Builder's licence renewal in NSW: fees, CPD, and what happens if you let it lapse
NSW builder's contractor licence renewal: current fees ($569 to $2,380), 12 CPD points per year, 3-month lapse window, and penalties for working unlicensed.
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NSW building contractor licences run for 1, 3, or 5 years. Individual renewal costs $569 (1 year), $1,367 (3 years), or $2,380 (5 years) ex-GST (2025-26 rates). You must earn 12 CPD points per year before you can renew. Renewal notices arrive at least 6 weeks before expiry: renew online via Service NSW. Miss the expiry date and you have a 3-month window to restore (at a higher fee); after 3 months, you must reapply from scratch. Trading with a lapsed licence is an offence under the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW): up to 200 penalty units ($24,662 at 2025-26 rates) for an individual.
When you do this
Renew before your licence expiry date. Building Commission NSW sends a renewal notice at least 6 weeks before expiry (verified 2026-05-08, NSW Government: Renew, restore or replace). Don’t wait for the notice: your expiry date is on your licence card and on the NSW licence check portal.
You cannot legally take on new residential building contracts or carry out work on existing ones once your licence has expired. Renewal keeps HBCF eligibility intact; a lapsed licence means you cannot obtain an HBCF certificate, which blocks you from signing new residential contracts over $20,000.
Who’s involved
- Licence holder (you): responsible for meeting CPD requirements, lodging the renewal, and paying the fee.
- Building Commission NSW: assesses the application, issues the renewed licence.
- Service NSW: online portal for straightforward renewals.
- CPD providers: approved providers that deliver the training activities you need for your 12 points.
Steps
1. Confirm your expiry date
Check your licence card or search the NSW licence check portal (verified 2026-05-08). Set a calendar reminder 2 months out.
2. Complete 12 CPD points for the current year
You need 12 CPD points each year, earned across activities from at least one of the 8 approved topic areas (see table below). Points must be completed before your renewal is submitted. Non-compliance means your application is refused and your licence lapses (verified 2026-05-08, NSW Government CPD for builders).
| CPD topic area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Technical issues | Ceramic tiling, waterproofing, masonry |
| Sustainability | BASIX, waste management, water management |
| Compliance | Building Code of Australia, Home Building Act |
| Communication | Customer service, mediation, negotiation |
| Dispute resolution | Avoiding misrepresentation |
| Contracts | Contract terms and conditions |
| Safety | Asbestos removal, roof work |
| Business management | Project management, time management |
Points structure:
| Activity type | Points earned |
|---|---|
| Interactive learning (courses, workshops, online, conferences) | 1 point per hour |
| Formal assessable learning (RTO or university qualification activity) | 2 points per hour |
| Employing apprentices/trainees or partner learning | Up to 4 points per year |
Up to 11 surplus points can carry forward to the next year. Exemptions from CPD exist only for serious illness or misadventure, and require a formal application at renewal time.
3. Choose your renewal term
You can renew for 1, 3, or 5 years. Fees for 2025-26 (verified 2026-05-08, NSW Government: fees for licences and certificates):
| Term | Individual | Company |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $569 | $847 |
| 3 years | $1,367 | $2,034 |
| 5 years | $2,380 | $3,510 |
Fees are subject to CPI adjustment at the start of each financial year. The 5-year term costs less per year than the 1-year renewal: $476/yr vs $569/yr for an individual.
4. Lodge the renewal
Online (Service NSW): Go to Service NSW: Renew individual contractor licence. You need your licence number and renewal number (from your notice) or personal details. You can renew online if:
- No matters to declare (criminal charges, insolvency, complaints)
- No CPD exemption required
- No licence condition changes needed beyond contact details
In person (Service NSW centre): Required if you have declarable matters, need a CPD exemption, or want to change licence conditions.
Your licence remains current from the original expiry date once renewed.
5. Receive confirmation
Building Commission NSW assesses the application and issues your renewed licence card by post. If additional information is needed, processing time extends. Check the assessment process timeframes page for current estimates.
Documents needed
- Renewal notice (or licence number plus personal details if notice is unavailable)
- Evidence of CPD completion (maintained on your CPD record; Building Commission NSW may request it)
- Payment for the selected renewal term
- Supporting documents if renewing in person with declared matters
Common holds
| Hold | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal refused | CPD points short at time of application | Complete outstanding points, then reapply for restoration if within 3 months |
| Application queried | Declared matters (complaints, charges, insolvency) | Attend Service NSW in person with supporting documents |
| Processing delay | Missing documents or Building Commission requests more info | Respond promptly to any request; licence remains current while decision is pending |
| Online ineligible | CPD exemption needed or conditions to change | Apply in person at Service NSW centre |
What happens if your licence lapses
Within 3 months of expiry: You can apply to restore your licence. You keep your existing licence number. Restoration fees are higher than renewal (verified 2026-05-08, Service NSW: Restore individual contractor licence):
| Term | Individual restoration | Company restoration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $635 | $914 |
| 3 years | $1,434 | $2,101 |
| 5 years | $2,556 | $3,600 |
Restoration is done in person at a Service NSW centre, not online.
More than 3 months after expiry: Restoration is generally not available. You must lodge a full new contractor licence application, which includes re-submitting qualifications and fitness and propriety checks. You lose your existing licence number.
During the lapsed period: You cannot legally contract for or carry out residential building work. Doing so is an offence under the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW) s 4 (verified 2026-05-08): maximum 200 penalty units for an individual (at $123.31 per unit from 1 July 2025, per SafeWork NSW that is $24,662); 1,000 penalty units for a corporation ($123,310). A conviction can also affect your fitness and propriety for future licence applications.
Existing contracts must also have a current HBCF certificate issued before you collected any payment; a lapsed licence means you cannot hold an HBCF certificate, exposing you and your clients to coverage gaps on contracts over $20,000.
References
- NSW Government: Renew, restore or replace a licence or registration (verified 2026-05-08)
- NSW Government: CPD for builders and swimming pool builders (verified 2026-05-08)
- NSW Government: Fees for licences and certificates (verified 2026-05-08)
- Service NSW: Renew individual contractor licence (verified 2026-05-08)
- Service NSW: Restore individual contractor licence (verified 2026-05-08)
- SafeWork NSW: Penalty unit value from 1 July 2025 ($123.31) (verified 2026-05-08)
- Home Building Act 1989 (NSW) (verified 2026-05-08)
Related
- Construction works insurance
- HBCF (Home Building Compensation Fund)
- Subbie quote pack: what to require
- Chippy on a residential job
- Reading a building contract
See also
Last updated: 2026-05-08. Verified: 2026-05-08. Quarterly review for currency.