# How do I check my electrician is licensed in Queensland? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) 4. How do I check my electrician is licensed in Queensland? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [How do I check my electrician is licensed in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/check-electrician-licence-queensland/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? 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By Casey Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. How do I check a licence? 2. How to check, step by step 3. What should I look for in the result? 4. What about insurance? 5. What if I cannot find them? 6. Why does the check matter? 7. What if I need someone urgently? 8. Can I check someone a friend recommended? 9. Frequently asked questions Ask the electrician for their licence number, then search it on the Electrical Safety Office Queensland (ESO) online licence search before any work starts. Check that the name and licence class match your quote and the person who turns up. A licensed electrician will be happy to give you the number. ## How do I check a licence? The ESO is the Queensland regulator for electrical safety, and it provides a free online search of licence holders. You can use it from your phone while the electrician is still on the line or at your door. - [Electrical Safety Office, electrical licence search](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/electrical-license-search) ## How to check, step by step 1. Ask for the licence number — Ask before you agree to a quote. It should be on their quote, invoice or website as well. 2. Search it online — Enter the number or name in the ESO licence search and read the result. 3. Match the details — The name on the licence should match the name on the quote and the person doing the work. Check that the licence is current and the class suits the job. 4. Keep a record — Save a screenshot of the result with your quote so you have it later. ## What should I look for in the result? There are three main things. - **Name.** Does it match the business or person you are dealing with? - **Status.** Is the licence current, and not cancelled or suspended? - **Class.** Electrical licences come in different classes for different kinds of work. The WorkSafe Queensland page on licence classes explains them, and a licensed electrician can tell you which suits your job. If anything does not match, ask the electrician to explain. A genuine mismatch, such as a business using someone else’s licence number, is a reason to walk away. ## What about insurance? Many consumer guides suggest asking whether the electrician carries public liability insurance. It is a sensible question, and a reputable business will answer it plainly. It is separate from the licence check, and the ESO search does not show it. ## What if I cannot find them? Try again with the exact spelling used on the quote, since the person’s name and the trading name may differ. If you still cannot find a current licence, do not let the work go ahead. You can ask the ESO for help through its website or its published contact details. Unlicensed work or unsafe equipment If you suspect someone has already done unlicensed work and you notice a burning smell, buzzing, a hot fitting or sparks, do not touch it. Keep children and pets away. If there is smoke, fire or a shock, leave the building and call 000. Otherwise, contact a licensed electrician who can inspect the work. ## Why does the check matter? Electrical work in Queensland must generally be done by a licensed electrician. Licensed work is done by a trained person, comes with paperwork, and can be traced back to someone accountable. See our article on whether DIY electrical work is legal in Queensland for background. - [WorkSafe Queensland, classes of electrical licence](https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/licensing-and-registrations/electrical-licences/classes-of-licences) ## What if I need someone urgently? When something is wrong and you need help quickly, it is tempting to skip checks. Try not to. Ask for the licence number when you call, and look it up while you wait. A licensed electrician arriving at your door can show you their identification and the number, and it takes only a minute to confirm. In the meantime, stay away from the problem area, keep children and pets away, and note what you have seen without touching anything, such as the time it started, which rooms are affected and any smell or noise. ## Can I check someone a friend recommended? Yes, and you should. A recommendation tells you about service. The licence search tells you about the person’s authority to do the work. Use both. ## Frequently asked questions - The ESO's online licence search is a public tool provided by the regulator. Check the site for the current details. - Do not proceed until it is explained. A mismatch can mean a typing error, or it can mean the person is using someone else's licence. - Apprentices work under the supervision of a licensed electrician, who stays responsible for the job. Ask who the supervising licensed electrician is. - No. An ABN or business registration does not show someone is licensed to do electrical work. Check the electrical licence itself. - The Electrical Safety Office Queensland is the regulator and can answer licensing questions. Use the contact details on its website. [Learn about Electrical](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [ElectricalCan I do my own electrical work in Queensland?No: in Queensland electrical work must generally be done by a licensed electrician, with only narrow exceptions for minor tasks.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/diy-electrical-work-legal-queensland/) - [ElectricalWhat is a certificate of compliance for electrical work?A licensed electrician gives you a certificate after electrical work in Queensland; keep it, because you may need it later.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/electrical-certificate-of-compliance-queensland/) - [ElectricalHow to choose an electrician: 8 questions to askCheck the licence, ask about insurance and paperwork, get a written quote, and be wary of cash-only offers and pressure to decide.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/how-to-choose-an-electrician/) - [Costs and financeHow much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?Electrician pricing in Brisbane depends on call-out, hourly or fixed quotes, timing and materials, so compare written quotes like for like.](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. How do I check a licence? 2. How to check, step by step 3. What should I look for in the result? 4. What about insurance? 5. What if I cannot find them? 6. Why does the check matter? 7. What if I need someone urgently? 8. Can I check someone a friend recommended? 9. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/electrical/check-electrician-licence-queensland/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).