Registration labels
When you pay your registration, a new registration label and certificate will be mailed to you. The time for attaching the new registration label to your vehicle is as follows:
- If the registration was paid on or before it expired, the new label must be attached within 21 days of the registration expiry date.
- If the registration was paid after it expired, the new label must be attached within 21 days of the payment date.
You must remove and destroy the expired registration label as soon as you fit your new label or within 21 days of the expiry date of the registration.
Will I be fined if the registration label on my vehicle is not current?
You will not be fined if a registration check reveals that your vehicle is currently registered and it is less than 21 days since the expiry date. Your receipt is proof of payment.
You must attach your label within 21 days of the expiry date. You will be fined if you have received the label but not applied it to your vehicle within the 21 days after expiry or payment date.
What if I'm interstate before I receive my registration label?
If you are travelling interstate, you should renew your registration in person at a post office or Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre before leaving Queensland.
A receipt will be given to you that provides proof of registration payment. The receipt should be carried with you when travelling interstate. This is normally acceptable within the 21 day period for attaching registration labels.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has contacted all interstate registration authorities and police and received confirmation that Queensland motorists will be considered to be currently registered if:
- the vehicle has an expired registration label but the driver can demonstrate that the registration has been renewed in the previous 21 days
- the vehicle has no label attached but the driver can demonstrate that the vehicle has been registered within the previous 21 days.
If you pay your registration by mail, you will receive your receipt as part of the certificate and label. In the case of payment over the phone, you should record the receipt number as proof of payment.
How can I get a replacement registration label or certificate?
Apply online
Visit our services online section.
Apply by post
The registered operator of a vehicle can mail an application (or a written request) for a replacement registration label or registration certificate to:
Department of Transport and Main Roads
GPO box 2451
Brisbane Queensland 4001
Apply in person
You can apply in person at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre. You must have personal identification, such as a Queensland driver licence, birth certificate or passport. Your registration label and certificate will be posted to the address indicated on the Department of Transport and Main Roads' records.
It is vital that the Department of Transport and Main Roads has your current postal address. Now you can update your address details online via our services online section.
If your vehicle, motorbike, caravan or light trailer is registered in a business or company name, you must have your certificate of business or company registration with you. The person representing your company must also have personal identification and written authority to act on behalf of the business.
What are the benefits of centrally distributed registration labels?
Registration labels are printed and mailed centrally. This enables the Department of Transport and Main Roads to print a registration label that is specifically for your vehicle. The benefits of issuing registration labels centrally include:
- enhanced security — details of your vehicle, motorbike, caravan or light trailer will be printed on your registration label. This label can be used only on the vehicle for which it was issued. This helps detect unregistered vehicles on the road
- national uniformity — the registration labels are consistent with national standards, bringing Queensland in line with other states
- convenience — producing only one type of label streamlines the process for issuing registration labels. This results in improved efficiency and service
- consistency — the Department of Transport and Main Roads is constantly monitoring label quality to ensure both greater consistency and a better product.
