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Electrical Contractor Licence / Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) Registration — Multi-State

VICNSWQLDWA

A business-level registration or licence required before a company or sole trader can legally carry out electrical contracting work (as distinct from an individual electrician's licence), with each state having its own application pathway and regulator.

Issuing authority

Energy Safe Victoria (VIC); Building Commission NSW / NSW Fair Trading (NSW); WorkSafe Queensland (QLD); Building and Energy, Department of Energy Mines Industry Regulation and Safety (WA)

Official source

energysafe.vic.gov.au

Cost

VIC: ~$714.80 application / ~$343.30 renewal; NSW: ~$388/year; QLD: varies by turnover; WA: see Building & Energy fees schedule

How to apply

  1. Confirm the correct registration type for your state: VIC = Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) via Energy Safe Victoria; NSW = Electrical Contractor Licence (Individual) via Building Commission NSW / Service NSW; QLD = Electrical Contractor Licence via WorkSafe Queensland; WA = Electrical Contractor's Licence via Building and Energy (DMIRS).
  2. Ensure the business has a nominated Technical Supervisor who holds a current A-Grade Electrician's Licence in the relevant state (all states require this).
  3. Obtain the required public liability insurance: minimum $5 million cover in VIC and WA; check state-specific minimums for NSW and QLD.
  4. In VIC: appoint a Business Supervisor who has completed the Registered Electrical Contractors Course, then submit application via ESVConnect portal with consent forms, insurance declaration, and qualifications; pay application fee (approx. $714.80 for 2025-26, includes $70 non-refundable component).
  5. In NSW: create a MyServiceNSW Account, complete the online questionnaire, download and prepare required documents (proof of identity, original qualifications, transcripts), attend a Service NSW Centre appointment for photo and fee payment (~$388/year or $959/3 years).
  6. In QLD: download the appropriate QBCC application form, gather certified copies of qualifications, complete the QBCC-approved Managerial Course for trade contractor licences, submit to QBCC online or by mail (fees determined by annual turnover/maximum revenue).
  7. In WA: select the correct form based on business structure (Individual R013A, Partnership R013B, Company R013C), ensure nominee has completed WAE200 or equivalent training within 2 years, submit online via Building and Energy portal, by post, or in person at Cannington; processing takes 6–8 weeks.
  8. Check mutual recognition options if already licensed in another state — all states accept applications under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 and most participate in Automatic Mutual Recognition (except QLD for electrical workers).
  9. Renew registration before expiry: VIC renewals up to every 5 years; maintain ongoing compliance including current insurance, updated nominee details, and issuing certificates of electrical safety.

Related topics

REC registrationregistered electrical contractorelectrical contractor licenceelectrical contracting business licenceESVConnectEnergy Safe VictoriaBuilding Commission NSWWorkSafe Queensland electricalBuilding Energy WADMIRS electricalelectrical business registrationA-grade electrician contractormulti-state electrical licencecontractor electrical business

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