how to get a compliance plate

Short version: you don’t “get” a compliance plate; the vehicle gets approved. Since July 2021, physical compliance plates were largely replaced by an entry on the federal Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV), which proves the car meets the Australian Design Rules.

To make that happen you need the right federal approval (via the ROVER system) and an authorised party—manufacturer, importer or accredited workshop/engineer—to ensure the vehicle meets the rules; then it’s entered on the RAV. For pre‑2021 vehicles with a missing or damaged plate, only the manufacturer or their authorised agent can replace it—no DIY, no eBay specials. After federal approval, your state authority (e.g., VicRoads, Service NSW, TMR QLD) will want a roadworthy inspection before registration. If all that sounds like paperwork with extra steps, that’s because it is—talk to an authorised workshop to map the path that fits your car (full volume, low volume, ICV or specialist import). Or skip the faff and buy something already compliant on Tradingpost.