Do mechanics need a licence in Australia?
In NSW, WA and the ACT a car repair business needs a licence, and in NSW and WA the person doing the work also needs a certificate. In the other states there is no general mechanic licence, but some jobs like air-con gas, LPG and roadworthy checks still need one.
Licence by state
| State | Licence needed? | Licence and who issues it | Check a licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSWNew South Wales | Yes | Motor vehicle repairer licence (business) and motor vehicle tradesperson certificate (each worker) NSW Fair Trading (apply through Service NSW) Owners, self-employed and mobile repairers need the licence; everyone doing repairs needs a tradesperson certificate for each class of work. |
Check a motor vehicle repairer licence |
| VICVictoria | No | No state mechanic licence found. Roadworthy certificates come only from a Licensed Vehicle Tester. |
Ask the regulator |
| QLDQueensland | No | No state mechanic licence found. Only Approved Inspection Stations can issue safety certificates. |
Ask the regulator |
| WAWestern Australia | Yes | Motor Vehicle Repair Business Licence (MRB) and Motor Vehicle Repairer's Certificate Consumer Protection (WA Government) One certified repairer can supervise up to three uncertified repairers. There are 23 classes of repair work. |
Consumer Protection licence and registration search |
| SASouth Australia | No | No state mechanic licence found. Selling used cars needs a second-hand vehicle dealer licence. |
Ask the regulator |
| TASTasmania | No | Motor vehicle repairers are not a regulated occupation in Tasmania. Auto gas-fitters are licensed. |
Ask the regulator |
| ACTAustralian Capital Territory | Yes | Motor vehicle repairer trader licence Access Canberra Needed if you repair motor vehicles as a business, even from home. 1-year licence $444 or 5-year $2,016 (2026-27). |
Motor vehicle repairer public register |
| NTNorthern Territory | No | NT repairers do not have to be licensed or employ only qualified tradespeople, but work must be done with due care and skill. |
Ask the regulator |
Jobs that need an extra licence
Car air-conditioning (handling refrigerant gas)Refrigerant handling licence, automotive (AAC02); the business needs a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation
All states and territories (national, issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council)
Auto electricianMotor vehicle tradesperson certificate, Automotive electrician category (needs AUR30320 Certificate III)
NSW
Auto electricianMotor Vehicle Repairer's Certificate for the electrical class of work (or work under a certified repairer)
WA
LPG, CNG or LNG gas work on vehiclesMotor vehicle tradesperson certificate in the gas mechanic category
NSW
Automotive gas fittingAuto gas-fitter occupational licence
TAS
Roadworthy certificatesLicensed Vehicle Tester (business) with authorised examining mechanics
VIC
Safety certificatesApproved Inspection Station with an approved examiner (TMR)
QLD
Roadworthy inspectionsAuthorised inspector (needs a motor vehicle tradesman's certificate or equal)
NT
Buying and selling cars as a businessMotor dealer / motor car trader / second-hand vehicle dealer licence
All states and territories
Hiring? How to check a licence
- Ask for the licence number and the name on it.
- In NSW, WA or the ACT, check the number on the state register (links above).
- Make sure the name and address match the business you are dealing with.
- For air-con work, check the business on the Australian Refrigeration Council site.
- In other states, ask about the mechanic's trade qualifications and get a written quote first.
- Need a roadworthy or safety certificate? Use a licensed tester or approved inspection station.
Find local businesses: Auto ElectricianMechanicVehicle Transport Services
On ServiceTasker, a business uploads its licence and our team checks it before a licence badge shows on its profile. You see what it holds, never the number or the document.
For businesses: how to get this licence
- Qualify: finish an apprenticeship and the Certificate III for your trade, for example AUR30620 or AUR31120 for a motor mechanic, or AUR30320 for an auto electrician.
- Experience: in NSW apprentices and trainees cannot apply for a tradesperson certificate. In WA you can work under a certified repairer until you hold your own certificate.
- Documents: proof of identity, copies of your qualifications, ABN or ACN for a business, and a police check (WA and ACT).
- Apply to your state (links below): NSW through Service NSW, WA through Consumer Protection, ACT through Access Canberra.
- Licensed in another state? You may be able to work under Automatic Mutual Recognition. Check with the state before you start.
- Air-con work anywhere in Australia: get a refrigerant handling licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council.
| State | Who issues it | Apply here (official) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | NSW Fair Trading (apply through Service NSW) | How to apply | Requirements |
| VIC | Ask the regulator | - | |
| QLD | Ask the regulator | - | |
| WA | Consumer Protection (WA Government) | How to apply | Requirements |
| SA | Ask the regulator | - | |
| TAS | Ask the regulator | Requirements | |
| ACT | Access Canberra | How to apply | Requirements |
| NT | Ask the regulator | Requirements |
Last checked: 12 November 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change: always check with the regulator in your state before you hire or apply. Some details could not be confirmed online and are left out; the regulator can confirm them.
Official sources (19)
- service.nsw.gov.au /services/motor-vehicle-repairer-licence
- service.nsw.gov.au /transaction/apply-for-a-motor-vehicle-repairer-licence
- service.nsw.gov.au /transaction/apply-for-a-motor-vehicle-tradesperson-certificate
- service.nsw.gov.au /transaction/check-a-motor-vehicle-repairer-licence
- nsw.gov.au /business-and-economy/running-a-business/industry-specific-business-re...
- nsw.gov.au /business-and-economy/running-a-business/industry-specific-business-re...
- wa.gov.au /organisation/service-delivery/motor-vehicle-repair-licensing
- wa.gov.au /government/multi-step-guides/motor-vehicle-repairer-certificate
- wa.gov.au /government/multi-step-guides/motor-vehicle-repair-business-licence/mo...
- consumerprotection.wa.gov.au /consumer-protection-licence-and-registration-search
- consumerprotection.wa.gov.au /publications/motor-vehicle-repairers-licensing-faq
- accesscanberra.act.gov.au /driving-transport-and-parking/licences/motor-vehicle-dealer-and-repai...
- services.accesscanberra.act.gov.au /s/public-registers/occupational-register
- cbos.tas.gov.au /topics/licensing-and-registration/licensed-occupations/automatic-mutu...
- nt.gov.au /law/rights/repair-and-service-a-vehicle
- qld.gov.au /transport/registration/roadworthy
- transport.vic.gov.au /road-and-active-transport/business/licensed-vehicle-testers/apply-to-...
- consumer.vic.gov.au /cars/maintenance-and-repairs/services-and-repairs
- arctick.org /refrigerant-handling-licence/licence-types/
Other licence guides: PlumbersGas fittersElectriciansAir conditioningSolar installersSecurity, CCTV and locksmithsPest control (incl. possums, snakes, bees)Termite inspection and treatmentAsbestos removal and demolitionBuilders and extensionsBathroom and kitchen renovationPaintersTilersRoofers and guttersFencing and gatesCarpenters and doorsDecks, pergolas and patiosConcreting, paving and brickworkPlasterers, ceilings and insulationGlaziers and windowsFlooringLandscapers, retaining walls and irrigationArborists and tree removalPools and spasHandyman: what needs a licenceArchitects, certifiers, inspectors and engineersJobs that don’t need a licence (what to check instead)