How to Verify a Contractor Licence in South Australia
South Australia's building contractor licensing is administered by Consumer and Business Services (CBS), a division of the Attorney-General's Department. The licensing framework is established under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995, which requires contractors carrying out building work to hold the appropriate licence.
In South Australia, a person must hold a building work contractor's licence to carry out building work valued at more than $5,000. The licensing system covers a wide range of building activities, from major construction projects to specific trades like plumbing, gas fitting, and electrical work. Verifying a contractor's licence before engaging them ensures they have the required qualifications, carry the mandated insurance, and are subject to regulatory oversight by CBS.
Step-by-Step: How to Check a SA Contractor Licence
Gather the contractor's information
To search the CBS register, you'll need the contractor's licence number, name, or business name. SA building work contractors must display their licence number on all contracts, quotations, and advertisements. If a contractor is unable or unwilling to provide their licence number, consider that a warning sign.
Search the CBS online register
Visit the SA.GOV.AU licence search. Select "Building work contractor" as the licence type and enter the contractor's details. The register shows the licence holder's name, licence number, licence type, conditions, current status, and expiry date.
Use WorkClear for fast, multi-state verification
WorkClear's SA licence search provides instant access to CBS licence data, synchronised daily. WorkClear is especially useful if you work with contractors across multiple states — search SA and every other Australian jurisdiction in a single interface, with consistent data formats and API access for automation.
What to Look for in SA Licence Results
- Licence status: Must be "Current" or "Active". An "Expired", "Suspended", or "Cancelled" licence means the contractor is not authorised to carry out building work.
- Licence classification: SA licences are issued with specific classifications that define the scope of work authorised. Classifications include "Building Work — General", specific trade categories, and sub-categories. Ensure the licence classification matches the type of work you need.
- Conditions: CBS may impose conditions on a licence, such as requiring the contractor to work under supervision, limiting the value of projects they can undertake, or restricting them to specific types of building work.
- Expiry date: SA building work contractor licences are renewed periodically. Check that the licence is within its validity period.
- Disciplinary actions: Check whether CBS has taken any compliance or disciplinary action against the licence holder.
South Australia's Licensing Framework
Governing legislation
Building contractor licensing in SA is governed by the Building Work Contractors Act 1995 and supporting regulations. This Act establishes the licensing requirements for persons carrying out building work, defines the types of building work that require a licence, sets out the insurance obligations, and creates the framework for complaints and disciplinary proceedings. The Act is administered by the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs.
The licensing body: Consumer and Business Services
CBS is the government agency responsible for licensing building work contractors in South Australia. It processes licence applications, maintains the public register, investigates complaints, and takes enforcement action against unlicensed contractors. CBS also provides consumer information about building projects, including guidance on contracts, building indemnity insurance, and dispute resolution.
Penalties for unlicensed building work
Carrying out building work without the appropriate licence is an offence under the Building Work Contractors Act. Maximum penalties include fines of up to $50,000 or imprisonment. The broader consequences include:
- Building indemnity insurance will not apply to work done by unlicensed contractors
- Contracts for unlicensed building work may be void or unenforceable
- CBS will not assist with dispute resolution for work performed by unlicensed contractors
- Council building approvals may be jeopardised if work is done by unlicensed persons
Building indemnity insurance (BII)
South Australia requires building indemnity insurance for domestic building work valued at $12,000 or more. The builder (not the homeowner) must take out BII before any work commences. BII protects the homeowner in the event that the builder dies, becomes insolvent, or disappears and is unable to complete the work or rectify defects. In SA, BII provides cover for 5 years from the date of completion for structural defects.
Tip: In South Australia, the builder is required to give you a copy of the building indemnity insurance certificate before starting work. Keep this certificate — you will need it if you ever need to make a claim, and it should be disclosed if you sell the property within the coverage period.
Common SA Licence Types
| Licence Classification | Scope of Work |
|---|---|
| Building Work — General | All types of general building work including new construction, renovations, and alterations |
| Building Work — Specialist | Specific trade work such as bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, or tiling |
| Plumbing, Gas Fitting and Water Supply | Plumbing, gas fitting, draining, and water supply work |
| Electrical | Electrical installation, maintenance, and repair (licensed by the Office of the Technical Regulator) |
| Painting | Painting and decorating of buildings |
| Demolition | Demolition of buildings and structures |
| Swimming Pool Construction | Construction and installation of swimming pools |
| Pest Control — Building Work | Building work related to pest control including termite barriers and treatments |
South Australia's licensing system distinguishes between "general" building work (which covers the coordination and management of building projects) and "specialist" work (specific trade activities). A general building work licence holder can manage a whole building project and engage licensed subcontractors, while a specialist licence is limited to the specific trade listed. SA is also notable for including pest control building workas a separate licence classification — reflecting the importance of termite and pest management in South Australian construction.
Important: Plumbing and gas fitting in SA are licensed under the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995, while electrical work is licensed by the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR). These are separate from the building work contractor licence administered by CBS. If your project involves plumbing or electrical work, verify those licences through the appropriate authority as well.
Why Verification Matters in South Australia
South Australia's building industry serves a growing population, with significant residential construction activity in Greater Adelaide and regional centres. The CBS licensing system ensures that contractors meet minimum standards of competency and financial viability, and that homeowners have access to building indemnity insurance and dispute resolution mechanisms.
By verifying a contractor's licence before engaging them, you activate the full range of consumer protections available under South Australian law — including the statutory warranties implied into every domestic building contract, access to the CBS complaints process, and coverage under building indemnity insurance. For businesses managing contractor compliance, WorkClear's API provides automated verification that integrates with existing onboarding and compliance workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to check a contractor's licence in South Australia?
Yes. CBS provides a free online licence search tool. WorkClear also offers unlimited web lookups for SA licences with a free account. Automated verification via API and bulk lookups are available through WorkClear's paid plans.
How often is SA licence data updated?
WorkClear synchronises CBS licence data daily. Licence statuses, expiry dates, and any new conditions or sanctions are typically reflected within 24 hours of being published by CBS.
What if a SA contractor's licence has expired?
A contractor with an expired licence cannot legally enter into new building contracts or carry out building work in South Australia. If a contractor's licence lapses during a project, they should cease work and renew immediately. You should not make further payments until the licence is confirmed as current.
Can I verify SA licences alongside other states?
Yes. WorkClear aggregates data from all Australian states and territories. You can search for a South Australian licence and then verify contractors in Queensland, NSW, or any other state from the same interface.
Do I need building indemnity insurance for all building work in SA?
Building indemnity insurance (BII) is required in SA for domestic building work valued at $12,000 or more. The builder must take out the policy before commencing work, and the insurance certificate must be provided to the homeowner. BII covers the homeowner if the builder dies, becomes insolvent, or disappears before completing the work or fixing defects.
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