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Conveyancer Licensing in Australia: State-by-State Guide (2026)

Conveyancing is a regulated profession in Australia, but the rules are not the same across every state. A qualification may be recognised nationally, but the ability to operate your own conveyancing business depends on the state or territory where you work. This guide explains how conveyancer licensing works across Australia and what it means for your career pathway.

Why licensing differs between states

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Property law in Australia is governed by state and territory legislation rather than federal law. Because of this, each state determines who is permitted to provide conveyancing services to the public.
There are two main systems:

Licensed conveyancer states - You can apply for your own conveyancer licence and operate a conveyancing business.

Lawyer-only states - You may work in conveyancing but only under the supervision of a solicitor.

Licensed conveyancer states

In the following states, non-lawyers can apply for a conveyancer licence after completing the required qualification and experience.

  • Victoria
  • New South Wales
  • Western Australia
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania
  • Northern Territory (with conditions)

These states allow qualified conveyancers to operate their own practice once licensing and insurance requirements are met.

New South Wales

Licencing Authority: Service NSW (https://www.service.nsw.gov.au...)

NSW is one of the largest markets for conveyancers in Australia, with many professionals operating independent conveyancing practices. Requirements include:

New South Wales allows licensed conveyancers to operate independently after meeting qualification, experience and suitability requirements. Many practitioners initially work within conveyancing practices or law firms to gain practical experience before applying for their licence.

Tasmania

Regulator: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) https://cbos.tas.gov.au/topics...

Tasmania permits licensed conveyancers to operate independently once qualification, experience and insurance requirements are met. While the overall market is smaller than larger states, many practitioners begin by working within legal practices before applying for their own licence.

Tasmania has also moved to electronic property settlements using national platforms such as PEXA. This requires practitioners to understand digital lodgement, identity verification and settlement procedures. As a result, employers commonly prefer applicants who already have practical conveyancing knowledge and training.

Western Australia (WA)

Regulator: Consumer Protection WA (Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety) https://www.consumerprotection...

Western Australia also licenses conveyancers (known as Settlement Agents) as an independent profession. Applicants must complete an approved qualification (BSB60220 Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing) and supervised practical experience before being eligible to apply for a licence.

Many practitioners begin their careers working within legal practices or established conveyancing businesses to develop practical skills in property transfers, settlements and client file management prior to operating independently.

Northern Territory (NT)

Regulator: NT Consumer Affairs https://nt.gov.au/industry/lic...

The Northern Territory permits licensed conveyancers to operate, although due to the smaller market many professionals first gain experience working within law firms or property-related businesses.

Licence applicants are generally expected to demonstrate appropriate training, practical knowledge of conveyancing procedures and an understanding of professional responsibilities before offering services to the public.

Lawyer-only states

In Queensland and the ACT, conveyancing is legally considered work reserved for legal practitioners.

You can still work in conveyancing roles such as conveyancing officer or paralegal, but you cannot independently offer conveyancing services to the public.

(See our guide: Can You Become a Conveyancer in Queensland or ACT?)

What this means for students

The qualification currently approved for entry into the conveyancing industry, is the Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing. It teaches the same property law processes and settlement procedures used across Australia.

The main difference is not the work you perform, but whether you can later run your own conveyancing business in your state.

Many students:

  • begin working in a law firm
  • gain practical experience
  • then apply for licensing in their state

Others relocate to licensing states such as Victoria or NSW after gaining experience.

Choosing where to start

When planning your career, consider:

a) Do you want to eventually operate your own conveyancing business?
→ A licensing state (e.g. VIC or NSW) is suitable.

b) Do you prefer employment within a legal practice?
→ Any state can suit, including QLD or ACT.

Final thoughts

Conveyancing is a viable career pathway across Australia. The daily work - managing contracts, liaising with clients, banks and organising settlements is very similar nationally.
The main difference is simply the regulatory structure. Understanding this helps you plan your training and career pathway with realistic expectations.

Next step

Read: How to Become a Conveyancer in Victoria


Not sure if this career suits you?

Read: Is Conveyancing a Good Career in Australia?


Still deciding on a pathway?

Visit our Career Pathways Guide or speak with a Course Advisor to discuss your goals.


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