Can a Queensland Client Verify a QBCC Licence on a Phone?

Yes—the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) says in its Available licences guidance updated 1 July 2026 that a digital licence in the Queensland Digital Licence app is valid proof of licence status; its licence-checking guidance updated 16 April 2026 says it has the same legal standing as a physical card (figures checked 1 October 2026). Under the 16 April 2026 guidance, a licence is required for listed building work valued over $3,300, hydraulic services design valued over $1,100, and specified work at any value. The QBCC’s 1 July 2026 guidance says it manages over 160 licence classes applicable to 5 different licence types in the building and construction industry, so checking the class and scope matters.

How do I check a QBCC licence on a phone?

Ask the contractor to display either their digital licence in the Queensland Digital Licence app or their physical licence card. QBCC recommends doing this before signing a contract or handing over money.

Use the display to check:

• The licence type or class.
• Whether the class covers the specific work described in the quote or contract.
• Whether every part of the proposed job falls within that coverage.
• Whether the scope is clear enough to rely on without assuming that “licensed” means “licensed for everything”.

A printed licence is not compulsory, although QBCC printed licence cards are available on request. The contractor should not need to produce paper merely for the digital licence to serve as valid proof of status.

Does the licence class cover the proposed work?

A statement that a contractor is licensed does not, by itself, answer that question. QBCC says a licence holder must only carry out building work covered by their licence type. Its choice of licence also depends on the contractor’s intended role and the scope of work they will undertake or oversee.

Use the following QBCC thresholds to identify work that requires closer checking:

These thresholds show when licensing applies; they do not establish which particular class covers the job. QBCC’s available categories include builder and builder restricted licences, plumbing and drainage licences, mechanical services licences, fire protection licences, all other trade licences, building and hydraulic design licences, and inspector and certifier licences.

For a landscaping proposal that also includes work listed above, compare that work with the displayed class rather than relying on a broad trade description. If any relevant scope remains unclear, contact QBCC for guidance before proceeding.

When should I ask to see the licence?

Ask before signing the contract or handing over any money. QBCC says this applies whether the licence is digital on the contractor’s phone or provided as a physical card.

The timing matters because QBCC warns that working with someone unlicensed carries significant risks, including an increased likelihood of defective or unfinished work. QBCC also says unlicensed work may void access to Queensland Home Warranty Insurance. Those are regulatory warnings, not a substitute for checking whether the particular contractor and project are covered.

If the licence status is unclear, the class does not appear to cover the proposed work, or the contractor is evasive about the scope, pause and seek clarification from the contractor or QBCC.

What if the licence is a continuing historical class?

QBCC provides scopes of work for continuing historical licence classes, but it says those classes cannot be issued or restored. If the displayed licence uses a historical class, use the published scope to identify what work it covers and contact QBCC if its status or relevance to the proposal is unclear.

A historical label should not be treated as a substitute for checking the actual scope.

Does a QBCC licence prove the contractor is insured?

No. A licence check addresses QBCC licensing status and authorisation; it does not establish that an insurance policy will respond to the proposed work. Ask for appropriate evidence of insurance and read the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement for the cover, exclusions and conditions.

This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the current QBCC regulator guidance for licensing requirements and the relevant policy PDS before making a decision.

Sources

• Available licences | Queensland Building and Construction Commission
• Who must hold a QBCC licence | Queensland Building and Construction Commission

FAQ

Is a digital QBCC licence acceptable without a printed card?

Yes. QBCC says a digital licence has the same legal standing as a physical card and is valid proof of licence status. A printed licence is not required, although a printed card can be requested.

What should I compare the licence class with?

Compare it with the exact tasks and scope described in the quote or contract. A general statement that the contractor is licensed does not show that the class covers every proposed activity.

Does work valued over $3,300 automatically mean any QBCC licence is suitable?

No. The $3,300 threshold identifies when the listed building-work licensing requirement applies. You still need to check that the particular licence class and scope cover the proposed work.

What should I do if the licence class is unclear?

Ask the contractor to explain the class and its scope, then contact QBCC if the answer remains uncertain. QBCC advises people to contact it when they are unsure which licence is needed.

Does holding a QBCC licence confirm insurance cover?

No. Licensing and insurance are separate checks. Obtain evidence of the relevant policy and check its PDS for the project-specific cover, exclusions and conditions.