Blue Slip NSW: Costs, Tips, and Resources for a Hassle-Free Experience (2024)

If you own a car in NSW, understanding the BLUE SLIP is crucial. A Blue Slip is a document proving your unregistered vehicle’s roadworthiness. In this guide, we’ll discuss who requires a blue slip, the associated fees, and why it’s important to get one or if you are just looking for a blue slip near me. Knowing the ins and outs of the blue slip process will boost your confidence when getting one in NSW.

What is a Blue Slip?

In simple words-  Blue slip is a report provided by a mechanic that shows your unregistered vehicle is SAFE. 

A Blue slip NSW is a safety inspection certificate required for unregistered vehicles. It ensures your vehicle meets specific roadworthiness and identifies standards before going back to the road. A blue slip report is also known as an AUVIS (Authorised unregistered vehicle inspection scheme

These are the eligiblity criteria to all the unregistered vehicles to get Blue Slip before they can get back to the road. It includes:-

  • Expired car registration for more than 3 months.
  • Vehicles from other states or countries brought into NSW.
  • Cars without proper number plates.
  • Previously Written Off, now allowed for re-registration.
  • Vehicles required updated registration due to major changes such as new engine.
  • A vehicle that needs defect notices cleared.

Usually, the AUVIS Report is sent to Transport for NSW online, and it’s valid for 42 days. 

The Process of Get a Blue Slip:-

To get a blue slip NSW wide, it’s important to understand each step to ensure a smooth experience. It involves simple process include:-

STEP 1 –

To find an inspection provider nearby, check out the official Service NSW website. They offer a handy tool to find inspection stations in your area. Get an authorised unregistered vehicle inspection (blue slip) | Service NSW

STEP 2 – 

Search your location and choose the service provider. 

STEP 3

Schedule your car inspection by contacting your chosen station. Set up an appointment and be ready to share your vehicle’s make, model, condition, and VIN number.

STEP 4 – 

Pay inspection fees, which can vary depending on where you are and the type of vehicle you have.

Note: Every authorized inspection station has a sign at the front of their premises : AIS (Authorised Inspection Scheme), showing the safety checks and inspections they can do.

Note: Make sure to bring the original hard copy of your report (Blue Slip) when you go to register your vehicle at Service NSW centre.

Fees: Safety and identity check (blue slip)

Inspection typeTotal fee (inc. GST)
Light vehicle$73
Motorcycle$45
Trailer without brakes$37
Trailer with brakes$53

You’ll have to wait about two weeks for the inspection results. If your vehicle passes all safety and identity checks, you’ll get the BLUE SLIP certificate.

If your vehicle doesn’t pass the inspection, you’ll get a list of repairs that need to be done before it can be re-inspected.

What to Do if Your Vehicle Fails a Blue Slip

If your vehicle doesn’t pass the blue slip inspection, don’t worry. Just talk to the mechanic, find out what repairs are needed, and get an estimate for the cost of those repairs.

Understands the Repairs

You must know the reason for failing the inspection, ask the mechanic to explain the reasons for failure in detail. They will also provide you with the written report outlining the particular issues identified while inspecting the vehicle. 

Make the Repairs

Choose a reputable and professional mechanic and ensure they use approved parts for repairs. Focus on addressing the most critical safety issues first, as minor repairs can be done later. Also, keep the receipts for all the repairs as a proof.

Re-Inspection

Once you’ve fixed all the necessary repairs, book a re-inspection at the same or another authorised station whatever suits best to you. Remember, you’ll need to pay the re-inspection fee that will be similar to the previous one.

Don’t worry if your blue slip inspection doesn’t go well – It happens sometime. By following these simple steps and keeping up to date, you’ll have your car back on the road, running smoothly in no time.

What are the most common reasons for failing a Blue Slip inspection?

The NSW blue slip inspection process aims to ensure the safety of your vehicle, it’s one of the most crucial reports. Still, some vehicle probably not pass the inspection at first due to multiple reasons some of them we have mentioned here, why your vehicle fail inspection of Blue slip in NSW:-

Top Reasons Cars Fail Blue Slip Inspections in NSW

LightsFaulty headlights, tail lights, brake lights, or turn signals. Incorrect colour or brightness of lights. Damaged or missing lamp covers.
BrakesWorn or damaged brake pads or discs.Leaking brake fluid. Ineffective or uneven braking performance.
TiresWorn or damaged tires with insufficient tread depth. Incorrect tire size or pressure. Visible cuts or bulges on the tire surface.
SuspensionWorn or damaged shock absorbers or springs. Excessive noise or vibration when driving. Leakage of suspension fluid.
Windscreen and WindowsCracks, chips, or scratches obstructing driver vision. Tinted windows exceeding legal limits. Damaged or faulty window mechanisms.
ModificationsImproper installation or non-compliance of modifications with safety standards. Missing or incorrect compliance plates for modifications. Modifications impacting the vehicle’s handling or performance negatively.
Other Common IssuesLeaks from engine, transmission, or other components.Faulty exhaust system with excessive noise or emissions. Missing or damaged safety equipment like seatbelts or airbags. Bodywork damage affecting structural integrity or visibility.

