Choose your payment method

We accept credit card (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express), cheque or money order.

5. Receive your REVS search result

When you receive your REVS certificate, it will show if there is a debt on the vehicle or boat. If there is no debt, the REVS certificate protects you from future repossession.

See what to do when money is owing.

Last reviewed 07/10/2009