How to apply for an owner-builder permit

How to apply

What you need

Before you begin your application make sure you have:

• a MyServiceNSW account
• proof of identity
• acceptable documentation showing proof of ownership or long-term lease agreement relating to the land specified in your application, such as:
  • council rates or water rates notice less than 1 year old
  • Certificate of Title from NSW Land Registry Services
  • solicitor settlement letter showing settlement date (cannot be future dated and must be less than 3 months old)
  • copy of the lease (minimum 3 years) registered with NSW Land Registry Services.
• estimated cost of the building work for labour and materials
• details of the proposed plans
• a copy of approved development consent (not an application number) such as:
  • development approval (DA) from the local council
  • complying development certificate (CDC) from the local council or accredited certifier.
• a current white card (general construction induction training card)
• evidence that you've completed the owner-builder approved education requirements (or equivalent accreditation) if the value of work exceeds $20,000
• payment for the licence fee. See our fees page for details.

All owners of the land must be listed in the application. Other owners will not be able to apply for another owner-builder permit relating to different land for 5 years.

For the current white card (general construction induction card) mentioned above, Building Commission NSW will also accept a Safework Statement of Training issued within 60 days before your application. This acknowledges that it may take up to 60 days to issue the white card once you have completed the relevant training.

Building Commission NSW will also accept, in certain circumstances, interstate general construction induction training cards (or cards issued in NSW under previous arrangements that are recognised under Work Health and Safety laws).

False or misleading information

You can be prosecuted under the Crimes Act 1900 if you falsely state or leave out information in an application for an owner-builder permit.

The penalty for making a false or misleading application is imprisonment for up to 2 years, or a maximum fine of $22,000 or both.

The NSW Building Commissioner can also cancel a permit if it is discovered that a permit holder has misrepresented information in their application.

Replace an owner-builder permit

If your permit has been damaged, lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement at a service centre.

To get a replacement permit:

• download and complete the Application for Duplicate Licence, Certificate or Permit form
• visit a service centre and submit your application and fee payment in person.

Change the details on an owner-builder permit

If any details have changed since your permit was issued (except for a change of name), you'll need to visit a service centre and apply for a new permit.

If details such as your name or address have been incorrectly recorded, you can visit a Service NSW centre and have your permit amended.

Once an owner-builder permit has been granted, there is no option for cancellation unless a clear error was made at the time of granting, and the permit should not have been issued.

Changing your mind, altering plans, or contracting a licensed builder to carry out the work are not considered errors, and the permit cannot be cancelled.

Qualifications you need

If your home renovation work is valued at over $10,000, you need an owner-builder permit.

If the work is valued at more than $20,000, you will also need to complete certain units of competency or have the approved equivalent qualifications and experience. Find out what you need below.

If the work does require an owner-builder permit, you must hold a current white card (or general construction induction training card).

Education aims

Building and construction are high-risk activities.

The education requirement helps prepare those owner-builders who are not trade trained, to discharge a range of legal responsibilities, including workplace safety and construction in accordance with approved Council plans.

The education helps to:

• improve safety onsite for workers
• support the certification of construction
• equip owner-builders with useful knowledge and skills
• avoid contractual disputes.

All owner-builder permit applicants are required to hold a current general construction induction card or a SafeWork NSW Statement of Training.

Owner-builder education providers

Choose an organisation that can deliver the 5 units of competency.

Before enrolling in any training, you should ensure the provider is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Search the National Training Register to check the RTO status of a training provider.

Current white card (general construction induction training card)

A white card (also known as a general construction induction training card) is a mandatory requirement for all owner-builder permit applications.

Apply for a white card at SafeWork NSW.