Working as a motor vehicle tradesperson
Information on when you need a motor vehicle tradesperson certificate, applying for and updating your details.
When a motor vehicle tradesperson certificate is needed
You need a motor vehicle tradesperson certificate when you carry out work that affects the mechanical operation and/or structure of a vehicle. This applies to heavy vehicles (more than 4.5 tonnes) as well as light vehicles (for example, cars, utes, vans, motorbikes and some light trucks).
You will need a certificate to carry out these classes (categories) of work:
- automotive electrician
- body maker
- compressed natural gas mechanic
- electrical accessory fitting
- exhaust repair
- glazing work
- liquefied natural gas mechanic
- liquefied petroleum gas mechanic
- motor mechanic
- motorcycle mechanic
- panel beater
- radiator repair
- steering, suspension and wheel alignment
- transmission specialist
- underbody work
- vehicle painter.
When a motor vehicle tradesperson certificate is not required
These types of ‘minor work’ do not need a certificate:
- battery installation or replacement
- wheel removal or replacement, including cosmetic alloy wheel repair
- headlight repair and restoration
- paintless dent removal
- removing parts of a vehicle in preparation for repair work or for damage assessment
- bumper repair
- paint preparation and colour matching.
Other exceptions
You do not need a certificate to work on the vehicle types below, however, Australian Consumer Law (ACL) still applies so the job must be done to the highest standard.
You do not need a certificate to work on trailers or caravans, however, work on the underbody must be done at a place of business that has a motor vehicle repairer licence.
Other work on a part of a caravan that is not the underbody may be regulated under other existing laws (for example, electrical wiring work).
These vehicles include agricultural (for example, tractors), quad bikes, Segways, motorised wheelchairs, and battery powered bikes.
Apply for a tradesperson certificate
Certificates are granted for different classes of work. To get a certificate, you must first be trained and qualified in that specific area.
Once you have met the training and qualifications requirements, you may then be eligible to apply for your tradesperson certificate. The application process outlines all eligibility requirements to be met.
Apply online
Apply online at the Service NSW website.
To begin, select the ‘Apply now’ button below.
The lodgement of your application online will take about 20 minutes to complete.
If you want to apply in-person, download and complete the application form and return it to your nearest Service NSW service centre.
Who cannot apply
Anyone who is not a ‘fit and proper’ person to hold a licence or certificate is not eligible to apply for a motor vehicle tradesperson certificate.
Trainees and apprentices are also not eligible for a certificate. However, they can work under the supervision of a tradesperson with a certificate for the repair work taking place. The supervising tradesperson must have a motor vehicle repairer licence (if they are self-employed) or be employed by someone who does.
After submitting your application
The application review process
We will assess your application within 30 business days.
We will contact you (by email) if we need more information. This will increase the processing time, so it's important you provide all the required information when you lodge your application.
Advising you on the application outcome
We will send an email to advise you if your application has been successful.
If your application is successful, the email will include a copy of your certificate and your details will be added to the public register.
If your application is unsuccessful, we will provide you with the reasons in writing including any options that may be available to you.
Unsuccessful applications
You can apply for a review.
A review involves another officer from NSW Fair Trading, who was not involved in the original decision, reviewing the decision on the application.
For more information about the process, see reviews of NSW Fair Trading decisions.
Adding or removing a repair class to your certificate
If you hold a motor vehicle tradesperson certificate you can add or remove a category of work (repair class) to your certificate, To do this complete the add a class of repair work application form and submit your application to your nearest Service NSW service centre, or mail it to:
Business Licensing
Locked Bag 5138
Parramatta NSW 2124
Working interstate
There are several ways of working across borders and you can find information on each of these at our Working interstate and in New Zealand page.
Automatic mutual recognition
Under the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme it is easier for occupational licence holders to work across state borders without having to apply for a second licence and pay fees.
Under the scheme some interstate licensees can start work automatically in NSW and others will be required to notify us of their intention to work here. This does not include workers from Queensland as that state is not participating in AMR.
To be eligible for the AMR scheme, you must hold a current licence or registration in your home state or territory for the activity covered by an occupation that you intend to do in the second state or territory.
Visit the AMR page for more information on the scheme.
Mutual recognition
Interstate licensees who are not eligible for AMR may be able to apply to work in NSW under Mutual Recognition (MR).
Western Australia
NSW has a mutual recognition arrangement with Western Australia (WA).
This means you can use your NSW motor vehicle tradesperson certificate to work in WA, and motor vehicle tradespeople from WA can work in NSW.
You will still need to apply to work in NSW or WA. This involves completing a form, paying a fee and providing evidence of your existing registration/licence.
Once you have submitted the form, you are deemed registered and can begin work in NSW or WA. You must abide by all NSW and/or WA laws while carrying out your work.
Visit the WA Government website for more information on the WA requirements.
Other states and territories and New Zealand
People from other Australian states and territories and New Zealand can also apply for mutual recognition in NSW.
To be eligible for mutual recognition, you must have a current and equivalent interstate licence (certificate or registration) to work.
Download and complete the Notice of registration of equivalent occupation form and email it to the Business Licensing team at [email protected]
Autogas licence holders from another state can work in NSW
NSW recognises autogas licences from other states and territories. After notifying the NSW licensing authority, you can carry out autogas:
- installations
- service, or
- repairs.
Ask a question
If you need help with your application or have a question, please call 13 32 20.