Painting is one of the few trades where licensing genuinely changes by state — NSW over $5,000, QLD over $3,300, VIC over $10,000. Don’t accept “fully licensed” as a universal answer. Ask which licence, in which state, for which dollar amount.
Painting is one of the few trades where licensing genuinely changes by state. That makes “fully licensed” a near-meaningless answer on its own — it only means something if your state requires the licence for a job your size. So don’t accept the universal line. Ask which licence, in which state, for which dollar amount.
South Australia has no painter licence requirement at all. WA requires it only for high-rise. Always confirm the current rule against the regulator for your state and job size.
If your job sits under the threshold, a licence isn’t legally required — but public liability insurance, a written itemised quote and a real warranty still are the marks of an operator worth hiring. The licence is one signal, not the only one. A licensed painter with a one-line quote and no insurance is still a risk.
“Fully licensed” only means something if your state requires the licence. Ask which one, and for the number.
Ask this, exactly
“In my state, for a job this size, which licence do you hold and what’s the number?”
A working painter answers with a licence class and a number you can check on the register. A vague “yeah, all licensed” is the cue to ask again.
We’re licensed in NSW — certificate 284 551C — and happy to show it for a job of any size, including the small ones that don’t legally need it. The number is on every quote and in the footer of this site, so you can check it before you call.