Release schedule
Dates may shift as we work with the sector to make transition as smooth as possible. If this happens, we will let you know.
Previous releases
The developer portal was first released in September 2025. The table below outlines all previous updates:
Release details
Scheduled date
Initial release (R1)
Launches the concept and provides a sample API for SMS vendors to view.
September 2025
Client Integration Environment release (R2)
Launch of the Client Integration environment which give developers the ability to work with the VDS Program's APIs.
API Context page has been updated with more content
6 x API Scenarios (stubbed) added (in a new tab)
Addition of Bruno collection JSON file for download
26 November 2025
Release 3 - OpenAPI spec
Release 3 (R3) enables SMS vendors to begin delivery planning, produce early planning and design artefacts and map SMS data models to VET IS elements in the API.
VET IS elements in the OpenAPI specification are mature, while still draft. It is still not recommended that vendors begin building at this stage; R3 supports planning rather than implementation.
26 March 2026
STARS Release 3 (R3) Release notes are available
Release 4 - Enable build
Release 4 (R4) enables SMS suppliers to start developing integration with STARS.
Several business outcomes are sufficiently supported by stable APIs and related documentation to build against.
28 May 2026
STARS Release 4 (R4) Release notes are available
Release 5
Release 5 (R5) lets SMS suppliers test against the STARS business rules and updated APIs. SMS suppliers can now use Reference data APIs and support automated submission workflows.
Hot fix release 30 July 2026 addresses known issues.
21 July 2026
STARS Release 5 (R5) Release notes are available
Release 8 (STARS go-live)
The STARS go-live (R8) introduces data quality checks, the addition of jurisdiction to transaction batch and top-level resource operations, a classification data API, submitted in error enhancements, and other enhancements in readiness for VDS Stage 2 development.
1 October 2026
STARS Release 8 (R8) Release notes are available
Future releases will be added progressively.