Buying a used car in Melbourne, Geelong or anywhere in Victoria is an exciting milestone. While exploring, you found a classic Ute, a reliable family wagon or a zippy hatchback at the right price, with great looks, and you are ready to hand over cash. But before you shake hands and drive off, there is one critical step every Aussie buyer must perform: a REVS check in Victoria.
While the term “REVS Check” is still used by many Victorians, the official system has changed. The old Register of Encumbered Vehicles or REVS was replaced by a more systematic and informed database in 2012, the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). This comprehensive blog will walk you through everything you need to know about the modern equivalent of the PPSR check Vic- to ensure your next car purchase is safe, legal, and free from debt.
What is a REVS Check Vic and Why Does it Matter?
For decades, the REVS Check Vic was the go-to-pre-purchase check in Victoria. Its primary purpose was to inform a prospective buyer if a vehicle had a security interest (finance) registered against it. if you bought a car with outstanding financier could legally repossess it, even if you, the new owner, had no idea about the debt.
The Evolution: From REVS to PPSR
In 2012, all state based registers were merged into one federal system- the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). The PPSR isn’t just a car finance check, but it’s a national register for all security interests over personal property, which includes cars, motorbikes, boats, caravans and even intellectual property. So, when people search for a REVS check in Victoria today, what they truly need is a PPSR certificate.
The shift is a massive benefit for used car buyers in Victoria. The PPSR provides national coverage, meaning a debt registered in New South Wales or Queensland will still show up on your Victorian search. This protects you from the risk of repossession, which, let’s face it, is a nightmare no one wants to face.
The Four Essential Checks of a PPSR/REVS Check Victoria
A PPSR search, often bundled into a comprehensive vehicle history report, reveals critical information far beyond just finance. This four pronged approach gives you the full confidence to proceed with a purchase.
1. Financial Encumbrance (The Original REVS Focus)
This is the most crucial part of your REVS Check Vic. The PPSR will confirm if there is a security interest registered against the vehicle, indicating that the car is being used as collateral for a loan.
- If a security interest is registered: It means the car is encumbered. Do not buy the car until the seller can provide proof that the debt has been fully paid off and the security interest has been removed from PPSR.
- If “No security interest exists”: Congrats, the car is financially clear. You are protected against the risk of repossession for any past undisclosed debts.
2. Stolen Status Check
The search checks if the vehicle has been reported as stolen in any state or territory across Australia. Buying a stolen car means you lose both the vehicle and the money you just paid, with no legal recourse. A PPSR check is your frontline defence.
3. Written-off Vehicle Register (WOVR)
The PPSR taps into the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System (NEVDIS) to check the car’s written-off status. A vehicle can be written off for two reasons:
- Statutory Write-Off: The car is severely damaged to be repaired and must never be re-registered.
- Repairable Write-Off: The car can be repaired but the cost of repairs exceeds its market value. In Victoria, a repairable write-off must pass a rigorous Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) inspection before it can be re-registered.
Buying a repairable write-off without knowing can severely impact your insurance and resale value. The check is vital for the safety and value of your investment.
4. Vehicle and Registration Details
The PPSR report confirms the vehicle’s identity by checking the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and comparing it to the registered details like make, model, colour and body type. Always cross-check the VIN in the report with the VIN stamped on the car. If they don’t match, it could be VIN tampering.
Can I Get a Free REVS Check in Victoria?
You can’t get a REVS check; it’s now PPSR. No, it is not free in Victoria. Therefore, no, you can’t get a free REVS check in Victoria. The search term free REVS check Vic is common but misleading.
What You Can Check for Free in Victoria?
You can perform a free registration check through the official VicRoads or Service Victoria website, using the vehicle’s registration plate (REGO number). This free check will provide:
- Vehicle make, model and year
- Registration status
- Compulsory Third Party insurance details
While useful, this free check doesn’t confirm if the vehicle has finance owing, if it’s been stolen or if it’s a written-off vehicle. It’s a quick REGO check, not a full PPSR check, Vic.
The Cost of a Full PPSR/REVS Check
The official PPSR certificate from the Australian Government’s Financial Security Authority (AFSA) is not free. It is, however, very affordable. The low cost is a small price to pay for the financial protection.
You can also get a comprehensive vehicle history report from Cars24 that bundles the official PPSR certificate with extra checks. The choice depends on how much detail you want, just the PPSR check or a full vehicle history report.
How to Perform Your PPSR Check Vic
The process is quick, simple and can be completed online.
What You Need: VIN
To get the most accurate and legally binding PPSR result, you must use the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). While you can search using the registration plate, the VIN is the most reliable serial number for a car.
How to find VIN number
To find VIN number look on the registration papers, the vehicle’s dashboard, driver’s side door jamb or stamped on the engine bay firewall.
Process to perform REVS check (now PPSR check)
- Choose your provider: Decide whether to use the official AFSA PPSR website for a basic certificate or a reputable private provider like Cars24 for a more comprehensive history report.
- Enter the VIN: Input the vehicle’s 17-character VIN accurately into the search field. Some private websites take up the REGO number as well.
- Receive report: Depending on the choice, you will receive a downloadable PPSR certificate or comprehensive report.
- Review the report: Check the NEVDIS data for any statutory write-offs or stolen status notifications.
Tip: Perform your PPSR check, Vic, or comprehensive car history report as close to the time of purchase as possible. This ensures the information is current, as security interests can be registered and removed daily.
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