An ACT plumber advertising a service must include the name recorded on the licence and the licence number; a corporation must also include its ACN, according to the ACT Government’s City and Environment Directorate. The same regulator requires relevant changes to licence details to be notified to the Construction Occupations Registrar within 14 days, described as two weeks in its guidance. Figures checked 1 October 2026.
What exact details must appear in an ACT plumber advertisement?
Use the details connected to the particular licence:
| Requirement | Who must include it | What to display |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed name | A licensed individual, partnership or corporation | The name recorded on the licence |
| Licence number | A licensed individual, partnership or corporation | The number recorded on the licence |
| ACN | A licensed corporation only | The corporation’s ACN |
The ACN does not replace the licence number. Both identify different parts of the licenceholder’s legal and licensing information.
Do business cards, contracts, signage and online material need the same details?
When the material advertises the service, the licensing details need to appear in the advertising itself.
| Advertising material | Application of the rule |
|---|---|
| Business cards, letters and brochures | Expressly listed by the regulator |
| Sample contracts | Expressly listed |
| Signage, including vehicle signage | Expressly listed |
| Radio and print advertising | Expressly listed |
| Clothing bearing the licensee’s name | Expressly listed |
| Websites, online listings and social media | Not separately named in the examples, but the general advertising requirement applies because the regulator says its examples are not exhaustive |
The regulator gives these examples under section 83 of the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004. A website or online profile should therefore not be treated as exempt merely because it is not separately named in the published list.
When does the two-week notification period start?
The period starts when the relevant detail changes. The regulator’s two pages describe the same deadline as “2 weeks” and “14 days”—not two separate notification periods.
| Reportable change | Who to notify | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Licence details, including name, business address or contact details | Construction Occupations Registrar via the Construction and Work Place Licensing team | Within two weeks |
| Address, email or phone | Construction Occupations Registrar | Within 14 days |
| Name, including a corporation or partnership name | Construction Occupations Registrar | Within 14 days |
| Directors or partners | Construction Occupations Registrar | Within 14 days |
The regulator’s construction licences guidance expressly includes directors and partners in its list of reportable changes.
What must a corporation notify after a director or contact-person change?
A corporation licence holder must also notify the City and Environment Directorate of a change in directors or contact person. This is an additional corporation notification.
Changes in directors or partners are expressly included in the 14-day reporting rule. The cited guidance does not state a separate deadline for the additional contact-person notification, so check the current regulator page or contact the licensing team if the timing or correct route is unclear.
How do I notify the Registrar?
For a licence-detail update:
- Complete the Update licence or registration details form identified in the regulator’s responsibilities guidance. The construction licences page also refers to completing the registration form when details change.
- Ensure the notification is directed to the Construction Occupations Registrar through the Construction and Work Place Licensing team.
- If you hold a corporation licence, deal separately with the additional notification to the City and Environment Directorate for a director or contact-person change.
- Contact the Construction and Work Place Licensing team on 02 6207 8096 or at cwpl@act.gov.au if you need to confirm the correct process.
What should a client check before hiring an ACT plumber?
Prospective clients can use the construction professionals list or the register of licensed construction practitioners available through Access Canberra. The register can be used to check whether the licence is current and whether it has any endorsements, conditions or restrictions.
Insurance is a separate obligation. Section 47 of the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 requires a construction occupations licensee working for a client to show the client their insurance, even if the client has not asked for it. The advertising requirements discussed above do not state that insurance details must appear in every advertisement.
Check the current regulator page and your policy’s PDS for the applicable licensing and insurance requirements. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Sources
- Responsibilities - City and Environment Directorate - Planning
- Construction licences - City and Environment Directorate - Planning
FAQ
Must an ACT plumber put their licence number on a business card?
Yes. An advertisement must include the name recorded on the licence and the licence number. A corporation must also include its ACN.
Do websites and social media need the same licence details?
Yes, when they advertise the service. Although the regulator’s examples do not separately list websites or social media, it says the examples are not exhaustive.
How long do I have to report a change of address, email or phone number?
The Construction Occupations Registrar must be advised within 14 days, also described as two weeks, through the Construction and Work Place Licensing team.
What should a corporation report after a director changes?
Notify the Construction Occupations Registrar of the director change within 14 days. A corporation licence holder must also notify the City and Environment Directorate of a director or contact-person change.
Can a client check whether my ACT licence is current?
Yes. The construction professionals list and Access Canberra register can be used to check the licence and any endorsements, conditions or restrictions.
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