This guide sets out what the Electrical Safety Office and Queensland Government pages say about checking that an electrician or electrical contractor is licensed. It explains the search and its limits as each page states them. It does not say whether any particular person is licensed, and it is general information only.
Why the licence number matters
At 11 November 2026, the Electrical licence search page on electricalsafety.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that electrical work should always be done by a licensed electrician. At 11 November 2026, the Electrical licence search page on electricalsafety.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that when choosing an electrician, the contractor licence number should be looked for and confirmed as current before any work is agreed. At 11 November 2026, the Don’t do your own electrical work page on electricalsafety.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that electrical work includes manufacturing, constructing, installing, testing, maintaining, repairing, altering, removing or replacing electrical equipment, as defined in the Electrical Safety Act 2002. At 11 November 2026, the Don’t do your own electrical work page on electricalsafety.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that it is not illegal to buy electrical accessories or appliances that need to be hard-wired, but they must be connected by a licensed electrician.
How the search works
At 11 November 2026, the Check a licence page on qld.gov.au (last updated 30 January 2024) says that the search tool shows whether someone in a regulated industry has the appropriate licence to do their job. At 11 November 2026, the Check a licence page on qld.gov.au (last updated 30 January 2024) says that the register is for licensed industries only. At 11 November 2026, the Electrical licence search page on electricalsafety.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that the online Electrical Licence Search checks the status of electrical contractor licence numbers. At 11 November 2026, the Check a licence page on qld.gov.au (last updated 30 January 2024) says that the data in the search tool is updated overnight. At 11 November 2026, the Check a licence page on qld.gov.au (last updated 30 January 2024) says that a licence issued or cancelled after the update will not show in the register.
Limits and what to do if no result appears
At 11 November 2026, the Don’t do your own electrical work page on electricalsafety.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that the electrician should be checked with the Electrical Licence Search before any work, and that electrical work should never be done as a do-it-yourself job. At 11 November 2026, the Check a licence page on qld.gov.au (last updated 30 January 2024) says that the data in the search tool is for information purposes only and should not be used as evidence in legal proceedings. At 11 November 2026, the Check a licence page on qld.gov.au (last updated 30 January 2024) says that for a formal reason a person can contact the department for an official extract. At 11 November 2026, the Electrical licence search page on electricalsafety.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that if the electrician cannot be found in the database, the Electrical Safety Office can be called on 1300 362 128. At 11 November 2026, the Check a licence page on qld.gov.au (last updated 30 January 2024) says that users agree not to use the search tool to process bulk requests for marketing purposes.
Reporting unlicensed work
At 11 November 2026, the Electrical licence search page on electricalsafety.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that unlicensed electrical work is illegal and dangerous and the Electrical Safety Office asks for help to stop it. At 11 November 2026, the Electrical licence search page on electricalsafety.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says that non-compliant electrical work, or unlicensed work being done or advertised in Queensland, can be reported.
Frequently asked questions
Should I check my electrician’s licence before work starts?
At 11 November 2026, the Electrical licence search page on electricalsafety.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says always get a licensed electrician to do any electrical work and look for their electrical contractor licence number before agreeing to any work.
What if my electrician is not in the database?
At 11 November 2026, the Electrical licence search page on electricalsafety.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says if you cannot find your electrician in the database, you should call 1300 362 128.
How often is the search updated?
At 11 November 2026, the Check a licence page on qld.gov.au (last updated 30 January 2024) says data in the search tool is updated overnight.
Can I report unlicensed electrical work?
At 11 November 2026, the Electrical licence search page on electricalsafety.qld.gov.au (which shows no visible last-updated date) says unlicensed electrical work is illegal and dangerous and can be reported.
