Thinking About Club Rego? Here’s What You Should Know

Club Registration Overview

Club or historic registration is a popular and cost-effective option for owners of older vehicles in Australia. Most states and territories offer reduced registration fees and limited-use schemes for eligible classic cars—typically those over 25 or 30 years old. In some cases, buyers can also save hundreds of dollars in stamp duty when registering the vehicle directly into their name under a club permit.

This guide is provided as a general reference only. Eligibility rules, costs and exemptions vary between states and may change. We recommend confirming the current requirements with your local road authority or car club before purchasing or registering a vehicle.

Club Registration Stamp Duty Guide (by State)

Victoria (VIC)

• Stamp Duty: Exempt
• Eligible Vehicles: 25+ years old
• Conditions: Must be registered under the Club Permit Scheme via a VicRoads-approved car club
• Estimated Club Rego Cost: $80–$180 per year (based on 45 or 90-day permit options)

South Australia (SA)

• Stamp Duty: Exempt
• Eligible Vehicles: 30+ years old (Historic, Street Rod or LHD)
• Conditions: Must go directly onto historic registration via a recognised club
• Estimated Club Rego Cost: $110–$130 per year (plus a one-off logbook fee)

Western Australia (WA)

• Stamp Duty: Exempt
• Eligible Vehicles: 25+ years old
• Conditions: Must be registered under the Code 404 scheme through an approved car club
• Estimated Club Rego Cost: $70–$120 per year

Tasmania (TAS)

• Stamp Duty: Exempt
• Eligible Vehicles: 30+ years old
• Conditions: Must be registered as a Special Interest Vehicle via a recognised club
• Estimated Club Rego Cost: Approx. $90–$120 per year

New South Wales (NSW)

• Stamp Duty: Payable
• Eligible Vehicles: 30+ years (Historic) or 25+ years (Classic Modified)
• Conditions: Stamp duty applies at transfer, even if the vehicle goes onto a club rego scheme
• Estimated Club Rego Cost: $50–$80 per year (Historic), higher for Classic Scheme (engineer certification may apply)

Queensland (QLD)

• Stamp Duty: Payable
• Eligible Vehicles: 30+ years old
• Conditions: Stamp duty applies when transferring ownership, even under the Special Interest Vehicle Scheme
• Estimated Club Rego Cost: Approx. $200–$250 per year (heavily discounted from standard rego)

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• Stamp Duty: Payable
• Eligible Vehicles: 30+ years old
• Conditions: Stamp duty generally applies unless a rare exemption is granted
• Estimated Club Rego Cost: Around $120–$140 per year (plus inspection and logbook costs)

Northern Territory (NT)

• Stamp Duty: Payable
• Eligible Vehicles: 30+ years old
• Conditions: Stamp duty applies unless specific exemptions are available on a case-by-case basis
• Estimated Club Rego Cost: Around $100–$150 per year

Tip for Buyers

To maximise savings, consider registering the vehicle directly into your name on club registration where stamp duty is exempt. Ongoing registration costs under these schemes are usually a fraction of full rego fees—especially in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.

Note: All figures are estimates and may vary based on vehicle type, local fees, and additional levies. Club membership is required and typically costs $40–$100 per year depending on the organisation.

This information is provided as a guide only and may not reflect the most current policies in your state or territory. Always check with your local road authority or club registrar before proceeding.