Do I Need a Licence?

Hiring an unlicensed tradesperson for work that requires a licence puts you at risk. You may not be covered by statutory warranty or home building insurance schemes. In some states, both the homeowner and the unlicensed worker can face penalties. If something goes wrong, you will have limited options for dispute resolution through official channels.

You can verify a tradesperson's licence by searching their name or licence number on the relevant state licensing authority's website, or by using TradieVerify to search across all Australian states and territories in one place. Always ask for the licence number before hiring.

Some work — such as electrical, plumbing, and gas fitting — must always be done by a licensed professional, even on your own home. For other types of work, you may be able to do it yourself, but you might need an owner-builder permit if the value exceeds certain thresholds. Check with your state's licensing body for specific rules.

No. Each Australian state and territory has its own licensing body, thresholds, and requirements. For example, Queensland requires a QBCC licence for building work over $3,300, while Victoria's threshold is $10,000. Some trades like electrical and plumbing require a licence in every state regardless of cost.

A trade licence authorises a person to carry out specific types of work (e.g., electrical, plumbing, building). A building permit or development approval is a separate requirement from your local council that authorises the actual construction or renovation project. Many projects require both a licensed tradesperson and council approval.

Licensed tradespersons are generally required to hold appropriate insurance as a condition of their licence. You can ask your tradie to provide proof of insurance, including public liability and professional indemnity. Some state registers also show insurance status — use TradieVerify to verify.

If you discover your tradesperson is unlicensed after work has begun, stop the work and seek advice from your state's licensing authority or consumer affairs body. Document everything including contracts, payments, and photos of work completed. You may be able to lodge a complaint through the relevant state authority.

This tool covers the 10 most common categories of residential trade work in Australia. For specialised or niche trades not listed, we recommend contacting your state's licensing body directly or browsing our guides section for more detailed information.