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When you need a motor vehicle tradesperson certificate, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
On this page
When a tradesperson certificate is needed
Add a repair class to your certificate
Key information
- In NSW, a motor vehicle tradesperson certificate is required by anyone who wants to work on the mechanical operation and/or structure of a vehicle. There are some exceptions.
- Certificates are granted for different categories of work. To get a certificate, you must be trained and qualified in that specific category of work.
- You can apply for a 1, 3 or 5-year licence.
- If you want to run a motor vehicle repair business in NSW, you will also need a motor vehicle repairer licence.
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 don’t need a certificate to work on the vehicle types below however, Australian Consumer Law still applies so the job must be done to the highest standard.
Caravans and trailers
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).
Vehicles that cannot be driven on NSW roads
These vehicles include agricultural (e.g. tractors), quad bikes, Segways, motorised wheelchairs, and battery powered bikes.
Eligibility
Who can apply
There are requirements you must meet to get a motor vehicle tradesperson certificate:
1. Have the required qualifications
Certificates are granted for different classes of work. To get a certificate, you must be trained and qualified in that specific area. See the training requirements.
2. Be a ‘fit and proper’ person
Fair Trading will perform checks (including financial and police checks) to determine whether you are a fit and proper person.
This means you:
- have not been found guilty of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty in the last 10 years, and are not currently involved in court proceedings for such an offence
- have not been convicted of an offence under the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act, the regulations, or another Act administered by the Minister of Fair Trading
- are not a member of or regularly associate with members of a declared criminal organisation.
In addition, you have (if applicable) made any compulsory contributions or other payments to the Compensation Fund under the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013.
Who cannot apply
Anyone who does not meet the ‘fit and proper’ criteria above 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.
How to apply
What you need
Before you begin your application, make sure you have:
- proof of identity
- completed all relevant training courses and have evidence of your qualifications
- payment for the licence fee. See our fees page for details.
You can apply for a 1, 3 or 5 year licence.
Apply online
Apply online at the Service NSW website.
To begin, select the ‘Apply now’ button below.
Your application 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.
What happens next?
1. Review application
Your application will be reviewed and assessed by a Fair Trading officer to check it meets eligibility requirements. This can take up to 30 business days.
They might contact you (by email or post) if they need more information.
2. Outcome advised
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, you’ll be advised of the reasons in writing and be provided with your options.
Add a repair class to your certificate
If you hold a motor vehicle tradesperson certificate and would like to add a category of work (repair class) that you are qualified to perform, complete the add a class of repair work application.
Submit your application at a Service NSW service centre, or mail it to:
Business Licensing
Locked Bag 5138
Parramatta NSW 2124
You can also remove a repair class using the same form.
Renew a certificate
You need to renew your tradesperson certificate before it expires.
We will send you a renewal application form 30 days before the expiry date with details of how to renew.
You can renew online or at a Service NSW centre.
If your certificate isn't renewed by the due date it will expire, and you will no longer be authorised to carry out the type of repair work outlined on your certificate.
As a licence holder, it is your responsibility to tell us within 14 days if your name, address or other details change.
Restoring your motor vehicle tradesperson certificate after expiry
If your certificate has expired in the past three months, you can restore it online or at a Service NSW centre.
You can use the details on your renewal form to apply to restore your certificate.
If your certificate is restored, you’ll keep your existing certificate number. In this instance, your certificate is considered to have been restored from the day it expired.
If your certificate has been expired for more than 3 months, restoration may not be an option and you will need to reapply.
To check the status of your certificate, you can search the public register.
Replace your motor vehicle tradesperson certificate
If your motor vehicle tradesperson certificate has been lost, damaged, or destroyed, you can apply for a replacement by downloading and completing the Application for a replacement licence or certificate.
Submit your application in person at a Service NSW centre, or by mail to:
Business Licensing
Locked Bag 5138
Parramatta NSW 2124
Working interstate and mutual recognition
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.
For more information on WA requirements, visit the WA Government website.
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.
Qualification requirements
Below is a list of work categories and the qualification/s you need before you can do the work.
Training needs to be provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like TAFE NSW.
Existing qualifications from an RTO or university (prior learning) can count towards any new qualification. Ask your RTO if this applies to you.
