The register in each state
Each regulator describes its own search a little differently. This is what each one says it does.
| State | Search | What the regulator says |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Verify NSW | Look up the contractor’s name or licence number to make sure their licence is valid. NSW also keeps a register of building work orders, which shows whether a builder has any current orders or restrictions on their projects. |
| Victoria | BPC practitioner search | Search by practitioner name, business name, registration or licence number, location or type of work. The BPC’s Compliance and Enforcement Register shows certain disciplinary or prosecution action, though not every complaint, enquiry, inspection or compliance activity appears on it. |
| Queensland | QBCC licensee register | The register gives a complete licence history. All licensed contractors in Queensland are listed in it, and if you cannot find someone, there’s a chance they’re not licensed. |
| Western Australia | Find a registered building service provider | It is illegal to contract for or carry out a building service without the appropriate licence or registration from Building and Energy. Check it is current on one of the online registers before entering an agreement. |
| South Australia | CBS licensing register | Check whether a person or company is licensed to do the work; the register covers builders. SA also keeps a public assurances register, which lists a business if there have been official concerns about its work in the past. |
| Tasmania | Find a licensed tradesperson | Covers builders among other licensed occupations, and shows current licence holders only. From 1 October 2026 the former CBOS functions moved to Consumer Affairs Tasmania and Building Standards Tasmania, so older references to CBOS point to those agencies. |
| ACT | Access Canberra public registers | The building and construction page lists the public registers, including a list of builders. |
What to look at once you find the record
Victoria’s BPC lists four things to confirm before you appoint a practitioner:
- they hold the right registration or licence for this kind of work
- that registration or licence is still current
- whether it carries any conditions or limits
- whether the work needs insurance.
Whose name is on the licence
In NSW, a licence in an individual’s name does not let that person’s company or partnership make the contract, even if they are a director or partner. If a company or partnership is making the contract, it needs a licence in its own name. icare’s pages on the Home Building Compensation Fund say the building contract, the licence and the certificate of insurance must all carry the same name.
Why it matters for insurance
In Victoria, you cannot get Home Warranty insurance unless the builder is properly registered. In Queensland, the QBCC warns that working with someone unlicensed may void your access to the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme. Notice 02 covers the schemes.
The card in their pocket
A QBCC licence comes as a physical card and as a digital licence on a phone, and both are valid. The QBCC says to always ask to see one before you sign a contract or hand over money. A card shows who someone is; the register shows whether the licence is current today.
When the law asks for a licence or registration
The point at which a builder must be licensed is set by each state. Two examples show how different they are.
Queensland
A QBCC licence is needed for building work valued over $3,300, and for some work at any value, including plumbing or drainage, gas fitting, chemical termite management and fire protection.
Victoria
Builders and tradespeople must be registered with the BPC for work worth more than $10,000, unless the job involves only one of a listed set of trades such as plastering, tiling or painting. Registration is also needed, whatever the value, for work that needs a building permit, such as reblocking, restumping or demolishing a home.
Warning signs the regulators name
NSW lists three kinds of contractor to be wary of:
- One who encourages you to sign quickly to avoid a price increase, which NSW calls usually a sales pitch.
- One who proposes that you take out an owner-builder permit while they arrange all the building work. NSW says this could be a ploy if they lack the right licence, cannot get home warranty insurance or want to avoid responsibility.
- One whose quote seems extremely low compared to others.
The QBCC adds advertising: an ad without the contractor’s name and QBCC licence number may mean they are unlicensed, and a low advertised price can help disguise that.
The QBCC is direct about it: it is your responsibility to check that the person is licensed to do the work, and someone else having hired them does not necessarily mean they were licensed.
Questions to ask while you check
NSW publishes a list of questions to ask before hiring. A few that go with the licence check:
- What is your contractor licence number? Then check it, and review the licence history for disciplinary action.
- Who will supervise the work? On a large job, NSW suggests the supervisor have enough experience in that type of work and a current Supervisor Certificate from Building Commission NSW.
- What other jobs do you have on? A contractor with a lot of work on may not manage your job as well.
- Can I speak to previous clients? Ask whether the job finished on time, stayed close to the quote and had defects fixed promptly.