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Checking a tradie's licence is the single most important step before hiring anyone for building, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work in Australia. It takes less than a minute, costs nothing, and can save you thousands in dodgy work, failed inspections, and insurance headaches.

Why Licence Checks Matter

• Legal compliance — Most trade work in Australia requires a licence by law. Using an unlicensed tradie is often an offence for both the tradie and the homeowner.
• Insurance protection — Work done by unlicensed tradies may void your home and contents insurance. If an unlicensed plumber causes a flood, your insurer may refuse the claim.
• Quality assurance — Licensed tradies have completed formal training (usually a 4-year apprenticeship) and passed regulatory assessments.
• Dispute resolution — If something goes wrong, you have access to state tribunal processes and consumer protection only if the tradie is licensed.
• Compliance certificates — Only licensed tradies can issue the compliance certificates required for plumbing, electrical, and gas work.

State-by-State Licence Check Guide

New South Wales

NSW uses a single licence check system through Fair Trading. You can search by licence number, name, or business name.

Victoria

Victoria splits responsibilities between VBA (building and plumbing) and ESV (electrical). Both have online search tools.

Queensland

Queensland's QBCC licence check is one of the most comprehensive in Australia. It shows the licence holder's name, licence class, insurance status, and any disciplinary actions.

Western Australia

WA uses the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for most trade licence checks.

South Australia

Tasmania

ACT

Northern Territory

National Licences

Some licences are national:

• ARCTick (Refrigerant Handling Licence) — Required for all HVAC work involving refrigerants. Check at arctick.org.
• Asbestos Removal — National register at asbestossafety.gov.au.

What Information You Need

To check a licence, you'll typically need one of the following:

• Licence number — The fastest and most reliable method
• Business name or ABN — Search by company name
• Individual's name — Search by the tradie's full name

Ask for the licence number when you first contact the tradie. A legitimate tradesperson will provide it without hesitation.

What to Look for in the Search Results

When you run a licence check, verify:

1. Licence is current (not expired or suspended)
2. Licence class covers your type of work (e.g., a "general plumber" licence may not cover gas fitting)
3. No disciplinary actions or complaints (most registries show this)
4. Insurance is current (some registries show insurance status)

What Happens If You Use an Unlicensed Tradie?

• No compliance certificate — The work cannot be certified as meeting Australian Standards
• Insurance risk — Your home insurance may not cover damage caused by unlicensed work
• No consumer protection — You lose access to state tribunal processes and building dispute resolution
• Safety risk — Untrained workers are more likely to produce substandard or dangerous work
• Resale issues — Non-compliant work can block property sales or reduce property value

Quick Checklist Before Hiring

• Licence number verified online
• Public liability insurance confirmed (minimum $5 million)
• Written, itemised quote provided
• Workmanship warranty stated
• Google Reviews or references checked
• ABN listed on quote/invoice