Pink slips and blue slips are both vehicle inspections done at an authorised inspection station, but they do different jobs. Here's how to tell which one you need, what happens on the day, and how to avoid a second visit.
The quick answer
If your car is already registered in NSW and more than five years old, you need a pink slip to renew the rego. If your car isn't registered in NSW right now, you'll usually need a blue slip before it can be.
| Pink slip | Blue slip | |
|---|---|---|
| Official name | eSafety check | AUVIS inspection |
| Used for | Renewing NSW rego | Registering a vehicle that isn't on NSW rego |
| Typical vehicle | Registered light vehicle over 5 years old | Unregistered, interstate, or lapsed more than 3 months |
| What's checked | Safety and roadworthiness | Identity plus a full roadworthiness check |
| How long it lasts | Up to 6 weeks before rego is due | Valid for 42 days |
When you need a pink slip
A pink slip, officially an eSafety check, is a yearly safety inspection for registered light vehicles that are more than five years old. Newer vehicles usually don't need one to renew.
You can get it done up to six weeks before your rego is due. The result is sent electronically to Service NSW, so once you pass you can renew online straight away. There's no paper to post.
What gets checked
- Tyres: tread depth, damage and the right size for the vehicle
- Brakes: service and park brake performance
- Steering and suspension: wear, play and leaks
- Lights and indicators: all working, the right colour, lenses intact
- Body and chassis: rust, damage and sharp edges
- Windscreen, wipers, seatbelts and horn
When you need a blue slip
A blue slip comes from the Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Scheme (AUVIS). It checks that the vehicle is what it says it is, and that it's safe to go back on the road. You'll usually need one if:
- The vehicle is unregistered, or the NSW rego expired more than three months ago
- You're registering an interstate vehicle in NSW for the first time
- Service NSW has asked for one, for example after certain modifications
A blue slip is valid for 42 days, so book it close to when you plan to register the car.
What if the car fails?
If something doesn't pass, we'll show you exactly what it is and why. Many fails are small fixes like a blown globe, a worn wiper or a tyre past its limit. Because we're a full workshop, we can usually fix it on the spot and re-inspect, instead of sending you somewhere else.
Five-minute prep before you come in
- Walk around the car with the lights, indicators and brake lights on. A friend helps.
- Check tyre tread and look for bulges or cuts on the sidewalls.
- Make sure the windscreen has no large cracks in the driver's view.
- Top up washer fluid and check the wipers clear the glass.
- Bring your rego details. For a blue slip, bring proof of ownership as well.
Booking a pink or blue slip in Colyton
We're a NSW authorised inspection station at 86 Great Western Highway, Colyton, at the Pearl service station. Walk-ins are welcome, or call (02) 9677 0389 to check timing. Inspection fees and rules are set by Transport for NSW and can change, so check with us or Service NSW if you're unsure.
