What Is a PPSR Check?
A PPSR check looks up the Personal Property Securities Register, which records financial interests (like loans or leases) tied to personal property, including cars.
By entering a vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), you can see if:
- The car is under finance
- It has been written off due to damage
- It has been reported stolen
- It is safe to buy from a legal standpoint
This check provides a PPSR certificate, which protects you in case of disputes after the purchase.
What Is a REVS Check?
A REVS check (short for Register of Encumbered Vehicles) was the original system used in several Australian states to check if a car had finance owing on it. However, REVS has now been replaced by the PPSR.
The term “REVS check” is still commonly used, but it’s effectively the same as a modern PPSR check. If you see services offering a REVS check, they are performing a PPSR check under the older name.
What Is a Rego Check?
A rego check refers to checking the registration status of a vehicle. It’s often done via your state’s transport authority (like VicRoads or Service NSW) and tells you:
- If the car is currently registered
- Registration expiry date
- Basic details like make, model, and engine number
Unlike a PPSR check, a rego check does not show financial encumbrance, write-off history, or theft status.
Why You Need All These Checks
Each check provides a different piece of the puzzle:
- PPSR check protects you financially and legally.
- REVS check is just another name for PPSR.
- Rego check confirms the car is currently registered and road-legal.
For full peace of mind, you should run a PPSR check, then optionally confirm rego status using your state’s service. That said registration status is included in your PPSR report if the vehicle is currently registred.
When Should You Perform These Checks?
Always run a PPSR check on the same day you’re planning to pay for the vehicle. That way, your certificate reflects the most up-to-date information — especially if finance has just been cleared or the car was recently reported stolen.
How to Get a PPSR Check in Seconds
Carify offers official PPSR checks using real-time data from the government registry. Enter the car’s VIN, and we’ll provide a downloadable certificate in seconds.
