Digital trade licences and credentials

We're making it possible for people to access digital versions of their building and trade licences and credentials.

On this page

Key information

  • Digital licences are a quick and secure way to display your credentials, making it easier to stay on top of licence expiries, and ensure tradespeople remain certified.
  • 5 building and trade licences and credentials have already been digitised, with more to come.
  • Get your digital trade licence through the Service NSW app.
  • Getting a digital trade licence will not stop your plastic card from being issued.
  • You should keep your physical card on you and produce it for inspection if requested.

Download the Service app to get your digital trade licence

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Service NSW App

Service NSW

Stay up to date with the latest NSW Government information. Access your digital licences, renew your rego and check fines and demerits.

Licence types available

These digital licences are a free and optional way to make it easier than ever to stay on top of licence expiry dates, check credentials and ensure builders and tradespeople stay authorised for the work they do.

The digital versions of the following licences and credentials are available in the Service NSW My Account and Service NSW app. If you already hold one of these licence types, you can now get your digital version.

Note: You will still need to carry and produce your physical licence card on request.

High risk work licence

A high risk work licence is required to operate some machinery, erect scaffolding or undertake dogging or rigging work.

High risk work licences are valid for 5 years and recognised nationally.

Get your digital high risk work licence

White card

A white card (or general construction induction training card) is required by anyone who wants to carry out construction work, such as tradespeople and labourers, site managers or other people who work in construction areas.

Get your digital white card

Contractor licence

Builders and tradespeople in NSW need to hold an individual contractor licence to do building work where the total cost of labour and materials is more than $5,000.

Get your digital contractor licence

Qualified supervisor certificate

A qualified supervisor certificate allows someone to supervise and do the work described on their certificate.

Get your digital qualified supervisor certificate

Tradesperson certificate

A tradesperson certificate allows someone to do general and specialist trade work with minimum supervision. People who hold a tradesperson certificate can’t sign off on work.

Their work must be overseen and signed off by someone who holds a contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate.

Get your digital tradesperson certificate

Mobile phone showing High Risk Work digital licence

Benefits

Updates in real time

Digital trade licences update in real-time, so you don’t have to wait for a new plastic card to be posted when your digital version is renewed or if you change your details. 

You can even view your digital trade licence when you have no data coverage, as long as you stay logged in to the Service NSW app.

Security

Your licence is protected by the security on your smartphone (for example, PIN, fingerprint and facial recognition) as well as the security of the Service NSW app.   

To ensure the security and privacy of licence holders, we've built strong partnerships with cyber security and identity theft experts.

This has resulted in comprehensive security measures to protect your information and identity at all times, similar to those used for internet banking. 

Protection from loss

If you lose your smartphone, your digital licences and authorisations are protected by your phone’s PIN, your Service NSW app PIN and, if available, your touch ID.

Report your lost phone immediately to PoliceLink on 131 444 or create a Police report online.


How to check a digital licence

Digital trade licences and credentials have the below features to confirm they are authentic and current.

If you’re viewing a digital licence or credential, there is a convenient way to check the card number and date of issue: 

  1. Animated NSW Government logo
  2. Last refreshed date and time
  3. QR code expires and reloads 
  4. Waratah hologram moves when the phone is tilted.

Learn more about checking a licence on the Service NSW website.


Related information

Get more help and support with digital licences

Contact us via Service NSW

Phone:13 77 88
Phone from outside Australia:+61 2 8894 1555
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