QBCC Licence Fee Changes for 2026
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has confirmed updates to its licence fee schedule, effective 1 July 2026. The changes affect builders, trade contractors, and nominee supervisors across Queensland.
If you hold a QBCC licence — or you’re planning to apply for one — here’s what you need to know about the upcoming fee adjustments and how to prepare.
Key Changes to the Fee Structure
The revised schedule introduces tiered increases depending on licence class:
- Builder (Open) licence renewal fees will increase by approximately 5%, reflecting increased compliance and audit costs.
- Trade Contractor licence fees will see a modest rise of around 3%.
- A new online renewal discount of $15 will apply for licensees who renew via the QBCC portal before their expiry date.
- New application fees for all licence classes will also increase in line with CPI adjustments.
The QBCC has stated that the increases are necessary to fund expanded compliance programs and support the growing number of licensed practitioners in Queensland.
Who Is Affected?
All QBCC licence holders renewing on or after 1 July 2026 will be subject to the new fee schedule. This includes:
- Builders (open and low-rise)
- Trade contractors (all categories)
- Nominee supervisors
- Site supervisors
If your renewal date falls before 1 July, you’ll renew at the current rates. The QBCC recommends renewing early to lock in current rates where possible.
What Should You Do?
- Check your renewal date on the QBCC portal to determine which fee schedule applies to you.
- Budget for the updated fees if your renewal falls after 1 July 2026.
- Take advantage of the online discount by completing your renewal digitally before the expiry date.
- Review your licence class to ensure you hold the correct licence for the work you’re performing.
Impact on Homeowners
For homeowners hiring tradies in Queensland, these changes don’t directly affect you — but they do reinforce the importance of checking that your builder or contractor holds a current, valid QBCC licence. You can verify any Queensland tradesperson’s licence status using our licence checker tools.
For more detail on Queensland licensing requirements, see our guide on Australian builder licensing explained state by state.