Builder licence checks state by state.
Residential building work requires a licence.
Every Australian jurisdiction requires a person who carries out or contracts to carry out residential building work above a specified value to hold a current contractor licence issued by the relevant authority. In NSW the threshold is $5,000; in VIC there is no minimum for any residential work.
An unlicensed builder cannot lawfully perform the work. Where work is performed without a licence, the homeowner may have limited recourse under consumer protection legislation but loses access to the protections available under the relevant Home Building Act or Domestic Building Contracts Act.
Licence checks are available via the public registers published by each state licensing authority. Most allow searches by name, licence number, company name or ABN.
Whether the builder holds a current, valid licence
The licence class and categories of work authorised
Whether the licence is under conditions, suspension or cancellation
The trading name and licence number for the entity
Whether a licence has expired or lapsed
Tribunal or court findings against the builder
Whether the builder or their companies have been insolvent
Director history or related-entity links
Credit file data including payment defaults or court writs
Supplier payment history or PPSR registrations
What the licence class means.
NSW Fair Trading issues contractor licences and supervisor certificates. The most relevant class for residential construction is the Contractor Licence (CL). A Contractor Licence authorises the holder to carry out and contract for the work described in the licence. A Supervisor Certificate does not authorise the holder to enter into a contract — they must work under a licensed contractor.
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) registers building practitioners under several classes. The Domestic Builder (Unlimited) registration allows the holder to manage and carry out all phases of residential construction. Domestic Builder (Limited) restricts the holder to specific categories of work, such as wet areas or structural. Some practitioners hold a builder's licence but can only act as a project manager under contract to a registered builder.
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) issues contractor licences across several categories. The Builder – Low Rise licence covers residential construction of three storeys or fewer. Builder – Medium Rise covers up to three-storey class 2–9 buildings. QBCC also publishes completed decisions and findings against licensees on their public register.
Building and Energy (formerly DMIRS) issues contractor licences under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011. The Builder (Unlimited) licence is required for residential work. Builders may also hold limited registrations covering specific work categories. The register shows the class, conditions and current status.
Official licence registers by state.
Each register is maintained by the relevant state licensing authority and links directly to the official source.
Licence check
Covers contractor licences and supervisor certificates. Search by name, licence number or company.
Register of Building Practitioners
Lists registration class, status and any conditions, suspensions or cancellations.
Licence search
Covers contractor licences. Also discloses completed decisions and findings against licence holders.
Contractor licence search
Search by registration number, name or company. Shows licence class and current status.
Builders licence register
Displays current status and licence class for building work contractors.
Building practitioners
Covers licences under the Building Act 2016. Includes owner-builders.
Builder licence register
Covers building contractor licences and certifiers under the Building Act 2004.
Occupational licences
Search for licensed builders and tradespeople operating in the Northern Territory.
What suspension and cancellation mean.
Suspension means the builder temporarily cannot lawfully carry out or contract for the work covered by the licence. A suspended builder cannot legally start new jobs or continue with jobs that require a current licence. Depending on the jurisdiction and reason, suspension may be pending a show-cause hearing, the outcome of a disciplinary process or unpaid levies.
Cancellation means the licence has been revoked. A cancelled licence cannot be reinstated — the builder must apply for a new licence, which may be refused depending on the reason for cancellation. Cancellations following disciplinary action or fraud are typically visible on the public register for a period.
In NSW, the NSW Fair Trading register notes conditions, suspension and cancellation. In QLD, the QBCC register includes completed decisions. In VIC, the VBA register notes the registration status including any active conditions.
Licence under conditions.
A licence held under conditions restricts the builder in some way beyond the ordinary requirements of the licence class. Common conditions include restrictions on the value of contracts the builder may enter into, requirements to hold additional insurance, supervision requirements or restrictions on the type of work that may be undertaken.
Conditions are typically imposed following a disciplinary matter, an adverse finding by a tribunal, or as a result of the builder failing to meet financial requirements. The conditions are visible on the public register and form part of the licence details.
Run a builder report