Introduction
Builders and tradespeople in NSW need to be licensed to do building work where the total cost of labour and materials is more than $5,000.
Licence applications must be lodged at a service centre and you can book an appointment online.
Types of licences
Individuals may have their contractor licence endorsed with a Q and this indicates that the licence is also equivalent to a Qualified supervisor certificate.
Certain trades require a specialist contractor licence:
- air conditioning and refrigeration
- electrical
- disconnection and reconnection of fixed electrical equipment
- plumbing, draining and gasfitting
- medical gas.
To do any medical gas work in NSW including residential, commercial or industrial and regardless of the work cost you need a medical gas licence.
Visit the Building Commission NSW website for information about categories and classes of building and trade work.
What you need
To apply for an individual contractor licence you need to provide the following supporting documents with your completed application form:
- proof of identity, including address (such as driver licence or passport)
- one recent passport-sized photo
- a current National Police Check (NPC) certificate that is no older than 4 months from when you submitted your application (name and date of birth check only)
- an original copy of your qualifications
- details of your employment and experience on the application form (for building and specialist categories only)
- details of any past compliance issues, insolvency matters, or criminal offences (if applicable)
- referee's statement (if required for your category of work)
- additional details form(s) as indicated on the application form (if applicable)
- certificate of eligibility to obtain insurance (if applicable).
Payment
When you apply you need to pay a fee.
To pay at a service centre, check the payment options available.
Some service centres do not accept cash payments.
How to apply
- Download and complete the Application form – Individual licence or certificate – PDF
- Gather the required supporting documents.
- Select the 'Book an appointment' button.
- Choose your service centre.
- Schedule your appointment.
- Enter the required details.
- Attend your appointment with your application documents and payment.
Note: Your application may take longer to assess if there is missing or incomplete information.
More information
- You're legally required to display your licence number on all advertising, stationery and signage.
- Once your licence has been issued, you can use the Service NSW app to access it digitally.