WOVI Receipts: What You Must Keep and Why

The WOVI is partly an anti-theft measure: it exists to stop stolen and unsafe vehicles being re-registered. That's why the assessor treats your receipts as evidence. A vague handwritten note won't do - each receipt needs to be a proper tax invoice that ties a specific part to a legitimate supplier. Start collecting from the moment you win the salvage at Pickles, Manheim, Lloyds or Grays.

Safety-critical parts - the non-negotiables

These components get the closest scrutiny because they protect occupants in a crash. Expect every one of them to be checked against a receipt:

• Airbags and airbag control modules
• Seatbelts and seatbelt pretensioners
• Structural rails, chassis sections and crush zones
• Suspension and steering components
• Wheels and safety-related braking parts

What a valid receipt must show

• The supplier's name and ABN
• A description that clearly identifies the part
• The date of purchase
• For second-hand parts, the donor vehicle's identifying details
• The price paid and GST where applicable

Second-hand and donor vehicle parts

Recycled parts are fine and often essential for cost-effective repairs, but they carry the highest risk of being stolen, so they need the strongest documentation. The receipt from the wrecker must identify the donor vehicle. Without that link, a second-hand panel or airbag becomes unverifiable and will sink your inspection.

Receipts for labour and specialist work

If a workshop carried out structural straightening, welding or wheel alignment, keep their invoices and any measurement reports. These show the work was done to standard by someone competent, which supports the rest of your evidence.