Can You Use Your Trade Licence Interstate? Automatic Mutual Recognition and What to Check on Your Insurance

Yes—if your occupation is covered by an Automatic Mutual Recognition arrangement in the destination state or territory, you can generally use your current home-state licence or registration without applying for or paying for a new destination licence. For South Australia, Consumer and Business Services (CBS) says AMR commenced for certain CBS-regulated occupations on 1 February 2022 (source page dated 1 February 2022) and that a worker licensed elsewhere must notify CBS before starting work in SA. Figures checked 1 October 2026.

AMR deals with occupational licensing; it does not confirm that a public liability policy responds to a particular job. This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the destination regulator’s current guidance and your policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

What does AMR let a trade licence holder do?

Automatic Mutual Recognition, also called JobPass, makes it easier for eligible individuals to take up work across most of Australia using a current state or territory licence or registration. It applies to individuals, not companies.

Commencement dates differ between jurisdictions. CBS says AMR has commenced for certain occupations in the ACT, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Tasmania and Victoria. Its South Australian examples include builders and tradespeople, plumbers, gas-fitters, electricians, real estate professionals and conveyancers.

Must I notify a regulator before starting interstate work?

The requirements depend on the destination.

For work in SA under AMR, submit the CBS Automatic Mutual Recognition online notification form before commencing any work. Active AMR licensees appear on the CBS Licensing Public Register and can be found by searching the holder’s name under the relevant licence type.

The SA process also involves regulatory checks. CBS says it gathers identity and contact details, interstate registrations and details of disciplinary investigations or actions. It shares information with interstate and South Australian regulators, while identifying and interstate-registration details are published after notification.

If you plan to work in Tasmania under AMR, you must also provide notification. The Consumer Affairs Tasmania guidance, dated 7 July 2023, says this requirement applies to people planning to work in Tasmania under AMR. Do not assume the SA notification process or timing applies in another jurisdiction.

Which destination-state obligations still apply after AMR?

Recognition removes the need for a duplicate licence application where AMR applies. It does not remove the substantive rules associated with doing the work.

South Australia

AMR licensees must comply with the same conduct and technical requirements as South Australian licensees. CBS also provides occupation factsheets describing some key responsibilities and industry-specific requirements while working in SA.

Factsheets are available for auctioneers, builders, conveyancers, electricians, gaming machine technicians, gas fitters, land agents, plumbers, property managers, real estate sales representatives, second-hand vehicle dealers, and security or investigation agents.

Tasmania

From 1 October 2026, CBOS transitioned to Consumer Affairs Tasmania and Building Standards Tasmania. References to CBOS in the regulator material should be read as referring to the relevant regulatory function within the new agencies.

Consumer Affairs Tasmania states that public protections apply to each licensed occupation listed on its page. All Tasmanian licensees and people working under mutual recognition or AMR must meet those requirements for the duration they hold a licence.

That obligation continues after notification. The regulator page does not state a uniform public liability amount for every occupation, so do not assume that licence recognition establishes a particular insurance limit. Check the current occupation-specific guidance and contract requirements.

ACT

ACT Planning’s construction licence guidance says a licence is required to provide a construction service in the ACT. This includes:

• builders, including owner-builders;
• electricians;
• plumbers, drainers and gasfitters, including medical gas installers and technicians;
• building surveyors or private certifiers;
• building assessors;
• gas appliance workers;
• works assessors; and
• plumbing plan certifiers.

ACT Planning currently says carpenters and bricklayers do not require an ACT licence. A licensing requirement is separate from whether a contract, worksite or policy requires public liability insurance.

Construction licence holders must also:

• maintain a current licence whenever working in the ACT and renew it before expiry;
• note that an expired-licence renewal application attracts an application fee, while renewal also requires the licence term fee; fees are determined by the relevant Fee Determination;
• advise the Registrar within 14 days of changes to reportable personal or business details; and
• comply with any rectification order requiring action.

ACT Planning says rectification action may be taken against a licensee, former licensee, partner or director despite deregistration, for up to 10 years after the construction services are complete.

Does my trade licence prove my public liability policy covers another state?

No. AMR determines whether an eligible individual can use an occupational licence or registration in the destination jurisdiction. It does not approve an insurance policy, set a public liability limit or confirm that the policy covers the destination, activity or contract.

Your PDS and any endorsements should be checked for:

Also compare the destination regulator’s occupation-specific requirements with the contract or tender. An insurance requirement imposed by a contract may be separate from licensing and AMR requirements.

Keep copies of your current licence or registration, AMR notification, occupation factsheet or regulator guidance, contract, PDS, policy schedule and endorsements. Retain any written confirmation obtained from the insurer or broker.

Sources

• Automatic recognition of licences — Consumer and Business Services
• Tasmanian consumer protection requirements — Consumer Affairs
• Construction licences — ACT Planning

FAQ

Can I use my trade licence in every state and territory under AMR?

Not automatically. AMR depends on the occupation and the arrangements operating in the destination jurisdiction. Commencement dates differ, so confirm that your licence type is covered and complete any required notification before starting work.

Does AMR notification activate or confirm my public liability insurance?

No. Notification concerns occupational licensing. Your public liability response depends on the policy’s PDS, endorsements, territorial scope, insured activity, limits, exclusions and timing, as well as any destination-law or contract requirements.

Can my company rely on my individual AMR status?

AMR applies to individuals, not companies. The worker may use their own occupational licence or registration, but the company must separately check its licensing, contractual and insurance obligations.

What must I check before working in Tasmania under AMR?

You must provide notification and continue meeting the applicable public-protection requirements for the duration of your licence. For insurance, check the current occupation-specific regulator guidance, the contract and your policy PDS rather than assuming a uniform limit.