How To Check A Conveyancing Licence

Conveyancing regulation in Australia

Each state and territory in Australia has its own rules for who can do conveyancing work. Most states have licensed conveyancers, but Queensland and the ACT only allow lawyers to handle property settlements. In Western Australia conveyancers are known as “settlement agents”. Below we run through each state’s rules so you can do you research before choosing someone to handle your property transaction.

How to check a conveyancer’s licence in NSW

NSW Fair Trading regulates conveyancers under the Conveyancers Licensing Act 2003. Conveyancers need proper qualifications, two years of experience, and professional insurance. They must renew their licenses regularly.

Visit the Service NSW verification website and click “Check online”. Enter the conveyancer’s name, license number, or business details to see if their license is current and valid.

How to check a conveyancer’s licence in VIC

Consumer Affairs Victoria regulates conveyancers under the Conveyancers Act 2006. Victorian conveyancers need an Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing plus 12 months of supervised experience. Once licensed, their license stays valid unless they surrender it or have it cancelled.

Check the public register of licensed conveyancers and click “View the public register”. Search by name, license number, or business details to see if the license is active and any restrictions.

How to check a conveyancer’s licence in QLD

Queensland is different – only qualified lawyers can do conveyancing work. There’s no separate conveyancer licensing system. The Queensland Law Society regulates all legal practitioners who handle conveyancing.

Contact QLS directly at records@qls.com.au or call 1300 367 757. Provide the solicitor’s name and ask them to confirm their current practicing certificate status.

How to check a conveyancer’s licence in WA

Western Australia calls conveyancers “settlement agents” and they’re regulated by Consumer Protection DMIRS. Settlement agents need an Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing, two years experience, and professional insurance. Licenses need to be renewed every three years.

Use the DMIRS license search to check by license number or name. A green status means the license is active – just check the expiry date too.

How to check a conveyancer’s licence in SA

South Australia’s conveyancers are regulated by Consumer and Business Services (CBS) under the Conveyancers Act 1994. Conveyancers need an Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing, clean criminal record, and professional insurance. Licenses cost $837 and need annual renewal.

Visit the CBS licence search and click the “CBS licensing register” link. Enter the conveyancer’s name or license number and choose “Conveyancer” from the dropdown to see if the license is current.

How to check a conveyancer’s licence in TAS

Tasmania’s conveyancers are regulated by Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) under the Conveyancing Act 2004. Conveyancers need proper qualifications plus two years of hands-on experience working under supervision. Licenses are valid for three years with professional insurance required.

Visit the CBOS licensing search and click “Search Now”. Choose “Conveyancer” from the options and enter the person’s name or license number to check if it’s active.

How to check a conveyancer’s licence in ACT

Like Queensland, the ACT doesn’t have separate conveyancer licenses. Only qualified lawyers can do conveyancing work under the Legal Profession Act 2006. The Law Society of the ACT and ACT Courts regulate legal practitioners.

Contact the Law Society of the ACT directly or check with ACT Courts for practitioner status. Make sure your ACT conveyancer is actually an admitted legal practitioner.

How to check a conveyancer’s licence in NT

The Northern Territory regulates conveyancing agents through the NT Agents Licensing Board under the Agents Licensing Act 1979. Conveyancing agents need an Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing, police checks, and professional insurance. Licenses can be issued for one, three, or five years.

Use the NT Licensing Online public register search. Choose “real estate, business and conveyancing agents” from the dropdown, then enter the agent’s name or license number to check if it’s current.