Are you planning to drive your unregistered vehicle on the road? Do you know about the consequences it could have? Without a permit you’re not allowed to drive an unregistered car on the road. However, if you re-register your vehicle and obtain a blue slip, you can get back on the road legally.
What is a blue slip, you may ask? This blog provides a simple guide detailing every aspect, including how to obtain it, the cost of a blue slip, and the next steps if you fail to get an AUVIS report.
Let’s get in!
What is Blue Slip in NSW?
A Blue Slip, also known as Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Scheme (AUVIS) report. This slip ensures that an unregistered vehicle is safe to drive and meets all the required standards.
All unregistered light vehicles must have a blue slip before they can be registered in NSW.
Get an authorised unregistered vehicle inspection (blue slip) | Service NSW
Importance Of Blue Slip
Having a blue slip is important not only to comply with the law but also for safety reasons. If you’re still unsure about why this essential document is an AUVIS report, let us explain it to you. Additionally, one of the documents that serves as proof of ownership is the blue slip.
Now, do you see its importance?, here are other reasons as well:-
| Importance of Blue Slip | |
| Safety | A blue slip reduces your risk of accidents or breakdowns, as it ensures that your vehicle meets all safety standards for driving on the road. |
| Public Safety | A blue slip ensures that only vehicles in good condition are allowed on the road. This document contributes to overall road safety, protecting both pedestrians and drivers |
| Compliance with Legal | This document essentially proves that your vehicle complies with legal regulations and environmental standards, including meeting necessary emissions requirements. |
| For identity | A blue slip is considered proof of ownership, and in the case of theft or illegal modification, it can verify the vehicle’s identity. |
| Environment | Getting a blue slip is beneficial for the environment, as it involves inspecting your car for various issues, including those that could harm the environment. By repairing these issues, it promotes eco-friendly driving practices. |
Eligibility to Get a Blue Slip NSW
Before you proceed to get a blue slip, let’s first check the eligibility criteria to determine whether you’re eligible to get a blue slip in NSW.
Here are the eligibility criteria. You can only get a blue slip if your vehicle meets the following conditions:-
- Car registration expired for more than 3 months.
- Car doesn’t have any number plates.
- Vehicle was previously written-off but is now approved for re-registration.
- Vehicle is from another state, territory or overseas.
- Vehicles have significant changes, such as new engines.
- You need to clear defect notices.
Blue Slip Cost / Fees
Fees can vary based on the type of inspection you choose. Here is the blue slip cost mentioned below in the table:
| Type of Inspection | Fees |
| Light vehicle | $73 |
| Motorcycle | $45 |
| Trailer without brakes | $37 |
| Trailer with brakes | $53 |
4 Simple Steps to Get an AUVIS Report (Blue Slip)
For a smooth process you need to know each steps, here are the step-by-step process including:-
STEP 1
Find a nearby inspection provider.
Note: Visit Service NSW official website, they have easily accessible tools to find inspection stations nearby. Click on the “Find a Safety inspection provider” as shown in the attached picture below👇🏼
STEP 2
Enter your location on the given box and choose the one which suits your preference best.
For example:-
STEP 3
Once you find a nearby inspection centre, contact them. Provide them with your vehicle details (Make, model, condition and VIN) and set an appointment.
STEP 4
Lastly, pay the inspection fees which vary based on the vehicle type and inspection centre you choose.
Inspection Process
To get an AUVIS report, you need to complete the inspection process. Here are the details:
| Steps of the inspection | After the inspection |
| Tyres and wheels | The inspector will provide you with a blue slip report, after the inspection. This report including: details of inspection and the result whether the vehicle passed it or failed! |
| Lights | |
| Steering and suspension | If you pass the vehicle’s inspection, you can register it with Transport for NSW |
| Brakes | or |
| Engine and emission | In case you didn’t pass the inspection, then you have to start the process again. |
| Vehicle’s body | |
| Seatbelts and airbags | |
| VIN (Vehicle identification Number) | |
| Factors including: vehicle’s safety such as any leaks, damage, or modifications. |
Duration of Inspection: It takes around 30-60 minutes.
