When you’re renovating, repairing, or building a home, there’s one mistake you cannot afford to make: hiring an unlicensed contractor. Whether it’s a painter, plumber, builder, sparkie, or tiler, checking their license is your first line of defence against poor workmanship, financial loss, and even safety risks.

And yet, surprisingly, many Australians skip this step. A national consumer survey found that a large percentage of homeowners never verify a contractor’s license before signing a contract. Most assume the person “looks professional” or was “recommended by someone trusted.”

But here’s the truth:
If something goes wrong, the law protects you only if the contractor was properly licensed.

So let’s break this down simply and clearly on how to verify a contractor’s license in Australia without any confusion.

Why License Verification Matters More Than You Think

Hiring a licensed contractor isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about ensuring the person working on your biggest asset, your home, is trained, insured, and legally accountable.

A valid license guarantees:

✔ Professional training & qualifications

Contractors must meet strict competency requirements in each state.

✔ Compliance with state building regulations

Licensed trades must follow safety codes and standards.

✔ Insurance eligibility

In most states, home building compensation insurance is mandatory for projects above certain values, but only licensed contractors can get it.

✔ Financial protection

If a contractor disappears, becomes insolvent, or leaves faulty work, you may be eligible for compensation only if they were licensed.

✔ Reduced risk

According to Fair Trading reports, the majority of building disputes arise from unlicensed or improperly licensed work.

Verifying a license is a two-minute task. Recovering from a dodgy contractor can take months.

Step-by-Step: How to Verify a Contractor License in Every State and Territory

Each state in Australia manages its own trade licensing, so the process varies slightly.
Below is a simple, bookmark-worthy guide.

Step 1: Ask for Their Full Name, License Number & Trade Category

This is non-negotiable.

A licensed contractor will never hesitate to provide:

• Their full legal name (matching ID)
• License number
• Trade classification (builder, electrician, plumber, etc.)
• Company name (if applicable)

If they dodge the question, change the topic, or insist “you don’t need that”- Big red flag.

Step 2: Look Up Their License on the Official Government Register

Here’s where you do the actual verification.

NSW – Service NSW License Check

Covers builders, plumbers, electricians, and more.

VIC – Victorian Building Authority (VBA)

Used for registered builders and plumbers.

QLD – QBCC License Search

One of the most detailed registries includes disciplinary history.

WA – Building and Energy WA

Licensed building practitioners and contractors.

SA – Consumer and Business Services (CBS)

Quick and simple license search.

TAS – Occupational Licensing Tasmania

Electrical, plumbing, gas, and building services.

ACT – Access Canberra

All construction and trade licenses.

NT – NT Building Practitioners Board

License search plus past disciplinary actions.

What should you check?

• License status: Active? Suspended? Expired?
• Trade category: Are they licensed for the exact work you need?
• License conditions: Some contractors have restrictions.
• Insurance eligibility (when listed).
• Complaints or disciplinary history (QLD and NT show these publicly).

Step 3: Confirm They’re Licensed for the Specific Work

Not all licenses are equal.

For example:

• A contractor licensed for carpentry may not be licensed for structural work.
• A plumber may not be authorised to do drainage.
• A builder may be limited to non-structural renovations.

One of the most common homeowner mistakes is assuming “a builder is a builder.”
But in Australia, licenses are highly specialised.

So always check whether their license covers exactly what they are promising to do.

Step 4: Ask for Proof of Insurance

In many states, contractors must provide:

✔ Home Warranty Insurance / Home Building Compensation (for larger jobs)

Protects homeowners if the builder goes bankrupt or disappears

✔ Public Liability Insurance

Covers property damage or injury.

✔ Workers Compensation

Protects workers on-site.

A licensed contractor will have easy access to these documents.
Unlicensed operators usually won’t.

Step 5: Verify Their Identity on the Day Work Begins

This step surprises most people, but it’s important.

Some dodgy operators use someone else’s license number.

A quick check on day one:

• Ask for their photo ID
• Make sure the name matches the license
• Confirm the business name is the same as the one on your contract

A two-minute check that can save thousands.

What If a Contractor Isn’t Licensed?

Here’s what you should not do:
Don’t rely on verbal promises or “cheaper cash quotes.”

Hiring an unlicensed contractor can lead to:

• No insurance coverage
• No legal protection
• Higher risk of defects
• Fines for you (in certain states)

In NSW and QLD, for example, unlicensed building work can result in penalties of up to tens of thousands of dollars.

Final Thoughts: Make License Verification Your First Step, Not Your Last

Verifying a contractor license is simple, quick, and free.
But the protection it gives you is priceless.

Homeowners often say:
“I wish I had checked earlier.”

Don’t be one of them.

Before signing, before paying, before work begins—
Check the license. Always.

This blog does not constitute any legal advise.