PPSR & vehicles
REVS Check QLD
How to check a vehicle in Queensland for finance owing, theft or write-off using the PPSR — and what businesses buying assets should do as well.
Know what you need? Request a fixed-fee quote and upload your documents. Not sure of scope? Book a short call with a senior lawyer instead.
In short
The old REVS register was replaced by the national Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) in 2012. A “REVS check” in Queensland now means searching the vehicle's VIN on ppsr.gov.au. It shows finance owing, stolen status and write-off history for a small government fee.
Buying a used car, ute, truck, boat or trailer in Queensland? A PPSR search takes a few minutes and is the best protection against paying for a vehicle a lender can later repossess.
How to do a REVS (PPSR) check in QLD
- Find the 17-character VIN, usually on the compliance plate, the windscreen base or the rego papers. Older vehicles may use a chassis number.
- Go to the official site, ppsr.gov.au, and choose a motor vehicle search by serial number.
- Pay the search fee and download the search certificate.
- Check the result for security interests, stolen status and written-off records, and make sure the VIN matches the vehicle in front of you.
- Run a separate Queensland Transport and Main Roads rego check to confirm the registration is current.
What the result means
- No security interest — no registered finance on the vehicle at the time of the search.
- Security interest registered — a lender or supplier has an interest. Do not pay until the seller gets a written release or the debt is paid out at settlement.
- Stolen or written off — walk away, or get advice before going further.
For businesses
If you are buying vehicles, plant, equipment or a whole business, a single VIN search is not enough. Search against the seller (their ABN or ACN), get releases of any security interests at settlement, and make sure the sale contract deals with title and encumbrances. If you supply goods on credit, register your own security interests so you are protected if a customer fails. See PPSR check Australia, PPSR search QLD, PPSR registration and general security agreements.
Where we help
We act for Queensland and national businesses on asset and business purchases, supply terms with retention of title and PPSR registrations, all for a fixed fee agreed upfront. See Brisbane lawyers and business purchase lawyers.
Frequently asked questions
What is a REVS check in Queensland?
REVS was the old Register of Encumbered Vehicles. It was replaced nationally by the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) in 2012. A “REVS check” in Queensland today means a PPSR search on the vehicle's VIN, which shows whether money is owed on it and whether it has been reported stolen or written off.
How do I do a REVS check in QLD?
Search the PPSR at ppsr.gov.au using the vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number. The government charges a small fee per search and you get a search certificate immediately. Keep the certificate — it is evidence of the vehicle's status at the time you bought it.
Is a REVS check the same as a rego check?
No. A Queensland Transport and Main Roads registration check confirms whether the rego is current. It does not show finance owing or security interests. For a used car purchase, do both.
What happens if I buy a car with finance owing?
If a lender holds a registered security interest, it may be able to repossess the vehicle from you, even though you paid the seller. Private buyers have some protection if they buy for value without knowing about the interest, but relying on that is risky. Search the PPSR before you pay.
Do businesses need anything more than a search?
Businesses buying vehicles, equipment or a whole business should search the PPSR against the seller as well as the serial numbers, and get a written release of any security interests at settlement. Businesses selling on credit should consider registering their own security interests.
Two ways to start
Get a fixed fee before any work starts.
Answer a few short questions, attach your documents if you have them, and a senior lawyer replies with the scope and the price.
Know what you need? Request a fixed-fee quote and upload your documents. Not sure of scope? Book a short call with a senior lawyer instead.