Where to verify a tradie’s licence in each state

Short answer. You can verify any tradie in minutes by checking the official state register, matching the name or licence number, confirming status and expiry, and saving a screenshot before you pay a deposit.

This guide shows where to verify a tradie’s licence in each state, what to look for on the record, and the red flags to avoid. You will also see extra checks like ABN, insurance coverage, and public records searches. Save screenshots or PDFs of each licence search so you keep a complete history for your job folder.

Why it’s important to check a tradie’s licence

Checking a tradie’s licence protects your home, your money, and your warranty. It confirms they’re legally allowed to carry out the work you’re paying for.

While Trade Heroes doesn’t directly vet or licence tradies, every member must include a valid ABN and confirm they’re insured when they register. We also run random spot checks to help keep listings honest, and we’ll soon be introducing verification badges for those who’ve been fully checked by Trade Heroes.

Before paying a deposit or signing anything, it’s always smart to double-check your tradie’s licence on your local authority’s website.

To learn more about how we support both tradies and homeowners, visit our About Us page: https://www.tradeheroes.com.au/about-us.

What trades require a licence in Australia

Electrical, plumbing and gasfitting always require licences, and many building works also require licensed or registered practitioners.

Common licensed categories include builder, electrician, plumber, gasfitter, air conditioning and refrigeration, waterproofing, asbestos removal, and pest control. Exact licence type and job value thresholds vary by state. In several states you must check both the individual licensee and the licensed company or contractor entity. For planning, timelines, and business rules that affect building services, see Business at https://www.tradeheroes.com.au/business.

Do all tradies need to be licensed

No, not every task requires a licence, but regulated trades and most structural building work do; when in doubt, check the register.

Examples that usually do not require a licence include minor painting or flat-pack assembly. Licensed tasks include switchboard and other electrical work, hot water systems and most plumbing work, waterproofing, and domestic building work that affects structure. Insurance and compliance certificates usually require a registered practitioner or licensed contractor.

How do I tell if a licence number is legitimate

Match the name, number, status, expiry date, category, and trading entity on the official register before you book.

Use this five-point check.

1. Name or licence number matches your quote and the plastic card.
2. Status is current or active. No suspensions.
3. Licence type or category covers the scope, for example electrical work or plumbing work.
4. Expiry date is in the future for your scheduled start.
5. Entity on the invoice matches the licensee listed where your state ties licences to companies.

Save a PDF or screenshot. If the licensee name and the account name on the invoice do not match, ask for written clarification. For seasonal scam alerts and regulator updates, check News at https://www.tradeheroes.com.au/news.

Can a tradie operate without a licence

No for regulated trades like electrical, plumbing and gasfitting; it is illegal and unsafe.

Penalties vary by state and can affect insurance coverage and warranty claims. Unlicensed work may need to be redone by a licensed contractor, which adds cost and delay. Report serious concerns to the relevant authority in your state.

What information should be on a tradie licence

Expect name, licence or registration number, category, status, expiry date, and in some states the authorised business.

Some registers also list conditions, geographic limits, and disciplinary notes. For building practitioners, you may see supervisor or nominee details who carry legal responsibilities. A plastic card is not enough without an exact match on the public register.

Is there a national tradie licence register

No, licences are issued at state level; always use the official state or territory register for accurate status.

Mutual recognition exists between states, but live status still appears on state sites. Bookmark your state’s register and recheck if your quote validity is long. If you do not have a contact, browse verified profiles in our Directory at https://www.tradeheroes.com.au/directory.

Do apprentices need to be licensed

Apprentices work under a licensed supervisor; the contracting entity must still hold the correct licence.

Ask who signs the compliance certificate for electrical or plumbing. You can request photo ID for people who attend your site so you can tie the person to the individual licence or the supervising licensee.

What happens if I hire an unlicensed tradie

You risk unsafe work, rejected insurance claims, fines, and extra costs to fix or certify the job later.

Example 1. Unlicensed switchboard work fails and causes damage. Your insurer rejects the claim.

Example 2. Waterproofing without the required class leads to leaks. You pay again for a registered building practitioner to rectify and certify.

If this happens, stop work, document, contact your state regulator, and book a licensed rectification. If you need help triaging next steps or want to report a listing, use Contact us at https://www.tradeheroes.com.au/contact-us.

What is the difference between a registered and licensed tradie

Registered often means authorised to perform or supervise classes of work; licensed often covers business-level authority to contract for that work.

Terms vary by state. You may need to check the individual licensee and the contractor licence for the company that will invoice you. Confirm who signs certificates and warranties on your job.

Where to verify by state and territory

Use this section as your quick map. Search by name or licence number. Confirm the licence type, status, expiry, and any conditions. During production, insert the official URLs for each regulator.

