How to Check a Used Car for Finance, Write-Off or Stolen Status Before Buying
Search the Australian Personal Property Securities Register using a used car’s VIN or chassis number before buying. The $2 online search provides a certificate showing registered security interests and, where available, written-off and stolen vehicle information.
AU Australia
Driving & Vehicles ~ 4 min read
6 FAQ
Updated 2026-09-25
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Get the car’s VIN or chassis number and run a $2 online used vehicle search on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), ideally on the day you buy or the day before. Check the certificate for registered security interests and any available written-off or stolen vehicle information. A PPSR search does not show the amount of finance owing, and stolen or written-off data may be unavailable or out of date.
What you need
- The vehicle’s VIN or chassis number. Check it against the number on the vehicle rather than relying only on an advertisement.
- A credit or debit card to pay the search fee.
- An email address to receive the search certificate.
Eligibility
Anyone considering a used vehicle can conduct a PPSR search using its VIN or chassis number. This is particularly useful when buying privately. A registration plate or engine number cannot be used for a PPSR used vehicle search. If the vehicle is registered in Tasmania, check its stolen vehicle status separately through Transport Tasmania because Tasmanian stolen vehicle information is unavailable through the PPSR service.
How to do it
- Find and confirm the VIN. Ask the seller for the VIN or chassis number and compare it with the number on the vehicle and its registration papers. Most cars built after 1989 have a 17-character VIN.
- Open the official PPSR used car search. Enter the VIN or chassis number carefully and pay the $2 online fee by credit or debit card. A number plate or engine number will not work for this search.
- Read the search certificate. Check whether a security interest is registered against the vehicle. Review the additional vehicle details for any available stolen or written-off indicators, and compare the vehicle description with the car being sold.
- Resolve any warning before paying the seller. If a security interest appears, ask how it will be discharged and confirm its removal. For a stolen indicator, contact the relevant state or territory police; for written-off details, ask the seller and the relevant road transport authority.
- Search again close to purchase if needed. A search on the day of purchase or the preceding day gives a more current record. Keep the certificate with your purchase documents.
What the PPSR vehicle search checks
The Personal Property Securities Register records security interests in vehicles. A registered interest can mean that a lender has a claim over the car and that it could be repossessed even after you pay the seller. The search certificate may also show the vehicle’s make, model and colour, plus stolen or written-off information supplied through the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System (NEVDIS).
The search does not state how much finance is owing or identify the vehicle’s owner. It also does not provide an odometer reading or a complete accident and repair history. Check registration details and consider a mechanical inspection separately.
When to search before buying
You can search when you first consider a car, but run a current search on the day you buy or the day before. The PPSR says that a certificate showing no registered security interest from a search at that time can help protect a buyer if someone later claims an interest in the car. Save the certificate and check that its VIN matches the vehicle.
How to interpret warnings on the certificate
A registered security interest does not tell you the outstanding balance. Do not assume that a seller’s statement that a loan was repaid means the registration has been removed; clarify the position with the seller and the secured party before completing the purchase. A written-off entry needs closer investigation: whether a repairable write-off can be re-registered depends on state or territory rules. A stolen vehicle indicator should be checked with the relevant police.
NEVDIS information may be missing or out of date. Its absence does not change the PPSR result for security interests. Tasmanian stolen vehicle information is not available through this PPSR service; check it with Transport Tasmania. The PPSR cannot correct NEVDIS records, so direct questions about stolen or written-off details to the relevant police or road transport authority.
Checking a vehicle after the PPSR search
The PPSR search is one part of checking a used car. For a vehicle’s Australian approval record, see how to check the Register of Approved Vehicles by VIN. If you identify a possible safety defect or recall problem, see how to report a vehicle safety defect or recall problem.
Frequently asked questions
Can I check a used car on the PPSR using its number plate?
No. The PPSR used vehicle search requires a VIN or chassis number; it cannot be performed using a registration plate or engine number.
Does a PPSR security interest mean finance is still owing?
It means an interest is registered against the car and it could have money owing. The certificate does not show the balance. Clarify the registration and arrange for its removal where appropriate before buying.
Is a certificate with no stolen or written-off entry a guarantee?
No. Stolen and written-off information comes from NEVDIS and may be unavailable or out of date when you search. Tasmanian stolen vehicle information is unavailable through this PPSR service.
When should I do the PPSR search?
Search on the day you intend to buy the car or the day before. If you searched earlier while considering it, run a new search close to purchase.
What if the certificate says the car was written off?
Ask the seller for details and check with the relevant state or territory road transport authority. Rules for repairing and re-registering a repairable write-off vary by jurisdiction.
Does a PPSR search tell me who owns the car or its odometer reading?
No. The search does not show the owner, ownership history or odometer reading. Check these matters separately.
Official sources
Personal Property Securities Register — Do a used car or vehicle searchPersonal Property Securities Register — Road transport authorities and police contact detailsRelated procedures
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