Is there one national tradie licence in Australia?

For most trades, no. Licensing is run separately by each state and territory, so the rules depend on where the work is being done.

How do I check if a tradie is licensed?

Ask for their licence number, then look it up on your state or territory regulator's public register. Confirm it is current, covers the type of work and matches the business name.

Does every trade need a licence?

No. Work like electrical, plumbing and gas fitting is commonly regulated, while many other jobs such as painting or gardening often aren't. Rules vary by state and territory, so check with your regulator.

How can I check an ABN?

Use the free ABN Lookup service run by the Australian Government to confirm the registered business name and whether the ABN is active.

Where can I find which licences apply to my business?

The Australian Government's ABLIS tool on business.gov.au lets you search for the licences and permits that apply to your activity in each state and territory.

Guide

Tradie licensing in Australia

Whether you're hiring a tradie or running a trade business, it helps to understand how licensing works. Here's a plain-English overview of the system, how to check a licence, and where to get the official answer for your state or territory.

Last updated 20 September 2026

How trade licensing works in Australia

For most trades there is no single national licence. Instead, each state and territory runs its own licensing system, with its own rules about which work needs a licence, what qualifications and experience are required, and how licences are renewed. A licence issued in one state doesn't automatically let someone work in another, although some arrangements exist for recognising licences across borders.

Which work is commonly regulated?

The exact list depends on where you live, but the following types of work are commonly regulated and often need a licensed person:

Electrical work
Plumbing, drainage and gas fitting
Building and structural work, especially larger jobs
Air conditioning and refrigeration
Some specialist work such as waterproofing or certain roofing tasks

Other jobs — such as general handyman work, painting, cleaning, gardening or landscaping — often don't need a trade licence, though rules can vary and some tasks within them may be regulated.

For homeowners: how to check a licence

Ask the tradie for their licence number and the name it is registered under.
Look up the licence on your state or territory regulator's public register.
Confirm it is current, covers the type of work you need, and matches the business you're dealing with.
Ask whether the business carries public liability insurance, and for a certificate of currency if you'd like to see it.
Check the business's ABN on the free ABN Lookup service.

The Australian Government's ABLIS licence finder helps you find the licences and permits that apply to a type of work in each state and territory, and links to the right regulator. You can verify an ABN at ABN Lookup.

For tradies: keeping your licence in order

Make sure your licence covers the type of work you quote for, and the state or territory you're working in
Renew on time and keep your details up to date with the regulator
Show your licence number where required — many regulators expect it on quotes, invoices and advertising
Keep your insurance current
Keep records of the paperwork you provide when regulated work is completed

Listing your business on TradieCorner? Include your ABN and licence details on your directory profile — customers look for them.

Why licensing matters

Licensing is there to protect people and property. Regulated work such as electrical, gas and plumbing carries real safety risks, and licensed tradies are held to standards and can be held accountable. Using an unlicensed person for regulated work can leave you with work that must be redone, problems with insurance, and difficulty getting a remedy if something goes wrong.

Frequently asked questions

Is there one national tradie licence in Australia?: For most trades, no. Licensing is run separately by each state and territory, so the rules depend on where the work is being done.
How do I check if a tradie is licensed?: Ask for their licence number, then look it up on your state or territory regulator's public register. Confirm it is current, covers the type of work and matches the business name.
Does every trade need a licence?: No. Work like electrical, plumbing and gas fitting is commonly regulated, while many other jobs such as painting or gardening often aren't. Rules vary by state and territory, so check with your regulator.
How can I check an ABN?: Use the free ABN Lookup service run by the Australian Government to confirm the registered business name and whether the ABN is active.
Where can I find which licences apply to my business?: The Australian Government's ABLIS tool on business.gov.au lets you search for the licences and permits that apply to your activity in each state and territory.