Do painters need a licence in Australia? A state-by-state overview

Painting looks like a simple job, so it's easy to assume anyone with a brush and a ladder can do it. In some states that's close to true, and in others a painter needs a licence or registration once the job passes a certain value. Knowing which rules apply where you live helps you ask the right questions before you accept a quote.

This guide gives a general overview of each state and territory, links to the official sources, and covers what to check no matter where you are. Rules change, so always confirm the current position with your state regulator before relying on it for a particular job.

New South Wales

The NSW Government's painting work page says you need a contractor licence for residential building or trade work, including painting, valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials (including GST).

The same page notes an important exception: since 2015, stand-alone contracts for internal paintwork no longer need a licence, unless the painting is part of other home building work. So an exterior repaint over that value needs a licensed painter, while an interior-only job may not.

You can check a NSW licence using the licence check described by the NSW Government, which shows the holder's name, licence categories, expiry date and any disciplinary details.

Queensland

The QBCC's when you need a licence page says individuals and companies must hold a QBCC licence to carry out building work valued over $3,300. QBCC has a specific painting and decorating licence class, and in its painting defects advice it states a licence is mandatory for painting work valued at more than $3,300.

QBCC also encourages homeowners to use a licensed painter even on smaller jobs, and to check the painter on the QBCC licensee register before signing.

Western Australia

In WA, painters are registered rather than licensed. The WA Government's painters' registration page says a painter carrying out painting work over $1,000 within the Building Services Board's jurisdiction must be registered under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011.

There are two categories. A painting contractor can enter into contracts with the public, while a painting practitioner can supervise or work for a contractor but can't contract in their own right. Registered contractors must show their registration number in advertising and on site signage, which gives you an easy first thing to look for.

Victoria

Victoria works differently. Consumer Affairs Victoria's page on becoming a registered building practitioner lists painting among the trades that don't need registration with the Building and Plumbing Commission when the job involves only that trade.

The catch is combined work. The same Consumer Affairs Victoria page says registration is needed when a tradesperson uses a combination of skills, such as plastering and painting, on domestic building work worth more than $10,000. If your repaint grows into plaster repairs, carpentry or other building work, ask who is doing each part and whether they're registered.

South Australia

South Australia doesn't have a separate painter's licence. Instead, the SA Government's building work contractor's licence page explains that individuals and businesses must be licensed as building work contractors if they run a business that carries out or organises building work for others, and that building work must be supervised by a registered building work supervisor.

Whether a particular painting job falls within this depends on the work involved, so check with Consumer and Business Services (CBS) if you're unsure, and search the painter on the CBS public register.

Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory

Painting isn't one of the licensed construction occupations listed on the ACT planning directorate's construction licences page, which covers trades like builders, electricians, plumbers and gasfitters.

For Tasmania and the Northern Territory, painting-only work generally isn't licensed in the same way as electrical or plumbing work, but rules can change and larger jobs that include other building work may need a licensed builder. Check with the local building regulator before you sign anything significant.

What to check whatever state you're in

A licence is only one part of the picture. Even where no licence is needed, these checks are worth a few minutes:

1. Licence or registration. Where one applies, ask for the number and check it on the official register. Make sure the name matches the business on your quote. Our guide to checking a tradie's licence in every state has links to each register.
2. ABN. Confirm the business is active on ABN Lookup and the name lines up with the quote.
3. Insurance. Ask to see a current public liability certificate before work starts.
4. A written quote. It should spell out the areas being painted, surface preparation, the paint system, number of coats and who supplies materials.
5. Deposit and payments. Keep the deposit reasonable and pay in stages tied to completed work.

For more on picking the right person, read our guide on how to choose a house painter.

Finding a painter near you

When you're ready, search Find My Tradie's painters directory to find local businesses and contact them directly. You can also start with painters in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth or Melbourne. Get two or three written quotes and run the checks above before you decide.

Find painters in your area

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official sources linked above for your state.