Pink Slip & Blue Slip Cost Australia 2026: State Guide
How much does a pink slip, blue slip, roadworthy certificate or safety certificate cost in 2026? Prices differ sharply between states — NSW caps its pink slip by regulation while Victoria’s roadworthy is set by each tester. Use the checker below, then compare every state side by side.
Check your state
Select your state or territory to see the inspection type, cost, where to get it, and how long it is valid for.
New South Wales
Inspection requiredRegistered light vehicles 5 years and older need an eSafety Check (pink slip) to renew registration. A blue slip is required to register an unregistered vehicle.
Pink Slip (eSafety Check)
$46–$52- Cost basis
- Government-regulated maximum fee (Transport for NSW)Regulated
- Where to get it
- Authorised Inspection Station (AIS)
- Validity period
- 6 months
- When you need it
- Light vehicles 5+ years old, required at every registration renewal
Blue Slip (Unregistered Vehicle Inspection)
$66–$79- Cost basis
- Government-regulated maximum fee (Transport for NSW)Regulated
- Where to get it
- Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) — unregistered vehicle scheme
- Validity period
- 42 days
- When you need it
- Registering an unregistered vehicle, re-registering after registration lapsed 3+ months, or an interstate vehicle moving to NSW
State-by-state comparison
| State | Inspection type | Cost (AUD) | Regulated? | Where to get it | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Pink Slip (eSafety Check) | $46–$52 | Yes | Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) | 6 months |
| Blue Slip (Unregistered Vehicle Inspection) | $66–$79 | Yes | Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) — unregistered vehicle scheme | 42 days | |
| VIC | Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) | $150–$250 | No | Licensed Vehicle Tester | 30 days (for sale or transfer) |
| QLD | Safety Certificate | $85–$120 | No | Approved Inspection Station (AIS) | 2 months or 2,000 km (whichever comes first, private sellers) |
| ACT | No periodic inspection | — | — | — | — |
| SA | No periodic inspection | — | — | — | — |
| TAS | No periodic inspection | — | — | — | — |
| WA | No periodic inspection | — | — | — | — |
| NT | No periodic inspection | — | — | — | — |
NSW fees are government-regulated maximums. VIC and QLD prices are market ranges set by the tester or station and vary between workshops. States with no periodic inspection may still require one in specific cases (e.g. ACT registration transfer).
What a safety inspection checks
Whether it is called a pink slip, roadworthy certificate or safety certificate, the inspection covers the same safety-critical items:
- ✓Brakes — pads, discs, drums, fluid and handbrake
- ✓Tyres — tread depth, condition and matching
- ✓Lights & indicators — headlights, brake lights, blinkers
- ✓Steering & suspension — joints, bushes, shock absorbers
- ✓Windscreen, wipers & washers
- ✓Seatbelts & airbags
- ✓Body rust & structural damage
- ✓Fluid leaks & exhaust system
Common fails & what they cost to fix
Fail the inspection and you’ll need to repair the item and book a re-check. Here are the usual culprits and the typical repair cost in Australia.
Worn brake pads or discs
Brakes below minimum thickness, or a fluid leak, are an instant fail.
Front brake pad replacement cost→Tyres with low tread
Tread depth below the 1.5 mm legal minimum, or sidewall damage, will not pass.
Tyre replacement cost→Worn shock absorbers
Leaking or ineffective suspension hurts handling and fails the check.
Shock absorber replacement cost→Steering & alignment faults
Excessive play or uneven tyre wear points to steering or suspension faults.
Wheel alignment cost→Electrical faults
A weak battery or faulty wiring can knock out lights and indicators.
Car battery replacement cost→Faulty lights & indicators
Any headlight, brake light or indicator not working must be fixed first.
Cracked windscreen or worn wipers
Obscured vision or non-working wipers and washers are common fails.
Seatbelt & airbag faults
Frayed belts or an airbag warning light must be resolved before re-check.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a pink slip in NSW?
A NSW pink slip (eSafety Check) costs $46–$52 in 2026. The price is a government-regulated maximum set by Transport for NSW, so an Authorised Inspection Station cannot charge more. It is valid for 6 months and is required to renew registration on light vehicles 5 years and older.
What fails a pink slip?
The most common fails are worn brake pads or discs, tyres with tread below the 1.5 mm legal minimum, faulty lights or indicators, leaking shock absorbers, a cracked windscreen or worn wipers, and seatbelt or airbag faults. Any of these must be fixed before the vehicle can pass a re-check.
What is the difference between a blue slip and a pink slip?
A pink slip (eSafety Check) is for registered vehicles and is needed to renew registration — it is valid for 6 months and costs $46–$52. A blue slip is for unregistered vehicles (or interstate vehicles moving to NSW) and is needed to get registration — it is valid for 42 days and costs $66–$79. Both are government-regulated maximum fees.
How much is a roadworthy certificate in Victoria?
A Victorian Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) costs $150–$250 in 2026. Unlike NSW, the price is not government-regulated — it is set by the licensed tester, so it varies between workshops. It is valid for 30 days and is required to sell a registered vehicle or re-register one.
Do I need a safety inspection in SA, WA, ACT, NT or TAS?
These states and territories do not require a routine periodic safety inspection for registration. You may still need one in specific cases — for example, the ACT requires a roadworthiness inspection when transferring registration or registering an interstate vehicle.