South Australia AMR for Licensed Tradies: Notify CBS Before Starting Work

Under South Australia’s Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR), an individual holding a current interstate licence for a covered occupation, including builders and tradespeople, can use that licence for eligible work in SA without applying for or paying for a new SA licence. They must submit the AMR online notification form to Consumer and Business Services (CBS) before commencing any work in SA. Consumer and Business Services’ guidance, published 1 February 2022, says AMR commenced for certain CBS-regulated occupations on 1 February 2022 (figures checked 1 October 2026).

What does South Australian AMR let me do?

AMR, also called JobPass, allows an eligible worker to use a current interstate licence or registration when taking work in South Australia. It removes the need to apply for a new SA licence or pay the applicable licence fee, but it does not remove the licensing process altogether: the worker must notify CBS before starting work.

The basic rules are:

Question	What the rule means
Who can use AMR?	An individual working in a covered occupation
Whose licence can be used?	A current licence or registration held in the worker’s home state or territory
Must it cover the intended work?	Yes
Does a company qualify?	No, AMR applies to individuals but not companies
Is a new SA licence application required?	No, provided the AMR conditions are met
When must CBS be notified?	Before any work starts in SA

Am I eligible to use AMR?

CBS lists builders and tradespeople among the occupations covered by AMR. Its list also includes plumbers, gas-fitters, electricians and other occupations.

To use AMR, the individual must:

• Hold a current licence or registration in their home state or territory that covers the work they intend to do in SA.
• Be working in an occupation covered by the relevant AMR arrangements.
• Not be disqualified or suspended from carrying on the occupation.
• Not have been refused a licence for that occupation.

The commencement date for AMR differs between each state and territory. Check the CBS guidance before assuming that the arrangements have started in the jurisdiction where your licence is held.

When must I notify CBS?

Submit the Automatic Mutual Recognition online notification form before commencing any work in South Australia. Automatic recognition does not remove this pre-work notification requirement.

Stage	What happens
Before starting work	Confirm that your current interstate licence covers the intended occupation and work
Before starting work	Submit the AMR online notification form to CBS
After notification	Identifying details and details of your interstate registration are published on the CBS public register
While working in SA	Continue meeting the applicable SA conduct and technical requirements

The published CBS guidance does not state how long it takes for an active entry to appear on the public register. The notification should therefore be submitted before work begins rather than treated as a task to complete afterwards.

Will my details appear on the CBS public register?

CBS publishes identifying details and interstate-registration details after a person notifies the regulator that they intend to work in SA under AMR. All active AMR licensees appear on the CBS Licensing Public Register.

To find an active AMR licensee, search for the holder’s name under the relevant licence type.

Does AMR cover my company?

No. AMR applies to individuals, not companies. A company cannot be placed in the same position as an individual licence holder merely because the workers it engages are using interstate licences through AMR.

Do I still have to meet SA requirements?

Yes. An AMR licensee must comply with the same conduct and technical requirements as a SA licensee.

After notifying CBS, workers in certain occupations receive a factsheet outlining key responsibilities and occupation-specific requirements for working in SA. CBS publishes a builders factsheet, along with factsheets for several other covered occupations.

What if I move my home state to South Australia?

Taking work in SA under an interstate licence is different from moving your home state. If you move your home state, CBS says you must apply through the existing mutual recognition arrangements to obtain a new substantive licence or registration in that state.

What information does CBS collect and share?

CBS gathers information about people seeking work under AMR and their interstate registrations. This can include:

• Personal identification details, such as a name and date of birth.
• Contact details, including an address, telephone number and email address.
• Details of interstate registrations held.
• Details of disciplinary investigations or actions.

CBS shares this information with interstate regulators and regulators within SA to help determine eligibility for regulated work and assist with compliance activities. It manages personal information in line with the confidentiality requirements of the Fair Trading Act 1987.

This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the current CBS regulator page before submitting a notification, and read the Product Disclosure Statement for any relevant insurance policy.

Sources

• Automatic recognition of licences | Consumer and Business Services — published 1 February 2022; checked 1 October 2026.

FAQ

Do I need to apply for a new South Australian licence?

No. If you satisfy the AMR requirements, you can use your current interstate licence for the work it covers without applying for or paying for a new SA licence. You must still notify CBS before starting work.

How early must I notify CBS?

Before you commence any work in South Australia. The notification is a pre-work requirement, even though AMR removes the need for a new licence application.

Can my company use AMR?

No. AMR applies to individual workers, not companies.

Can my licence status be checked on the public register?

All active AMR licensees appear on the CBS Licensing Public Register. Search under the holder’s name and the relevant licence type.

Must I keep meeting South Australian requirements?

Yes. AMR licensees must continue to meet the same conduct and technical requirements that apply to SA licensees.