Painter licensing in South Australia

In South Australia, painting work over $12,000 — including materials — requires a Building Work Contractor licence from Consumer and Business Services (CBS). This applies whether you're a sole trader or a company, whether the job is residential or commercial.

When a licence is required

Any painting or decorating work where the total contracted price (materials + labour) is over $12,000 requires a licence. Examples:

• A full interior repaint of a 3-bedroom home ($4,000-$8,000 range) typically does NOT require a licence
• A full exterior repaint ($6,000-$14,000 range) usually DOES require a licence at the upper end
• A whole-home inside and out ($12,000+) always requires a licence
• Commercial work of any size approaching $12,000 requires a licence

How to verify a painter's licence

The CBS Public Register lets you search by business name, licence number or individual name. You should see: the licence number, business name, licence class, status (active/inactive), and any conditions or restrictions. Take 30 seconds to check before signing.

What "unlicensed" means for your consumer rights

Hiring an unlicensed painter for work over $12,000 puts you at legal risk. If the painter's work is defective, your consumer recourse is limited because the contract itself may be unenforceable. You can't access the Building Work Contractors Guarantee Scheme. Insurance companies may refuse property damage claims if unlicensed work was the cause.

When licensing isn't required

Work under $12,000 doesn't require a CBS licence, but painters should still have:

• Current public liability insurance ($5-10M minimum)
• Workers compensation if they have employees
• ABN and GST registration
• Formal trade qualifications (Certificate III in Painting and Decorating or equivalent)

Unlicensed painters who lack insurance and qualifications are a risk regardless of job size. Adelaide Painters vets every painter in the network on licensing, insurance, and qualifications before they can receive a quote request.