Car Loan Basics: What Documents Do You Need for a Car Loan in Australia?

If you're applying for a car loan in Australia, one of the most common questions is:

What documents do I need for a car loan?

The good news is that most applications require only a few key documents. Lenders simply need to verify your identity, income, and ability to repay the loan.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the car loan documents typically required in Australia.

1. Proof of Identity (ID)

All Australian car loan applications require proof of identity.

You’ll usually need:

• Australian driver’s licence
• Passport (if available)
• Medicare card (in some cases)

Many lenders now use electronic ID verification, so you may only need to enter your licence details online.

Why it’s required:
Australian lenders must comply with anti-money laundering regulations, which means identity verification is mandatory.

2. Proof of Income for a Car Loan

To approve your application, lenders need evidence that you can afford the repayments.

Most commonly required documents:

• Your last 1–2 payslips
• Employment details (employer name and length of employment)
• Sometimes your latest PAYG summary

If you're a full-time or part-time employee, payslips are usually enough.

If you're casual, on probation, or recently changed jobs, a lender may request additional income history.

3. Bank Statements (Sometimes Required)

Not every lender will ask for bank statements, but many do.

You may need:

• 90 days of bank statements
• Statements showing salary credits
• Statements for existing debts

Bank statements help lenders assess your living expenses and repayment behaviour.

Some lenders require up to 90 days of bank statements to verify income and assess living expenses.

At CarClarity, we securely collect your bank statements before submitting your application using illion’s bank statement retrieval service. This allows you to provide your statements safely through a read-only, encrypted connection — without downloading or emailing sensitive documents.

By verifying your financial information upfront, we can ensure your application is accurately prepared and matched with the right lender, helping reduce delays and unnecessary back-and-forth.

4. Vehicle Details or Car Invoice

Before your car loan settles, the lender will need details about the vehicle.

This usually includes:

• A copy of the vehicle invoice or purchase contract
• Make, model, and year
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Dealer details (if buying from a dealership)

If purchasing privately, extra documentation may be required to confirm ownership and registration.

5. Details of Existing Debts

While you may not need to upload documents immediately, you’ll need to provide accurate details about:

• Credit cards (limit and balance)
• Personal loans
• Existing car loans
• HECS/HELP debt

Lenders will verify this information through your credit report.

6. Additional Documents for Self-Employed Applicants

If you’re self-employed, the car loan documents required are more extensive.

Typically, lenders request:

• 1–2 years of personal tax returns
• Notice of Assessment from the ATO
• Business bank statements
• BAS statements (if applicable)

Because self-employed income can vary, lenders assess it over a longer period.

7. Proof of Address (If Required)

If your current address doesn’t match your ID, you may need:

• Utility bill
• Lease agreement
• Rates notice

This is not always required but can be requested in some cases.

How to Prepare for a Car Loan Application

To avoid delays when applying for a car loan in Australia:

• Ensure payslips are recent
• Make sure your name is clearly visible on bank statements
• Have your vehicle invoice ready
• Provide accurate information about debts

Being organised can significantly speed up approval times.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Car Loan Documents

How many payslips do I need for a car loan?

Most lenders require your last 1–2 payslips. Casual employees may need to provide more.

Do I need bank statements for a car loan?

Not always. Some lenders rely on payslips only, while others require up to 90 days of statements.

Can I get a car loan without proof of income?

In most cases, proof of income is required. Some low-doc options may exist but usually come with stricter criteria or higher interest rates.

Do I need a deposit to apply for a car loan?

A deposit is not always required, but having one can improve your approval chances and reduce the loan amount.

Final Thoughts

The documents needed for a car loan in Australia are generally straightforward:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of income
• Bank statements (sometimes)
• Vehicle details
• Debt information

While the documents required for a car loan are generally straightforward, knowing exactly what to provide — and when — can make the process much smoother.

At CarClarity, we guide you through the application from start to finish. Our specialists understand each lender’s requirements and will let you know precisely which documents are needed based on your situation, helping you avoid delays and move forward with confidence.

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