By being aware and up-to-date addressing these common issues before the inspection, you can specifically increase your chances of passing the NSW blue slip and getting back to the road.

Why is a Blue Slip NSW Important?

Many of you’re still thinking why it’s important, right? Let me make it easy, the blue slip inspection is a compulsory step when registering a vehicle in certain situations, ensuring safety and compliance with road regulations. A blue slip is one the documents that is considered as proof of ownership. 

A blue slip is important for these reasons:-

  1.  Safety : The blue slip inspection ensures that your vehicle meets safety standards, reducing the risk of breakdowns or accidents. 
  2. Adhere to Regulations: A blue slip NSW ensures your vehicle compliance with legal and environmental standards. It confirms that your vehicle meets necessary emissions requirements. 
  3. Public Safety: It ensures vehicles on the road are in good condition, this inspection contributes to overall road safety, protecting both drivers and pedestrians. 
  4. For identity: Another importance is verification, the blue slip verifies the identity of the vehicle in case of stolen or illegally modified. 
  5. Environmental Impact: The Blue Slip inspection checks for issues in your car that could harm the environment. By fixing these issues, it encourages eco-friendly driving.

Overall, these are the reasons why a blue slip plays a important role in NSW. 

The Blue Slip Inspection Process

Once you take your vehicle for the blue slip inspection to the chosen service provider, they will follow these steps:-

During The Inspection:- 

The inspector will entirely inspect your vehicle’s components, including- 

  • Tyres and wheels
  • Lights 
  • Steering and suspension
  • Brakes 
  • Engine and emission
  • Vehicle’s body
  • Seatbelts and airbags
  • VIN (Vehicle identification number)

The inspector will also check the factors which can affect the vehicle’s safety such as any leaks, damage, or modifications.

  • Usually this inspection process takes around 30-60 minutes.

After the inspection: 

Once the inspection process is completed, the inspector will make a Blue Slip report. This report will include details about the inspection and shows whether the vehicle passed or failed. 

  • If your vehicle passes the inspection, you can register it with Transport for NSW.
  • If your vehicle failed the inspection, we’ve mentioned the process above.  

Difference Between Pink Slip And Blue Slip NSW

Both the Pink slip and Blue slip are important documents for vehicles and they both consider vehicle safety. However, these two has several differences such as-

Pink Slip – A pink slip is a certificate that confirms a vehicle passed a eSafety inspection, it required for vehicle registration renewal– To know more –  2023-24 Complete Pink Slip NSW Guide 

Blue Slip – This slip is provided by a mechanic that shows your unregistered vehicle is SAFE. 

Tips and Resources:

To make your blue slip inspection process easier, we bring these simple tips:-

  • Prepare your vehicle – Make sure your vehicle is clean and has all the necessary documents, proof of ownership and any previous inspection reports. 
  • Choose a reputable inspection station – Look for reputable AUVIS stations with good reviews, and experience. 
  • Always ask about process and fees – Before choosing the inspection station, ask for the process, fees and any additional blue slip costs. 
  • Repair any existing issues – If your unregistered vehicle has existing issues, make sure to fix it. 
  • Be present during the inspection – Always be available during the inspection, this allows you to ask questions and clarify any concerns. 
  • Review Blue Slip Report Carefully – Once you received the report, make sure to review it carefully and understand the results. 
  • Consider Alternative – If you want to sell your unregistered car, you can get our cash for cars Sydney service. We buy vehicles in any condition and pay you dollars in exchange. 

For more information, it recommended to visit Service NSW official website-  Safety checks and vehicle inspections | NSW Government 

Use a Government tool to find a local inspection station : https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=safety check.form 

Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve covered everything about the NSW blue slip or AUVIS. By reading this guide you’ll be familiar with the entire process, blue slip cost, and its importance. For more details, we would recommend you to visit official site Service NSW. In Scraply, we make it easy for you to get familiar with important terms like blue slip, stay connected with us to get more latest information about the automobile industry.  

FAQs

Q. Do I need a blue slip to transfer registration?

Ans.  In NSW, a Blue Slip is required for transferring registration of a used vehicle from interstate, re-registering a vehicle unregistered for over 3 months, or if specified by the Roads and Maritime Services. 

Q. How long is a blue slip valid for NSW?

Ans. A blue slip is valid for 42 days. 

Q. How much is a blue slip NSW?

Ans. The prices of NSW may vary depending on vehicle type. It is usually from $37 to $73.

Hudson James

Hudson James

Hudson James has been with Scraply since 2015. He loves cars and cares about the environment. As a kid, he liked fixing cars with his dad. Later, he saw a car get wrecked and left on the street, which made him think about how to use old cars better. At Scraply, he helps people easily get rid of their old cars and make sure they're recycled. Hudson believes every old car should have a new life. He's happy to make the world better, one car at a time.

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