New South Wales

• Regulator: NSW Fair Trading for builders and specialist trades. Electrical worker licensing appears through NSW systems aligned with SafeWork.
• Check: name match, class of work, conditions, disciplinary action, expiry.
• Certificates: Electrical and plumbing compliance certificates issued by licence holders in NSW.
• Notes: Some records link to administrative tribunal outcomes for civil proceedings or disciplinary matters.

Victoria

• Regulators: Victorian Building Authority for building practitioners and plumbers, Energy Safe Victoria for electrical licences.
• Check: practitioner registration for domestic building work, company vs person, insurance eligibility, any restrictions.
• Certificates: VBA compliance certificates for plumbing work.
• Notes: Builders may appear as registered building practitioners with a registration number and classes.

Queensland

• Regulator: Queensland Building and Construction Commission for builders and many trades.
• Check: licence class scope, financial category, conditions, disciplinary history.
• Notes: Gas work licensing is separate. QBCC entries often show a more complete history of the licensee and company.

Western Australia

• Regulator: Building and Energy WA. Registers for building contractor, electrical work licences, and plumbing contractor or tradesperson.
• Check: electrical worker vs contractor, plumbing contractor vs tradesperson, builder registration and nominated supervisor.
• Notes: Confirm the licensed company that will carry and guarantee the building work.

South Australia

• Regulator: Consumer and Business Services for building work contractor and supervisor licences.
• Check: licence conditions, supervisor name, business entity, expiry.
• Notes: Search can surface disciplinary action and restrictions.

Tasmania

• Regulator: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services for building practitioners, electricians, and plumbers.
• Check: licence class, expiry, conditions, and whether the person or company can carry out the work.
• Notes: Confirm who issues compliance certificates for plumbing work.

Australian Capital Territory

• Regulator: Access Canberra for construction occupations and specialist trades.
• Check: occupation class, status, conditions, expiry.
• Notes: Electrical and plumbing work require licensed practitioners who issue compliance certificates.

Northern Territory

• Regulators: Building Practitioners Board for building practitioners. Electrical and plumbing through NT authorities.
• Check: registration category, expiry, and the contracting entity.
• Notes: Confirm whether the company holds authority to engage and contract.

One-page licence check table

How to read a register page in 30 seconds

Match the licensee name, licence type, class, status, and expiry to your quote and invoice.

Look for conditions that limit scope. Confirm the company that will invoice you holds the right authority. Save a screenshot to your job folder named State-Surname-LicenceNumber-Date so you can retrieve the complete history of checks later.

Red flags for licence fraud

Do not proceed if the card looks altered, the trading name is different to the register, the licence has expired, or the person cannot show ID.

Other red flags include licence numbers that belong to another person, or a contractor refusing a licence search. If a listing feels wrong, pause, verify with the relevant authority, and only then hire.

Extra verification beyond the licence

Run basic company and public record checks so you can make an informed decision.

• ABN and ASIC. Confirm the ABN is active and the trading name matches your quote. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission lists company matters like deregistration or external administration.
• Public records. Search state administrative tribunal and state and federal courts indexes for the trading name or principal. Results do not prove fault, but flag further searches.
• Insurance coverage. Request a current public liability certificate naming the same business as the licence holder.
• AFSA. The Australian Financial Security Authority holds insolvency notices. Check if you want a more complete history before you commit to a high-value contract.
• References. Call two recent customers. Ask about schedule, price accuracy, and aftercare. Save notes.

These checks help you verify professionals and reduce risk on construction and home repairs.

Simple workflow before you book

1. Get a written quote that lists licence number, scope, price, and an estimated start.
2. Run the licence search for the person and the company. Save screenshots.
3. Confirm insurance and request a certificate of currency.
4. Match the bank account name to the licensed entity before any payment.
5. Use staged payments with milestones. Keep invoices and receipts.
6. Book only after everything aligns.

FAQs

Why is it important to check a tradie’s licence

It protects your safety, warranty, and money by proving the tradie can legally do the work. You also see expiry dates, conditions, and sometimes disciplinary history.

What trades require a licence in Australia

Electrical, plumbing and gasfitting always need licences, and many building categories require registration or licensing. When unsure, search the state register.

Do all tradies need to be licensed

No, only regulated trades and most structural work. Minor tasks may not need licensing, but insurance may still require qualified people.

How do I tell if a licence number is legitimate

Match name, number, status, expiry, and entity on the official register. Save a screenshot to your job folder.

Can a tradie operate without a licence

No for regulated trades. It is illegal and can void insurance and warranties.

What information should be on a tradie licence

Name, number, category, status, expiry, and sometimes the authorised business. Conditions and notes may also appear.

Is there a national tradie licence register

No. Licences are state based, so you must use the state or territory public register.

Do apprentices need to be licensed

They work under a licensed supervisor. The contractor entity must still hold the correct licence and issue certificates.

What happens if I hire an unlicensed tradie

You risk unsafe work and extra cost to fix it. Stop work, document, contact the regulator, and book a licensed rectification.