Automotive electrician
Work: Installs or repairs electrical equipment, systems, or circuits in motor vehicles.
Qualification: You need a Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology.
Body Maker
Work: Makes or repairs motor vehicle bodies (excludes manufacturing whole new motor vehicles).
Qualification: You need one of the following:
- Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations – Bus, Truck and Trailer or
- Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade.
Electrical accessory fitting work
Work: Installs, assembles, services, or removes electrical accessories in or from motor vehicles, such as vehicle lighting systems and security components. This does not include work on hybrid or electrically powered motor vehicles or work that involves cutting, splicing, or altering wiring harnesses.
Qualification: You need a Certificate II in Automotive Electrical Technology and must complete the ‘repair wiring harness and looms’ elective unit.
Important: Since 1 November 2021, a certificate II is required to do electrical accessory fitting work. Read more.
Exhaust repair work
Work: Fabricates, modifies, services, or repairs the exhaust systems of motor vehicles. Does not include work on the chassis of a motor vehicle.
Qualification: You need a Certificate II in Automotive Underbody Technology including the Exhaust Repair specialist elective units.
Gas Mechanics
Compressed natural gas mechanic
Work: Installs or repairs compressed natural gas (CNG) equipment in motor vehicles.
Qualification: You need a Certificate III in Automotive Alternative Fuel Technology, including the CNG specialist elective units.
Liquefied natural gas mechanic
Work: Installs or repairs liquefied natural gas (LNG) equipment in motor vehicles.
Qualification: You need a Certificate III in Automotive Alternative Fuel Technology, including the LNG specialist elective units.
Liquefied petroleum gas mechanic
Work: Installs or repairs liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) equipment in motor vehicles.
Qualification: You need a Certificate IIIin Automotive Alternative Fuel Technology, including LPG specialist elective units.
Glazing work
Work: Installs, repairs or removes windscreens or other glass in or from the bodies of motor vehicles.
Qualification: You need one of the following -
- Certificate III in Automotive Glazing Technology, or
- Certificate II in Automotive Body Repair Technology.
Important: Since 1 November 2021, at least a certificate II is required to do glazing work. Read more.
Motor mechanic
Work: Service and repair the engines or transmissions or the fuel, induction, exhaust, electrical, steering, suspension, cooling, or braking systems of motor vehicles.
Qualification: You need one of the following -
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, or
- Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Motorcycle mechanic
Work: Service and repair the engines or transmissions or the fuel, induction, exhaust, electrical, steering, suspension, cooling, or braking systems, or remove or replace wheels or tyres of motorcycles only.
Qualification: You need a Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology.
Panel beater
Work: Repairs the structural components, frames, or panels of motor vehicles.
Qualification: You need a Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology.
Radiator repair work
Work: Repairs the radiator, heating equipment, thermostats or fuel tanks of motor vehicles. Does not include work on hybrid or electrically powered motor vehicles.
Qualification: You need a Certificate II in Automotive Underbody Technology (Radiator and Cooling System Repair).
Steering suspension and wheel alignment work
Work: Services or repairs the steering or suspension of motor vehicles or aligns the wheels of motor vehicles. Does not include work on hybrid or electrically powered motor vehicles.
Qualification: You need a Certificate II in Automotive Steering and Suspension System Technology.
Trailer and caravan mechanic
Work: Repairs the underbody of a trailer or towable recreation vehicle.
Qualification: You do not need a qualification so long as the work is being done at a licensed repair premises and the work is only done on trailers or towable recreational vehicles.
Transmission specialist
Work: Repairs the gears, clutches, drive shafts, and differentials of motor vehicles.
Qualification: You need a Certificate III in Automotive Drivetrain Technology.
Underbody work
Work: Repairs underbody systems of motor vehicles, including brake equipment or systems, exhaust systems, or steering or suspension systems. Does not include mechanical systems or electrical equipment, systems, or circuits.
Qualification: You need one of the following:
- Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology, or
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
Vehicle painter
Work: Paints motor vehicles.
Qualification: You need a Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology.
Contact us
Need help applying?
If you need help with your application or have a question, please call 13 32 20.
Unsuccessful applications
You can apply for a review.
A review involves another officer from 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 Fair Trading decisions.