Money owing
We search the PPSR for security interests: car loans, leases and other finance registered against the vehicle. If the seller still owes money, the lender may be able to repossess the car, even after you've paid for it.
Don't inherit someone else's car loan.
Instant PPSR check with the official search certificate, plus stolen, written-off, registration and safety recall checks. Search by number plate or VIN.
- Official PPSR certificateIncluded with every report
- All 8 states & territoriesOne national search
- 256-bit encrypted checkoutCard details never touch our servers
- Cancel online, anytimeTwo clicks from your account
Why it matters
A used car can come with baggage the seller won't mention.
66,625
8min
+34%
2012
Sources: ABS, Recorded Crime – Victims, 2025; Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth). Per-minute figure derived from the 2025 total.
What's checked
Seven checks. One report.
Every report pulls the official register records and tells you what each result means and what to do next.
Stolen check
Checks police stolen records for the vehicle, its plates and its engine number.
Written-off history
Statutory or repairable write-off, the state that recorded it, and the damage areas.
Registration
Current status and expiry date, so you know what you're paying for.
Safety recalls & Takata
Open manufacturer recalls, including the Takata airbag recall, Australia's largest ever vehicle recall.
Vehicle details
Match the paperwork to the car in front of you.
Official PPSR search certificate
The certificate issued by the register records exactly what it showed at the moment you searched. Keep it with your purchase paperwork.
How it works
From number plate to peace of mind in about a minute.
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1
Enter the plate or VIN
Type the number plate and pick the state, or paste the 17-character VIN from the listing or compliance plate.
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2
Confirm it's the right car
We match the vehicle for free and show you the make, model, year and colour before you pay anything.
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3
Unlock the full report
Start your membership for $1. Your report and the PPSR certificate appear instantly and land in your inbox.
Sample report
Not just data. A clear answer and your next move.
Raw register records are full of codes. Every PPSR Lookup report opens with a verdict and practical steps. Pick an outcome to see what you'd get.
Vehicle report
2018 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport
QLD CXV·518
No problems foundNo finance, theft or write-off records. Registration is current.
- Finance owing Clear
- Stolen Clear
- Written off Clear
- Registration Current
What to do
- Check the VIN on the car matches the report. Look at the compliance plate and the bottom of the windscreen.
- Search again on the day you pay. New finance can be registered at any time.
- Keep the PPSR certificate with your receipt.
Vehicle report
2018 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport
QLD CXV·518
Money is owed on this carA lender has a security interest registered against the vehicle.
- Finance owing Record found
- Stolen Clear
- Written off Clear
- Registration Current
What to do
- Don't hand over money to the seller yet.
- Ask for a payout letter from the lender, and pay the lender directly at settlement so the interest is removed.
- Search again after settlement to confirm the registration is gone. If the seller won't cooperate, walk away.
Vehicle report
2018 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport
QLD CXV·518
Recorded as a repairable write-offAn insurer assessed this car as a total loss after front-end and flood damage.
- Finance owing Clear
- Stolen Clear
- Written off Record found
- Registration Current
What to do
- A statutory write-off can only be sold for parts or scrap, and can never be registered again.
- A repairable write-off can return to the road after repairs and an inspection. Rules vary by state.
- Get an independent mechanical inspection and price it like a repaired car, because resale value will be lower.
Vehicle report
2018 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport
QLD CXV·518
Reported stolenPolice have an active stolen record for this vehicle.
- Finance owing Clear
- Stolen Record found
- Written off Clear
- Registration Current
What to do
- Stop. Don't pay a deposit or arrange to collect the car.
- Don't confront the seller. Note the listing, phone number and address.
- Report it to police on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Myth vs fact
Four things buyers tell themselves before it goes wrong.
Compare
Why not just search the register yourself?
You can, and if you already have the VIN and only need the certificate, it's a fine option. Here's what you get on top with PPSR Lookup.
Pricing
One simple plan. No surprises.
Your first report costs $1. That starts a 7-day trial of the membership, which continues at $24.99 a month for anyone checking several cars. Only need one? Cancel before the trial ends and you won't pay another cent.
Cancel online anytime from your account. No phone calls, no forms.
Membership
$1for 7 days
then $24.99/month · cancel anytime
- Today$1Full report + certificate
- Days 1–715Reports included
- Day 7$24.99Then monthly
- Up to 15 full reports a month
- Official PPSR certificate with every report
- Stolen, write-off, registration & recall checks
- Saved history and PDF downloads
- Cancel online in two clicks
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Still unsure? Our team answers every email, usually the same business day.
Email supportWhat is the PPSR?
The Personal Property Securities Register is Australia's national, government-run register of security interests in personal property such as cars, boats and equipment. It is run by the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009, and it replaced the state REVS registers in January 2012.
Is a PPSR check the same as a REVS check?
Yes. "REVS check" is the old name, from before the states' registers were merged into the national PPSR. People still search for it, but today every finance check runs against the PPSR.
What happens if I buy a car with money owing on it?
If a lender has a security interest registered against the car, they may be able to repossess it to recover the previous owner's debt, even though you paid the seller. A PPSR search before you buy, with the certificate kept as evidence, is the standard way to protect yourself.
Do I need the VIN?
No. Enter the number plate and the state it's registered in, and we find the VIN for you. If you have the VIN, you can search with that instead. It's 17 characters long and is on the compliance plate, the bottom of the windscreen and the registration papers.
How does the trial work?
You pay $1 today for your first full report and 7 days of membership. If you don't cancel, the membership continues at $24.99 a month, with up to 15 reports a month. You can cancel online at any time.
How do I cancel?
Log in, go to My Account, then Subscriptions, and choose Cancel. It takes two clicks and you keep access until the end of the period you've paid for. You don't need to call or email anyone.
How quickly do I get my report?
Usually within seconds of payment. It opens in your browser, is saved to your account and is emailed to you along with the official PPSR search certificate.
What's the difference between a statutory and a repairable write-off?
A statutory write-off is damaged so badly it can only be sold for parts or scrap, and can never be registered again. A repairable write-off can be repaired and re-registered after passing an inspection. The exact rules vary by state.
Is PPSR Lookup a government service?
No. We're an independent company. We search the official register on your behalf, include the official certificate, and add extra vehicle history checks on top.
Found the one? Check it before you pay.
A minute now can save you thousands later.