Submitting an application
| Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
Make sure you’ve got all your documents ready to apply | Apply for your licence and pay licence fee | Application granted within 4-6 weeks |
Before you apply
1. You’ll need
- Three business references completed using the approved pro‑forma
- at least one referee must be external to your current workplace
- An original fidelity bond or approved bank guarantee ($6,000 for individual applicants, $10,000 for company applicants)
- Written notification of trust account details within 14 days of opening the account(s), including:
- account name(s), ensuring the licensee’s name is included
- bank name and address
- BSB and account number(s)
- Visa/Mastercard for fee payment.
2. Complete application form
Print or digitally complete the relevant application form.
How to apply
By post or in person
| By Post | In Person |
|---|---|
Post to: Licensing Services |
Customer Service |
Fees
Refer to the Debt Collector Licensing fees page for current fee information.
Already have a licence in Australia or New Zealand?
Show moreIf you already hold a debt collector’s licence or registration in another Australian state or territory, or in New Zealand, you may be able to apply under mutual recognition or automatic mutual recognition arrangements.
Fidelity bond and bank guarantee information
Show more- Your licence cannot be issued until an approved security is lodged.
- The security must be an original document,
- $6,000 — individual applicants
- $10,000 — company applicants
Accepted providers:
- Fidelity bonds are accepted from:
- Institute of Mercantile Agents Limited
- White Group (VIC) Pty Ltd (trading as White Insurance Brokers)
- Any organisation with an Australian Financial Services Licence that allows general insurance
- Bonds underwritten by Lloyd’s of London
- If your bond or bank guarantee ends or is cancelled during the licence period, your licence will be suspended until a new one is provided.
Business reference
Show moreApplicants must provide business references that:
- completed using the individual or body corporate pro‑forma
- References from relatives/domestic partner, subordinates, business partners or co-directors will not generally be accepted.
- include at least one referee external to the applicant’s current workplace
- outline at least two years of full‑time relevant experience within the preceding five years
- include only information relevant to the applicant’s character, repute, and fitness to hold a licence
- References must be sufficiently detailed to allow assessment.
If Consumer Protection cannot assess suitability due to insufficient information, the reference will not be accepted.
Licence/registration search
Show moreThe online licence search can help you find a licensed debt collector or check your licence status.
How to use the online licence search
Search by number: You can check if a licence number is still valid. Type the number into the field on the opening screen.
Search by type of licence: You can look for licensed people in your neighbourhood. Click on ‘Type’. Start typing in the licence type in the box eg. debt collector. Then type in either a name or location.
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