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How to check a tradie's licence before they start work
Updated . General information only, not advice for your situation. 3 min read.
By Mallu Team
How this guide is written: facts only, from the sources listed at the end. Mallu does not give advice.
The short answer
Check it online, for free.
Ask for the licence number, then look it up on your state regulator's register before work starts. Mallu lists 68 tradies and builders but does not check licences.
Illustrative image. AI-generated illustration, not a photo of a real person or business.
Who to check with, by state
New South Wales
Licence check through NSW Fair Trading and Service NSW
NSW
Victoria
Plumbers and builders: Victorian Building Authority. Electricians: Energy Safe Victoria.
VIC
Queensland
QBCC for builders and plumbers. Electrical Safety Office for electricians.
QLD
Western Australia
Building and Energy
WA
South Australia
Consumer and Business Services
SA
Tasmania
Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)
TAS
ACT
Access Canberra
ACT
Ask for the licence number first
A licensed tradie will give you their licence number without fuss, and it should also be on their quote or invoice. If they will not, find someone else.
Where to look it up
Each state and territory runs its own register. Regulators change their names and websites from time to time, so search for your state name plus 'licence check' if a link has moved.
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading, through Service NSW.
- Victoria: the Victorian Building Authority (plumbers and builders) and Energy Safe Victoria (electricians).
- Queensland: the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), and the Electrical Safety Office for electricians.
- Western Australia: Building and Energy.
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services.
- Tasmania: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS).
- ACT: Access Canberra.
Then
- Check the name on the licence matches the person or business quoting.
- Check the licence covers the work you want done.
- Get the quote in writing before work starts.
Quick answers
Do I need to check an electrician's licence?
Yes. Electrical work needs a licensed electrician in Australia. Ask for the licence number and check it on your state regulator's online register before work starts.
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Sources
- NSW Fair Trading
- Victorian Building Authority
- Energy Safe Victoria
- Queensland Building and Construction Commission
- Building and Energy (Western Australia)
- Consumer and Business Services (South Australia)
- Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (Tasmania)
- Access Canberra
Check each source for the latest details.