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If you’re buying a used car in Queensland, it’s important to know everything about it before handing over your money. Two checks can help you do that — the REVS Check and the Rego Check. They sound similar, but they are not the same.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the difference between a REVS Check and a QLD Rego Check. When you know how both checks work, you’ll be ready to buy that car.
What Is a REVS Check?
A REVS Check (also known as a PPSR Check $2) tells you about the financial and legal history of the car.
With a REVS Check, you’ll find out if the car:
- Has money owing on it (called an “encumbrance”)
- Was stolen
- Was written off in an accident
- Has any legal problems
This check is done using the vehicle’s VIN — a 17-digit number that is unique to each car.
You can do a REVS Check at:
👉 VinVerify.com.au – REVS Check QLD
👉 PPSR.gov.au – the Australian government website
What Is a Rego Check?
A Rego Check (short for “registration check”) tells you about the car’s registration status. It answers questions like:
- Is the car currently registered?
- When does the registration expire?
- Is the registration suspended or cancelled?
- What are the car’s details (make, model, engine size)?
You can do a Rego Check for free through the QLD government:
Visit: QLD Rego Check (QLD Government)
All you need is the license plate number.
REVS Check vs. Rego Check
Let’s break it down:
| Feature | REVS Check | Rego Check |
|---|---|---|
| Checks for money owing | Yes | No |
| Checks if car is stolen | Yes | No |
| Checks if vehicle is written off | Yes | No |
| Tells if car is registered | No | Yes |
| Shows registration expiry | No | Yes |
| Uses VIN number | Yes | No (uses number plate) |
| Free to use | Small fee | Yes |
Why You Need Both Checks
You might think that doing one check is enough — but that’s not true. Doing both a REVS Check and a Rego Check gives you the full picture of the car’s past and present.
Here’s why:
- A car can be registered, but still have money owing on it.
- A vehicle can be legal to drive, but it may have been written off in an accident before.
- A car may have clear rego, but it could be stolen or under finance.
By doing both checks, you make sure the car is:
- Safe to drive
- Not under finance
- Not stolen
- Not written off
- Registered in Queensland
How to Do Both Checks
Step 1: Get the car’s details
- VIN number (for REVS Check)
- Number plate (for Rego Check)
Step 2: Do the REVS Check
- Visit VinVerify – REVS Check QLD
- Enter the VIN
- Pay the small fee
- Download the full history report
Step 3: Do the QLD Rego Check
- Visit Rego Check (QLD Government)
- Enter the number plate
- Get the registration status for free
Real-Life Example
Emma was buying a used ute. She did a Rego Check and saw that the vehicle was registered and roadworthy. But then she did a REVS Check and found out there was $8,000 still owing on the car loan.
If she had bought the ute without checking, the finance company could have taken it away. Thanks to the REVS Check, she saved herself thousands of dollars.
Final Thoughts
A car might look shiny and run, but that doesn’t always mean it’s safe to buy. That’s why it’s smart to do both a REVS Check and a Rego Check. Each one tells you different things, and together, they help you avoid big problems.
So before you buy any car in Queensland:
- Do a REVS Check at VinVerify
- Do a Rego Check with the QLD Government