How to Check a QBCC Builder Licence in Queensland

Before a builder or trade contractor touches your Queensland property, running a QBCC licence check takes about two minutes and can save you from a very expensive mistake. This guide walks through exactly how to search the QBCC Licensee Register, what the results actually mean, and the red flags worth stopping over before you sign anything.

What Is the QBCC Licensee Register?

The QBCC Licensee Register is the Queensland Building and Construction Commission's free, public database of every licensed builder, tradesperson and building certifier in the state. A QBCC licence search lets you confirm a contractor is legally entitled to do the work they've quoted on, check what class of work their licence actually covers, and see whether the licence carries any conditions, suspensions or a poor compliance history before you commit to a contract.

Step-by-Step: How to Run a QBCC Licence Check

1. Go to the QBCC Licencee Register, accessible through the My QBCC portal on qbcc.qld.gov.au.

2. Search by licence number, company name, or the contractor's name: A licence number is the most reliable search if the builder has provided one on their quote.

3. Confirm the licence is current and check the licence class matches the work you need done (see the licence classes table below).

4. Check for conditions, suspensions or cancellations attached to the licence; these appear directly on the search result.

5. Cross-check the Excluded Individuals Register if you have any doubt about a director or individual behind the business; this lists people banned from holding a building licence.

Open QBCC Search

What the Register Actually Shows You

A completed search returns the licensee's licence class, licence status (current, suspended, or cancelled), any conditions attached to the licence, and the entity or individual named on it. It is worth checking this against the name on your written quote or contract; a mismatch between the trading name you have been dealing with and the licensed entity is a common early warning sign.

Why this matters beyond peace of mind: if a dispute arises later (such as in relation to defective work, an incomplete job, or a payment), whether the contractor held a valid, correctly classed licence at the time of the work can directly affect your legal options, including your ability to claim under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme.

QBCC Licence Classes Explained

Not every QBCC licence covers every type of work. Matching the licence class to your project scope is the whole point of checking in the first place.

Licence type	What it authorises
Builder: Low rise	General building work on low-rise residential and light commercial projects
Builder: Medium rise / open	Larger-scale residential and commercial building work, with fewer height/scope restrictions at "open" level
Contractor licence	A company contractor licence authorises a business to contract directly with clients for a specific trade or scope (e.g. carpentry, tiling, waterproofing)
Nominee supervisor licence	Held by the qualified individual within a company responsible for technically supervising the work
Site supervisor licence	Held by the qualified individual within a company responsible for technically supervising the work but cannot act as the company’s nominee
Occupational licence	Authorises an individual employee to carry out a specific trade

Red Flags to Watch For

A licence check that turns up any of the following is worth pausing over before you proceed:

• No licence found against the name or ABN provided on the quote

• Licence class doesn't match the work quoted, e.g. a trade contractor licence being used to quote whole-of-build work

• Conditions attached limiting the scope of work the licensee can perform

• Suspended or cancelled status

• The individual appears on the Excluded Individuals Register

What If a Builder Is not Licensed or Has Restrictions?

If you have already engaged a contractor and the licence check raises concerns, do not assume the contract is automatically void; the legal position depends on when the issue arose and what has already been paid or performed. Unlicensed building work can affect your ability to enforce the contract and your access to home warranty insurance, and it is a factor the QBCC and the courts weigh heavily in building disputes. 

If you are mid-dispute with a builder over licensing, payment, or defective work, our QBCC Disputes team can assess your position and next steps, and our Construction Lawyers Brisbane team handles the contract side of a build gone wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a QBCC licence check free?

Yes. The QBCC Licensee Register is a free public tool; anyone can search a licence number, company name, or contractor name at no cost.

What does it mean if a QBCC licence has conditions?

Conditions restrict what work a licensee can legally perform, for example, limiting them to certain project values or requiring supervision. Always check that any conditions do not conflict with the scope of work you are engaging them for.

Can an unlicensed builder still do work legally in Queensland?

Generally, no, building work above a minimal value threshold in Queensland requires an appropriately classed QBCC licence. Using an unlicensed contractor can affect your legal remedies and insurance protection if something goes wrong.

How do I check if a builder has had complaints against them?

The QBCC Licensee Register shows suspensions and cancellations. For a fuller compliance history or to raise a concern, you can contact QBCC directly or, where you are already in dispute, get legal advice on what options are available to you.

What's the difference between a builder licence and a contractor licence? 

A builder licence (low-rise, medium-rise, or open) authorises broader building work and project management. A contractor licence is usually scoped to a specific trade, such as carpentry, tiling or waterproofing, and doesn't necessarily authorise whole-of-build work.

Note: Licence classes and register features reflect QBCC's published structure as at August 2026. Always verify current details directly on the QBCC Licensee Register, as licence status can change.