Blue Slip NSW: When do you need one & what are the costs?

The cost of a blue slip will depend on the type of vehicle and is separate to registration fees.

Fee increases: Registration administration fees are reviewed annually and may increase as part of the annual NSW Treasury approved Consumer Price Index.

Blue slip requirements

A blue slip involves an inspection of your car’s tyres, lights, fluids, suspension, seatbelts, brakes and checks for any leaks. A similar inspection is done for pink slips, but a blue slip inspection is more thorough. It also involves an identity check which ensures that the vehicle or its parts are not stolen. Your vehicle must also be up to its manufacturer’s standards. You can find this in your vehicle’s guide, or if none was provided, by a simple search of your vehicle’s make and model on the Internet.

Blue slip checklist

Once you book your appointment for a blue slip inspection, make sure you do the following:

• Clean the vehicle’s interior and make sure there are no loose items.
• Give the vehicle’s exterior a good wash.
• Bring all documentation and proof of identity and purchase.
• Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel as the examiner might have to drive your vehicle for up to 10 KM to check everything is working well.

How long does a blue slip last?

Once your vehicle has passed the safety inspection at an authorised inspection station and you have been issued a blue slip, you have 42 days to use it to register your vehicle – which then means you can obtain a green slip. If you don’t get your vehicle registration during this time you will need to take your car in for another blue slip inspection report.

How hard is it to get a blue slip?

Compared to a pink slip, blue slip inspections are far more rigorous and come at a higher cost (pink slips are generally around $40).

Since Blue Slips are an authorised unregistered vehicle inspection, blue slips require more thorough safety and operation checks, and check identification numbers on the vehicle and its parts, such as the engine number, to make sure that nothing has been reported stolen.

If a check comes back with evidence of stolen parts, the police may investigate and you will need to supply proof that you bought the vehicle or its stolen part/s legally.

Blue slip for a trailer or a caravan

Trailers that can be towed by light vehicles are slightly easier to get passed through the blue slip authorised inspection scheme. During an inspection, your mechanic will check your Lights, brakes, wheel bearings and tyres, so be sure they are all in good working order before going.

What is checked during the blue slip inspection?

• Brakes for wear and tear.
• Suspension and steering.
• Lights and blinkers.
• Seat belt functions.
• Check for oil and water leaks.
• Tyres and wheels.
• Engine and components.
• Exhaust system.
• Towing attachments (if fitted)
• The overall physical condition for your vehicle
• Making sure there are no illegal/dangerous extensions and accessories fitted (example, light bard, a spotlight, rod holders, etc..)
• Body rust and accident damage.

What paperwork do I need when getting a Blue Slip?

It is particularly important to check for identification documentation to make sure the vehicle belongs to you.

Make sure you bring the following with you to your blue slip inspection appointment:

• Government issued identification or preferably your Driver’s license.
• A proof of vehicle purchase – documents such as a Certificate of Registration or a bill of sale (Receipt) signed by the previous owner, or even a Completed Notice of Disposal signed by the previous owner.
• Any relevant documentation for the car, like engineering reports if the car has been modified.
• If there was any major modification done to the vehicle (for example engine replacement) please make sure you have a proof that you purchased those items.

Written By

Matt Banks

Matt is the founder of Autohero.com.au and has been hooked on cars and repairs ever since childhood. A veteran in automotive since leaving school, Matt has completed his trade as a panel beater and is across all things with wheels. 

His first car was a 1967 FORD XR Wagon followed by a string of collectable Holden’s.

Have a question for Matt? leave a comment below.