Under section 83 of the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, advertising an ACT builder’s service must include the exact name recorded on the construction licence and that licence number; if the licence holder is a corporation, its ACN must appear as well. There is no single ACT builder licence number or ACN to copy: use the identifiers assigned to the particular licence holder. The City and Environment Directorate - Planning confirms these requirements; figures checked 1 October 2026.
Which advertising channels does the rule cover?
Advertising is not limited to one format. The regulator gives the following examples under section 83 and says the list is not exhaustive.
| Channel | How the cited rule treats it |
|---|---|
| Letters and business cards | Expressly listed as advertising. |
| Sample contracts | Expressly listed. The cited guidance does not separately explain the treatment of signed contracts. |
| Brochures | Expressly listed. |
| Signage | Expressly listed, including signage on vehicles. |
| Radio and print advertising | Expressly listed. |
| Clothing | Expressly listed when it bears the construction licence holder’s name. |
| Online advertising | No specific online format is named. Because the examples are not exhaustive, an online item that advertises the service is not excluded merely because it is online; it should carry the same required details. |
For a campaign using several materials, check every advertisement rather than assuming the details in one item cover the others.
What must a corporation, partnership or individual show?
| Licence holder | Name recorded on the licence | Licence number | ACN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporation | Required | Required | The corporation’s ACN is also required |
| Individual | Required | Required | No ACN requirement is stated in the cited rule |
| Partnership | Required | Required | The rule expressly adds an ACN requirement for a corporation, but does not state one for a partnership |
For a corporation, the ACN is additional to the licence number, not a replacement. Check the name against the wording recorded on the licence rather than assuming a brand or trading name will satisfy the rule.
Does the number need a particular position or size?
The cited guidance identifies what advertising must contain, but it does not state a required position, font size or design. There is also no stated special format for vehicle signage, print advertising or online material.
As a practical publishing control, place the required information where it is easy to read and check each final version before it is distributed or uploaded.
How can a licence holder keep the details correct?
- Use the exact name and licence number shown on the construction licence.
- For a corporation, verify that the ACN belongs to the licensed corporation. The cited guidance does not nominate a separate public lookup for the ACN.
- Use the regulator’s construction professionals list to check whether the licence is current, including any endorsements, conditions or restrictions.
- If licence details change, notify the Construction Occupations Registrar through the Construction and Work Place Licensing team within 2 weeks using the Update licence or registration details form. Examples of changed details include the name, business address and contact details.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the regulator’s current page before publishing, and check any statement about insurance against the relevant policy’s PDS.
Sources
FAQ
Must an individual builder or partnership include an ACN?
The cited advertising rule requires the recorded name and licence number for both. It expressly requires an additional ACN for a corporation.
Are websites and social media advertisements covered?
Online formats are not named separately in the regulator’s examples, but the list is not exhaustive. An online item that advertises the service should include the same required details.
Is a sample contract the only type of contract mentioned?
Yes. Sample contracts are expressly listed. The cited guidance does not separately explain how the details must be placed in a signed contract.
Where should the details appear within an advertisement?
The cited guidance does not prescribe a position, font size or visual design. It requires the information to be included in the advertising; making it easy to read is a practical publishing choice.
What should happen if licence details change?
The licence holder must notify the Construction Occupations Registrar through the Construction and Work Place Licensing team within 2 weeks using the Update licence or registration details form.