Seems like they've changed their policy a bit on this one. I had a couple of carnets from Aus (also NSW) over the last couple of years and they told me that the carnet isn't valid without current rego, but didn't pressure me to renew and give them a copy.

I would very much doubt that any overseas bodies will contact the AAA or NRMA to ask about your rego. If they really want to contact anyone it's going to be the RTA surely? I renewed my carnet as I travelled for more than 12 months, so had to have current rego to do that but didn't renew afterwards and haven't had any problems.

I had to send a scan of my valid rego to get the new carnet. I asked if the AAA could get confirmation from the RTA that my rego was valid but was told they couldn't due to privacy laws. Would have been easier for me if they could've done that instead of trying to find a scanner and good internet connection wherever I was in Africa at the time!

Can't speak about where you're travelling, but no-one ever asked me for proof of rego in Africa or Europe. In Africa the carnet was always enough and arriving in Europe and then the UK no-one asked for anything. Not even insurance. And for other countries in Europe they're allowed to deregister (SORN for UK) and still have the carnet as far as I know. In answer to your question, no the date of rego isn't on the carnet.

For NSW rego you don't even need to scan your old one and fake it - just use the renewal form that has the sticker on it already, no-one outside of Aus is going to know it's not paid as it's got the date on already.

Enjoy your trip,

Paul.