PPSR Check — Don't Pay $30 for a $2 Check

Updated March 2026

Scam Warning

Third-party sites charge $20-$35 for a PPSR check that costs $2 from the official government site. These sites often appear first in Google results. Always go direct to ppsr.gov.au.

What is a PPSR Check?

The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) tells you if a motorcycle has money owing on it (finance), is listed as stolen, or has been written off. It's the most important check you can do before buying a used bike.

How to Run an Official PPSR Check

Go to ppsr.gov.au (the official Australian Government site)
Click "Search the register"
Select "Motor Vehicle" as the search type
Enter the VIN number or chassis number from the bike
Pay the $2 fee (credit card or PayPal)
Download your certificate — it shows any encumbrances or security interests

What the PPSR Check Tells You

Finance owing

Is there money still owed to a lender?

Stolen status

Has the bike been reported stolen?

Write-off history

Has it been in a major accident?

Security interests

Are there any legal claims on the bike?

What PPSR Does NOT Tell You

Mechanical condition — you need a pre-purchase inspection for that
Service history — ask the seller for records
Accident history that wasn't reported — minor damage may not appear
Whether the bike is roadworthy — that's a separate inspection

Need help evaluating a bike?

Scout can analyse any motorcycle listing and tell you what to watch out for.

Ask Scout

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