What Was the REVS Check?
REVS stood for Register of Encumbered Vehicles. Each Australian state and territory operated its own REVS database from the 1980s onwards. When you bought a used car, you'd run a REVS check with your state's authority to see if there was outstanding finance on the vehicle.
The problem? Each state's REVS was separate. A car with a NSW finance agreement could be sold in Queensland, and a QLD REVS check wouldn't necessarily find it. The system had gaps — and fraudsters exploited them.
State REVS Registers (All now closed):
What is the PPSR?
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) launched on 30 January 2012 under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth). It replaced all eight state and territory REVS systems with a single, unified national register managed by the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA).
What PPSR improved over REVS:
- ✓National coverage — one search covers all eight states and territories, not just your state
- ✓More security types — covers not just car loans but leases, hire-purchase, consignment, floor plan, and more
- ✓Real-time database — finance registrations update in real time
- ✓Includes written-off vehicle data — WOVR data integrated nationally
- ✓Stolen vehicle check — national stolen vehicle register included
REVS vs PPSR: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | REVS (old) | PPSR (current) |
|---|---|---|
| Available today? | ✗ Closed 2012 | ✓ Active |
| Coverage | State only | All 8 states & territories |
| Finance owing check | ✓ Basic | ✓ Comprehensive |
| Security interests (leases, hire-purchase) | ✗ Limited | ✓ Full coverage |
| Stolen vehicle check | ✗ Not included | ✓ Included |
| Write-off history (WOVR) | ✗ Limited | ✓ National WOVR data |
| Interstate history | ✗ No | ✓ Yes — all states |
| Managed by | State governments | Federal government (AFSA) |
| Legal authority | State legislation | Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) |
What Replaced REVS in Each State
All eight state and territory REVS systems were closed when the national PPSR launched. Here's what to search for in each state today:
NSW REVS Check
PPSR Check NSW →VIC REVS Check
PPSR Check VIC →QLD REVS Check
PPSR Check QLD →SA REVS Check
PPSR Check SA →WA REVS Check
PPSR Check WA →TAS REVS Check
PPSR Check TAS →NT REVS Check
PPSR Check NT →ACT REVS Check
PPSR Check ACT →Why Do People Still Search for "REVS Check"?
Over a decade after REVS was replaced, the term still generates hundreds of thousands of searches every month. There are a few reasons:
- •Word of mouth — older Australians and sellers still use the term from habit
- •Car classifieds — some sellers still advertise "REVS clear" even though they mean PPSR
- •Confusion — some websites still use "REVS check" as a term to attract search traffic, even though they actually run a PPSR check
Watch out: Some websites advertise a "REVS check" but actually provide a PPSR check. This is fine — they're the same thing. However, make sure any "REVS check" service you use is actually querying the official national PPSR database (ppsr.gov.au), not a third-party database that may be out of date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a REVS check the same as a PPSR check?
For practical purposes, yes. A REVS check and a PPSR check both reveal finance owing on a vehicle. PPSR replaced REVS in 2012 and is now the only official national register. PPSR is more comprehensive — it covers all states, more security interest types, and includes stolen vehicle and write-off data.
Can I still do a REVS check in 2026?
No. All state REVS systems closed in 2012. You must run a PPSR check through the official government register (ppsr.gov.au) or a licensed service provider like CheckMyCars.
A car ad says "REVS clear" — what does that mean?
When sellers say "REVS clear" they mean the vehicle has no registered finance. They are likely referring to a PPSR check result. Ask them for the actual PPSR certificate (with date and VIN) to verify — a verbal "REVS clear" claim is not sufficient.
Does a PPSR check cost more than a REVS check?
The old state REVS checks typically cost between $2 and $5. A PPSR check through CheckMyCars costs $5.99 and includes the government PPSR fee plus a comprehensive PDF report with vehicle specifications, ANCAP safety rating, recall status, and more.
Run an Official PPSR Check Now
The modern replacement for all state REVS checks. Official government data, instant results, just $5.99.
Check Any Vehicle — $5.99 →✓ Replaces all state REVS • ✓ National coverage • ✓ Instant 30-second results