Is it illegal to hire an unlicensed tradie in Australia?

In most Australian states, it is either illegal or a fineable offence for a homeowner to knowingly engage an unlicensed tradesperson for work that requires a licence. In NSW, for example, both the contractor and the person who engaged them can face penalties. Beyond the legal risk, hiring an unlicensed operator typically voids your home insurance for any damage related to that work, exposes you to liability if someone is injured on-site, and leaves you with no pathway to a warranty claim if the work is defective. The risk simply is not worth it when licence checks are free and take under a minute.

Can a tradie legally work under someone else's licence?

No. In Australia, a trade licence is issued to a specific individual and cannot be transferred or lent. A tradesperson who performs work under another person's licence — even an employer's — is operating illegally. This is a common scam where a company sends out unlicensed workers but quotes using a licensed director's credentials. Always ask the person who will physically be doing the work to confirm their own licence number, not just the company's. You can verify this by checking the name on the licence record matches the person on-site.

What trades require a licence in every Australian state?

Electrical wiring work and plumbing (including drainage and gas fitting) are licensed in every Australian state and territory without exception. Building and construction work above a certain project value threshold is also licensed across all jurisdictions, though the exact threshold varies by state — it is typically $10,000–$20,000. Asbestos removal is strictly licensed everywhere and must never be performed by an unlicensed operator due to the severe health risks. Other trades such as roofing, painting, tiling, and concreting are licensed in most but not all states. When in doubt, contact the licensing authority in your state and ask directly.

What happens if unlicensed work damages my home?

If unlicensed work causes damage to your property, you face several serious problems. Most home and contents insurance policies explicitly exclude damage caused by work performed by unlicensed operators, meaning your claim is likely to be rejected. You also have no recourse through the state's building or trade disputes process, which only covers work done by licensed contractors. Your only option is to pursue the unlicensed tradesperson directly through the court system, which is slow, expensive, and often fruitless if they have no assets. The most effective protection is verification before you hire — five seconds on a state licensing website can save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Tradie Tips

How to Check a Tradie's Licence in Australia — Free Lookup Guide (2026)

Sarah Connell— Home Improvement Writer29 December 20256 min read1,104 words

Verify any Australian trade licence in 30 seconds. State-by-state lookup links, what to look for, and the red flags that reveal an unlicensed operator.

Why Checking a Tradie's Licence Is Non-Negotiable

Hiring an unlicensed tradie is not just a financial risk — it can void your home insurance, create serious safety hazards, and leave you legally liable for injuries that occur on your property. Australian state and territory governments regulate licensing for good reason: licensed tradespeople have proven qualifications, ongoing training requirements, and professional accountability. Consumer affairs agencies across Australia receive tens of thousands of complaints about unlicensed or underqualified operators every year. The good news is that verifying a licence takes less than 60 seconds and is completely free.

State-by-State Licence Lookup Links

Each Australian state and territory has its own licensing authority. Here's where to check for each state.

NSW — Service NSW Trade Licence Check: service.nsw.gov.au/licence-check (covers builders, plumbers, electricians, and other licensed trades)
VIC — Victorian Building Authority (VBA): vba.vic.gov.au (building, plumbing, and gas); Energy Safe Victoria for electrical contractor licences
QLD — Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC): qbcc.qld.gov.au/licence-search (all building and trade licence types)
WA — Building Commission WA: commerce.wa.gov.au/building-commission (builders, painters, plumbers)
SA — Consumer and Business Services SA: cbs.sa.gov.au (building, plumbing, gas, electrical)
TAS — Consumer, Building and Occupational Services: cbos.tas.gov.au (all licensed trades)
NT — NT Building Advisory Services: nt.gov.au/property (building trades)
ACT — Access Canberra: accesscanberra.act.gov.au (building, plumbing, electrical)

What to Check When You Find Their Licence

Finding a licence number is just the first step. Once you've located the record, verify these specific details.

Status — the licence must show "current" or "active". Expired, suspended, or cancelled licences offer no legal protection
Name match — confirm the licence holder's name matches the person quoting you. Tradies cannot work under someone else's licence
Licence category — check that the licence covers the type of work being performed. A carpenter's licence does not cover plumbing, for example
Expiry date — licences must be current at the time the work is performed, not just when it is quoted
Condition or restrictions — some licences have conditions attached (e.g., "supervised work only"). Check for these

Red Flags That Suggest an Unlicensed Operator

Beyond the licence check itself, certain behaviours often indicate an unlicensed or fraudulent operator.

Refuses to provide a licence number or says "you don't need to check" — legitimate tradies always share their licence number
Provides a number that doesn't match the online record or comes back as expired
Claims the work doesn't require a licence when you know it does — verify this independently with the relevant authority
Can't produce a certificate of currency for their public liability insurance
Approaches you door-to-door with unsolicited offers, especially after storms
Demands a large upfront cash payment before any work begins
Has no verifiable online presence, reviews, or business registration
Quotes dramatically lower than every other tradie — often signals they're cutting corners on qualifications or insurance

Which Trades Require a Licence in Australia?

Licensing requirements vary by trade and state, but the following trades are licensed in all or most Australian jurisdictions.

Plumbing and drainage (all states) — including gas fitting in most states
Electrical contracting (all states) — all electrical wiring work
Building and construction work over a certain value (all states)
Painting and decorating (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA)
Roofing (NSW, QLD, VIC, WA, SA)
Tiling (NSW, QLD)
Plastering (NSW, QLD)
Concreting (NSW, QLD)
Asbestos removal (all states — strict class A and B licensing)
Real estate agents and property managers (all states)
Security system installation (all states)

What Happens If You Hire an Unlicensed Tradie?

The consequences of hiring an unlicensed tradesperson can be severe and long-lasting.

Home insurance may be voided — most policies contain a clause excluding damage caused by unlicensed work
You cannot pursue a warranty or defects claim through the relevant licensing authority
If an unlicensed worker is injured on your property, you may face personal liability
Banks and conveyancers may flag unlicensed work when you try to sell or refinance
In some states, knowingly using an unlicensed operator can result in fines for the homeowner
The unlicensed tradie faces significant penalties — up to $27,500 per offence in NSW alone