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Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) — SEVS / RAW / Direct Import

A Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) is a federally-issued permit required before any road vehicle can be imported into Australia, applied for through the ROVER online portal under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 via one of three main pathways: SEVS, RAW, or direct import.

Issuing authority

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (federal)

Official source

rover.infrastructure.gov.au

Cost

From $35 (older vehicles) to approx. $100 (standard); varies by pathway

How to apply

  1. Determine which import pathway applies to your vehicle: SEVS (vehicle is on the approved Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme register), RAW (vehicle will be modified to comply by a Registered Automotive Workshop), or direct import (e.g. personal effects, vehicles 25+ years old)
  2. Check vehicle eligibility against the SEVS register at rover.infrastructure.gov.au/PublishedApprovals/SEVApprovals/ or confirm RAW workshop eligibility
  3. Create an account on the ROVER portal at rover.infrastructure.gov.au and verify identity using Australian Government Digital ID (myID)
  4. Log in to ROVER, select 'Vehicle Import Approval', choose the correct import pathway, and enter the vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN)
  5. Upload supporting documents: proof of ownership, vehicle specifications, compliance evidence, and any RAW workshop agreement if applicable
  6. Pay the application fee online through ROVER (fee varies by pathway — standard: approx. $50–$100; personal effects: $50; older vehicle 25+ years: $35)
  7. Submit the application; note processing takes 15–60 business days depending on pathway and document completeness
  8. Once approved, download the VIA from ROVER; the VIA is valid for 12 months and must be presented to Australian Border Force at time of importation

Related topics

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