Check a digital trade licence or credential in the Service NSW app

How to check if a digital licence or credential in the Service NSW app is valid. Scan the QR code to confirm details.

View real-time information

The Service NSW app can be used to add a digital version of a licence or credential. The digital version of your trade licence or credential may be accepted at worksites.

As a licence checker (safety officer, site supervisor or manager) you get real-time information when you view a digital licence or credential on a mobile phone. For extra reassurance you can use the licence scanner in the Service NSW app.

How to check a digital licence or credential

When you are checking, do not handle the worker's phone.

Start by visually checking the digital trade licence or credential.

  1. Check details as you would with a physical card including:
    • the type of licence or credential
    • name
    • date of issue and expiry
    • date of birth.
  2. Check the live features:
    • refreshed date and time
    • animated NSW Government logo in the top left corner
    • waratah hologram image.
Screenshot of the Service NSW mobile app displaying a digital contractor licence with 4 security features highlighted: 1 – animated NSW Government logo; 2 – last refreshed date and time; 3 – QR code that expires and reloads; 4 – Waratah hologram image that moves then the phone is tilted.

The security features of a digital licence or credential confirm it is authentic and current. This helps reduce the risk of identity fraud or hiring an unlicensed worker.

  1. Animated NSW Government logo
  2. Last refreshed date and time
  3. QR code expires and reloads
  4. Waratah hologram image moves when the phone is tilted.

Make sure it is valid

There are 2 ways to confirm a digital trade licence or credential is valid.

  1. Ask the worker to swipe down the digital trade licence or credential to refresh the screen. When refreshed check the date and time.
  2. Use the licence scanner in the Service NSW app on your mobile device:
    • go to 'Check a licence or credential' under Services in the app
    • select 'Scan' to access the QR code reader
    • use your camera to scan the QR code displayed on the worker's phone.

Help and support

To help you view the digital licence or credential more clearly ask the worker to adjust the phone. They can:

  • increase the brightness of the screen
  • hold the phone steady
  • clean the screen
  • move the screen out of direct sunlight.

If you cannot verify the authenticity of the digital trade licence or credential ask for the physical card and follow the procedures required in your role as a licence checker.

You can also check a trade licence with Verify NSW.

For more help and support go to:

Last updated: 30 July 2025