How to Verify a Tradie's License Online Before Booking

So you’ve found a tradie on a marketplace who looks like an absolute legend great reviews, tidy photos, maybe even a shiny little “Licensed” badge on their profile. Cute!
However, here’s the thing: badges can be outdated, uploaded by the tradie themselves, or not verified in real-time. And when the job involves electrical wiring, plumbing, gas fitting, air-conditioning installation, or anything even slightly spicy, you want to double-check that licence like your life (and your insurance) depends on it.

Luckily, in Australia, checking a tradie’s licence online is pretty straightforward and it’s something every homeowner should do before hitting that Book Now button. For a deeper dive into why hiring properly qualified professionals matters, check out

Why Licensed Tradies Are Worth the Cost (Spend Smart, Not Cheap)
.

Why You Should Always Verify a Tradie’s Licence

A licensed tradie isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a legal requirement for a bunch of specialist services. Hiring someone unlicensed can:

• Void your home insurance


• Lead to unsafe or non-compliant work


• Cost you serious money if something goes wrong


• Put you at risk of fines (yep, homeowners can get pinged too)

Even if you trust the marketplace you’re using, taking two minutes to run your own licence check gives you peace of mind and makes sure the person rocking up at your door is actually legit.

Steps to Verify a Tradie's Licence Online

It’s easy to verify a tradie’s licence online and it only takes a few minutes.

1. Gather Business Details

Before you even start searching online, ask the tradie for:

• Their full name (as it appears on the licence)


• Their licence number


• Their licence class or scope of work

This matters because most licence registers let you search by name or number and the class tells you what the tradie is legally allowed to do. For example:

• Some electricians only hold a contractor licence, not a worker licence.


• Some plumbers are licensed for drainage but not gasfitting.


• AC technicians need a separate ARCtick licence for handling refrigerant.

If a tradie hesitates to share these details, that’s already a red flag.

2. Use the Correct State or National Licence Register

Tradie licences in Australia aren’t stored in one giant database. Each state and territory has its own online register, plus a couple of national ones depending on the trade. Here’s where Aussies can check licences:

3. Confirm the Licence Status

When you search, look for the following:

• Current or Active licence (not expired, cancelled or suspended)


• Correct licence class for the work you need done


• Name matches the person or company you’re hiring


• No disciplinary actions listed

A business can have a licence, but the worker doing the job might need one too. Don’t be shy about asking who exactly will be on-site.

4. Cross-Check Against Marketplace Details

Once you’ve verified the licence in the official register, compare it with the information on the marketplace:

• Same name?


• Same licence number?


• Same business trading name?


• Licence class consistent?

If anything feels off mismatched names, different licence numbers, or missing contractor details ask the tradie to explain. Most legit tradies will clear it up instantly. If you’re also wondering why some tradies go quiet after you request a quote, have a read of

Why Tradies Don't Respond to Quotes—And How ServiceTasker Solves It
.

5. Screenshot or Save Your Verification

Keep a screenshot or PDF of the licence search results. This becomes super handy if:

• You need proof later for insurance


• The job has compliance or warranty requirements


• The tradie’s profile gets changed or deleted

It’s basically your “receipts folder” and future you will thank you. And if you ever find yourself endlessly following up on quotes or responses, see

How Many Times Should You Chase a Tradie for a Response?

for some practical guidance.