Difference between an ABN and a QBCC licence number
An ABN or trading name simply shows that a business is registered for tax and trading purposes — it does not confirm the person is licensed to perform building work. An ABN is issued and managed by the Australian Taxation Office and is separate to a QBCC licence which is issued and managed by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.
When entering into a contract for work valued at more than $3,300, you should always check if the contractor has the relevant QBCC licence by verifying their licence number.
Recent enforcement activity, prosecutions and public warnings in Queensland show unlicensed operators continue to cause financial harm to home owners by pretending to hold a licence or offering to perform work that ordinarily requires a licence.
By using a QBCC licensee, you’re ensuring: your building or renovation work complies with legal standards, is covered by the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme for insurance against defects or non-completion, and ensures the contractor has the verified skills, experience, and financial capacity to complete a job. It offers peace of mind, reducing the risk of legal disputes or costly repairs.
You can verify they are licensed in three ways:
- Sight their physical licence card.
- Sight their digital licence on their mobile phone via the Queensland Government’s digital licence app.
- Check their licence number on the QBCC’s free licensee register.
Alternatively, if something doesn’t feel right, you can call the business directly to confirm the person you spoke with is a representative of their company or call us for support.
Hiring an appropriately licensed contractor provides peace of mind, as they have the right skills and qualifications to perform the work. Going with a licensed contractor may also provide protection – in the form of our nation-leading Home Warranty Scheme – in the event anything goes wrong.
At-a-glance comparison and what to check
Identifier | What it proves | What you should check |
| ABN or Trading name | That the business is registered for tax purposes | Having an ABN is not enough. Check that the individual or company also holds the relevant QBCC licence. Ask for their QBCC licence number or ask the licensee to show you their physical or digital licence card. Their QBCC licence number should also be displayed on any of their marketing material and at all their active construction sites. Make sure it is the same as the number on their physical or digital QBCC licence card |
| QBCC licence number / licence card | That the individual or company is authorised to carry out specified building work | That the photo on the licence matches the person and verify their licence on the QBCC’s licensee register and confirm the licence they hold is appropriate for performing the work outlined in the contract. |
Red flags and practical checks
- Licence number is missing or inconsistent — ask for it and verify it.
- Refusal to provide a licence card or contact details should be treated as a warning sign.
- Different business name on paperwork vs who you spoke to — call the business to confirm identity.
The QBCC responds to complaints about unlicensed contractors and contractors who have fraudulently represented themselves as licensed. If you suspect that you are dealing with a dodgy contractor, report them to us.
Risks and final tips
There are significant risks associated with hiring unlicensed contractors, including: paying excessive deposit amounts; incomplete, defective and/or non-compliant work leading to costly completion or rectification; and potentially not being covered by the home warranty scheme.
That’s why it’s so important to verify the person you’re dealing with is who they say they are, keep written records, and understand your role and responsibilities by visiting the QBCC’s Home Owner Hub, which can help guide you through your building or renovation journey by providing valuable tips and information.
