The free check, in one minute
Enter any Queensland plate at the official TMR checker and you instantly see the registration expiry date, vehicle make, model and colour, the CTP insurer and the recorded purpose of use. That covers the question most people are asking — "is this car registered, and until when?" — at zero cost.
Check rego free on the official TMR site
Free check vs paid vehicle history report
| What you learn | Free TMR check | PPSR ($2 official) | Paid history report |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration status & expiry | Yes | No | Yes |
| CTP insurer | Yes | No | Yes |
| Finance owing | No | Yes | Yes |
| Written-off / stolen flags | No | Yes | Yes |
| Odometer & sale history | No | No | Some providers |
Buying a used car privately? Run the free TMR check first, then spend $2 on the official PPSR certificate — that combination covers the risks that actually void purchases, without paying $30+ for a bundled report unless you specifically want odometer history.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some sites charge for a rego check?
Paid services bundle the free registration status with national PPSR data (finance owing, write-offs, stolen status) and odometer or valuation history into a vehicle history report. The registration check itself is free from TMR; an official PPSR-only search is just $2 at ppsr.gov.au.
Do I need the owner's permission to check a plate?
No. Registration status is public information in Queensland and the check reveals nothing personal about the operator.
Can I check interstate plates?
The TMR service covers Queensland-registered vehicles. Every other state runs its own free checker (Service NSW, VicRoads and so on) for plates registered there.
Is the TMR app also free?
Yes — the official QLD Rego Check app for iOS and Android is free and shows the same data as the website, with a history of your recent checks.