OpSpot Blog
Industry Best Practices
How to Check a QBCC Licence in Queensland
15 October 2026
Short answer: ask to see the contractor's QBCC licence (their physical card or the digital licence on their phone, which has the same legal standing), then search their name or licence number on the QBCC licence register (myQBCC). Confirm the licence is current, that its class covers the work, and that the name matches who you're contracting with.
Facts checked against Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) sources on 14 October 2026.
Step by step
- Ask for the licence and note the licence number.
- Search the QBCC register (my.qbcc.qld.gov.au) by name or licence number.
- Check the result, using the table below.
- Keep a record of the check, with the date, especially for subcontractors.
What to check on the result
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Status is current | An expired, suspended or cancelled licence means they can't do licensed work |
| Licence class covers the work | Queensland licences are issued by class; a builder's licence isn't a plumbing licence |
| Name matches | The licence must belong to the person or company on your contract |
| Conditions and history | Look for conditions, suspensions or disciplinary action before you hire |
When a QBCC licence is required
- Building work valued over $3,300 needs a QBCC licence. The value includes labour and materials, and QBCC asks you to work it out at the trade price including GST, even if you're getting a discount or the work for free.
- Some work needs a licence at any value, including plumbing or drainage, gas fitting, fire protection and chemical termite management. Plumbers also need an occupational licence for the work they personally do.
- Hydraulic services design needs a licence over $1,100.
Home warranty insurance
For residential construction work valued over $3,300 (labour, materials and GST), the contractor must take out Queensland Home Warranty Scheme cover on the owner's behalf. The principal contractor who contracts with the homeowner collects the premium and pays it to the QBCC before work starts, or within 10 business days of signing the contract, whichever comes first. If you use an unlicensed contractor, the work may not be covered by the scheme. See Home warranty insurance: NSW, Victoria and Queensland compared.
For builders: licences change during a job
A subcontractor's licence can lapse, be suspended or gain conditions after you've engaged them. Re-check when they start a new job, before expiry, and periodically for everyone.
How OpSpot helps: OpSpot keeps every subcontractor's licences and insurance on file with their numbers, classes and expiry dates, shows each one's status, and emails people before their licence or insurance expires. For QBCC licences you record the details and OpSpot tracks them; automatic checks against a government register are currently available for NSW licences. See Subcontractor licence and insurance tracking.
FAQ
Is a digital QBCC licence valid? Yes. QBCC says a digital licence on the contractor's phone has the same legal standing as the physical card.
Does a small job under $3,300 need a licensed contractor? Not for general building work, but plumbing, drainage, gas fitting, fire protection and chemical termite work need a licence at any value.
Who pays for home warranty insurance? The homeowner pays the premium; the licensed principal contractor collects it and pays it to the QBCC.
Can I check a Queensland licence on another state's register? No. Use the QBCC register for Queensland licences. For other states, see how to check a licence in NSW or a registration in Victoria.