To get an safety inspection, you can use official tool: Safety checks and vehicle inspections | NSW Government
THINGS to do : If you FAIL to Get a Blue Slip NSW
In case your vehicle fails to get a blue slip, you should contact the mechanic and find out what repairs are required and get an estimate for the cost of those repairs.
Understand the Repairs
As a car owner, you should be familiar with reasons for inspection failures. Ask the inspector or mechanic to explain why your vehicle didn’t pass inspection.
The inspector/mechanic will provide you with the written report that includes the specific issue identified during the inspection vehicle.
Make the Repairs
Always look for professional and reputable mechanics who use approved tools and parts for repairing vehicles. Prioritise major issues first, minor repairs can be done later as well. Keep receipts as proof of repairs.
Re-Inspection
After completing all repairs, you must start the inspection process again, either at the same location or another authorised station. New inspection comes along with payment of fees, which may be the same as before.
If you failed to get a blue slip at first, don’t worry, it’s common. The above-mentioned steps guide you throughout the process, so now you have all the details on hand.
Common reasons people Fail to get a AUVIS report
The most common reason why many cars didn’t pass the vehicle inspection are:-
| Common Reasons To Obtain a Blue | |
| Faulty Lights | HeadlightTail lightsBrake lightsTurn signals.Improper colour or brightness lights.Faulty or missing lamp covers. |
| Brakes | Worn or damaged brake pads or discs.Leaked brake fluidUneven braking performance. |
| Suspension | Worn or damaged shock absorbers or springsWhile driving any excessive noise or vibrationLeakage of suspension fluid. |
| Windscreen and windows | Crack and Chips Scratches obstructing driving visionTinted windows exceeding legal limitsDamaged or faulty window mechanisms. |
| Tires | Damaged tires with insufficient tread depth.Improper tire size or pressureVisible cuts or bulges on the tire surface. |
| Modifications | Incorrect installation or not following safety standards for modifications.Missing or incorrect compliance plates for modifications that affect how the vehicle handles or performs. |
| Other Reasons: | Leakage from engine, transmission or other components.Damaged exhaust system with excessive noise or emissions. Faulty or missing safety parts such as seatbelts, airbags.Damaged body: that can impact either its structural strength or its visibility. |
Pink Slip or Blue Slip
In NSW, you may find several types of colourful slips and some of them are BLUE and PINK. These two slips belong to the vehicle’s safety and registration. Now let’s briefly understand what’s the difference between them.
| Pink Slip | Blue Slip |
| A PINK slip is a certificate for your vehicle that shows it has passed the eSafety inspection. It is required for vehicle registration renewal every 5 years. To know more in detail, you can visit: Pink Slip NSW Guide: Costs, Process, and Tips for a Smooth Inspection | Blue slip is provided by a mechanic or inspector that shows your unregistered vehicle is safe to drive. |
Things to Remember to Obtain Blue Slip
- In NSW, every authorised inspection station has a sign at front of their premises: AIS (Authorised Inspection Scheme). It usually shows that they provide safety inspections.
- Always look for inspection providers that are accredited by transport for NSW to get a Blue slip. These service providers will inspect your vehicle for safety and compliance.
- While going for re-registering your vehicle at the Service NSW centre, don’t forget to bring the original hard copy of your blue slip report
- When going for inspection prepare your vehicle and ensure its clean and you have all the required documents in hand including: Proof of ownership, any previous inspection reports
- Choose the inspection station with a good reputation, reviews and experience.
- Find out the process, fees, and extra costs related to the blue slips from each inspection station before selecting one.
- After receiving the blue slip report, review it carefully and understand the results.
- During the inspection, make sure you’re available as it allows you to clarify any concerns and ask questions.
In case, you don’t want to re-register your unregistered car, you can get cash for cars Sydney from us instead. We offer dollars for cars in exchange.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have compiled comprehensive details regarding the blue slip process in NSW. With this guide, obtaining a blue slip will be easy and smooth. We cover everything from the costs associated with a blue slip to its importance, the inspection process, and additional considerations when obtaining an AUVIS report. We are committed to providing informative blogs like this in the future. Stay connected with us for more valuable blogs.