A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check decodes the unique 17-character identifier on every vehicle to reveal make, model, year, and manufacturing details.

Where do I find my VIN?

The VIN is typically found on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver's door frame, or in your vehicle registration documents.

What does a PPSR check show?

A PPSR check shows if a vehicle has finance owing, has been reported stolen, or has been written off by an insurer. It covers all registered security interests against the vehicle.

How much does a PPSR check cost in Australia?

A PPSR check through CheckMyCars costs 5.99, which includes the government PPSR fee plus a professional PDF report with full vehicle specifications.

Is a PPSR check the same as a REVS check?

Yes. REVS (Register of Encumbered Vehicles) was replaced by PPSR in 2012. A PPSR check is the modern equivalent and is now the national standard.

What is a PPSR Check? Complete Guide for Australian Car Buyers

What is the PPSR?

The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is Australia's national, government-operated database for security interests in personal property — including motor vehicles.

Operated by the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA), the PPSR is the single source of truth for whether a vehicle has loans, encumbrances, or other financial interests registered against it. It replaced the old state-based REVS systems in 2012, creating one unified national register.

What Does a PPSR Check Reveal?

A PPSR check on a vehicle provides the following critical information:

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Finance Owing (Encumbrance)

If a lender has registered a security interest against the vehicle — meaning there is an outstanding car loan or finance agreement. If you buy a car with undisclosed finance, the lender can legally repossess it from you, even though you paid.

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Stolen Vehicle Status

Whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen to police anywhere in Australia. Buying a stolen car can result in criminal charges and loss of the vehicle with no recourse.

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Write-Off History

If the vehicle has been declared a statutory write-off (too damaged to repair) or a repairable write-off (repaired after serious damage) by an insurance company.

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Security Interests

All registered security interests including leases, hire-purchase agreements, and consignment arrangements that give third parties rights over the vehicle.

PPSR vs REVS Check — What's the Difference?

If you're searching for a "REVS check," you're looking for a PPSR check. REVS (Register of Encumbered Vehicles) was the old state-based system. Each Australian state ran its own register, which meant a vehicle could have finance in Queensland but show clean in New South Wales.

In 2012, all these state systems were replaced by the national PPSR. Today, a single PPSR search covers all states and territories simultaneously — which is why it's far more reliable than the old REVS checks ever were.

Who Should Run a PPSR Check?

✅ Private Car Buyers

Anyone purchasing a used car from a private seller. The most common and highest-risk scenario for vehicle fraud.

✅ Dealer Buyers

Even buying from a dealer. Dealers are legally required to provide a clear title, but mistakes happen — verify yourself.

✅ Importers

If you're importing a used vehicle, a PPSR check confirms there are no Australian security interests registered against it.

✅ Lenders

Finance companies check PPSR before approving car loans to ensure the vehicle isn't already encumbered.

How Much Does a PPSR Check Cost?

The Australian Government charges a base fee of $2.00 for a direct PPSR search at ppsr.gov.au. However, this gives you a basic raw data result with no vehicle context, no PDF, and no additional vehicle information.

CheckMyCars offers a complete PPSR report for $5.99, which includes:

✓ Official PPSR certificate
✓ Finance owing status
✓ Stolen vehicle check
✓ Write-off history
✓ Professional PDF report
✓ Full vehicle specifications
✓ ANCAP safety rating
✓ Vehicle recall history
✓ Registration & expiry details

How to Run a PPSR Check

Get the VIN or Rego

Ask the seller for the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the dashboard or door frame. Alternatively, use the registration plate number.

Enter the Details

Go to CheckMyCars and enter the VIN or rego plate. You can run a free basic decode instantly, or upgrade to the full PPSR report.

Review Your Report

Your PPSR report is generated in seconds. Download the PDF and review the findings before finalising the purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a PPSR check by rego plate?

Yes. CheckMyCars allows you to search by registration plate number as well as VIN. Simply enter the plate and select your state, and we'll locate the VIN and run the full PPSR check.

Is a PPSR check legal?

Absolutely. PPSR searches are encouraged by the Australian government. The data is public information intended specifically to protect buyers and lenders.

What if PPSR shows finance owing?

Do not proceed with the purchase unless the seller pays off the finance first. Ask for written proof from the lender that the debt is cleared, then run another PPSR check to confirm it has been removed.

Does PPSR cover motorcycles, boats and caravans?

Yes. PPSR covers all personal property including cars, motorcycles, boats, caravans, trailers, and machinery — any asset that can be used as security for a loan.