When a Builder Needs a Licence in Each State

Each state and territory sets its own rules for when building work must be done by a licensed or registered contractor. Some use a dollar threshold; others require a licence for building work of any value.

Checked against official sources on 27 September 2026

Specialist trades are different

Electrical, plumbing, drainage and gasfitting work is licensed in every state and territory, usually regardless of the job value. See our electrical, plumbing and gas licensing page.

Before you sign

Ask for the licence or registration number, check it on the official register, and confirm the licence class covers your job. Be wary of anyone who suggests splitting a job into smaller contracts to stay under a threshold.

When a licence or registration is needed for building work

State / territory	Requirement	Official source
New South Wales	Contractor licence needed for residential building work over $5,000 (labour and materials, including GST).	NSW Government
Victoria	Registered builder needed for domestic building work over $10,000.	BPC
Queensland	QBCC licence needed for building work over $3,300 (including labour, materials and GST).	QBCC
Western Australia	Registered builder needed for building work over $20,000 in areas covered by the registration scheme.	WA Government
South Australia	Building work contractor licence needed for building work of any value.	SA Government
Tasmania	Builders must hold a building services provider licence to carry out building work.	CBOS
Australian Capital Territory	Builders must hold a construction occupation licence (class A, B, C or D) for building work.	Access Canberra
Northern Territory	Registration needed for residential building work of $12,000 or more.	BPB

Regulators

BCBuilding Commission NSW NSW · Building and trade licensing, compliance and complaints BPCBuilding and Plumbing Commission VIC · Builder and plumber registration and licensing (replaced the VBA on 1 July 2025)QBCCQueensland Building and Construction Commission QLD · Building licensing, home warranty scheme and pool safety register B&EBuilding and Energy WA · Builder, painter, plumber, electrical and gas licensing CBSConsumer and Business Services SA · Building work contractor and trade licensing CBOSConsumer, Building and Occupational Services TAS · Building services provider and trade licensing ACAccess Canberra ACT · Construction occupation licensing BPBBuilding Practitioners Board NT · Building practitioner registration

Sources

Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS)

This is a general summary, not legal advice. Laws and thresholds change, so confirm with the regulator before you start work. See our legal disclaimer.