How to check a tradie's licence in every Australian state
Where to check a plumber, electrician or builder's licence in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and the NT, and what the result should match.
Key takeaways
- Licensing is set by each state and territory, so the register you check depends on where the work happens.
- Check the licence class covers the exact work — a licence for one trade does not cover another.
- Match the name, ABN and licence number on the quote to the public register before work starts.
Why the licence check matters
Electrical, plumbing, gas fitting and most residential building work above a set value must be done by a licensed person in every state and territory. Unlicensed work can void insurance, fail compliance inspections and leave you paying twice. A two-minute check on a public register is the cheapest protection a homeowner, renter or landlord has.
Where to check, state by state
Each state and territory publishes its own licence lookup. Regulator names change from time to time, so if a link has moved, search the regulator's name plus "licence check".
- New South Wales — NSW Fair Trading's licence check (also available through Service NSW) covers builders, plumbers, gasfitters and electricians.
- Victoria — the Building and Plumbing Commission (formerly the Victorian Building Authority) registers builders and plumbers; Energy Safe Victoria licenses electricians.
- Queensland — the QBCC licenses building and plumbing contractors; the Electrical Safety Office licenses electrical workers and contractors.
- Western Australia — Building and Energy keeps the registers for builders, plumbers, electricians and gas fitters.
- South Australia — Consumer and Business Services licenses building, plumbing, gas fitting and electrical contractors.
- Tasmania — Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) keeps the occupational licence register.
- Australian Capital Territory — Access Canberra licenses builders, plumbers, gasfitters and electricians.
- Northern Territory — separate licensing boards cover building practitioners, plumbers and drainers, and electrical workers and contractors.
What the result should match
A register entry is only useful if it matches the business in front of you.
- The name on the licence matches the person or company on the quote.
- The licence is current, not suspended, cancelled or expired.
- The licence class covers the specific work — for example gas fitting, not just water plumbing.
- Any conditions on the licence (such as supervision requirements) fit the job.
- The ABN on the quote is active on the Australian Business Register.
Trades that usually need a licence
Electrical, plumbing, drainage and gas work need a licence everywhere in Australia. Air-conditioning refrigerant handling needs a national refrigerant handling licence. Building work above a state-set dollar threshold — often including waterproofing, roofing and structural carpentry — needs a building licence, and some states also license painting, tiling or fencing above a threshold. Cleaning, gardening and rubbish removal generally do not need a trade licence, but insurance still matters.
Insurance is a separate check
A licence is not proof of insurance. Ask for a current certificate of currency for public liability insurance, and for larger residential building work ask whether home warranty or domestic building insurance applies in your state. Check the policy dates cover the job dates.
How Fixit247 fits in
Fixers on Fixit247 can supply business, ABN, licence and insurance details for review. A verification status does not mean every Fixer is licensed for every task, so you should still confirm the licence covers your exact job before you accept a quote. Posting a request is free and you are never obliged to proceed.
General information only, reviewed for Australian conditions. Rules differ between states and territories and change over time, so confirm details with the relevant regulator. Call 000 in an emergency. Editorial policy
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