SOP: Applying for a NSW Licence via Mutual Recognition
Version: 1.1 | Owner: Operations | Last Updated: June 2026
Purpose
This SOP outlines the steps required for InvestorKit staff to obtain the right to operate in NSW using an interstate property licence. There are two pathways depending on your home state:
- Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) — available to staff whose licence is issued in VIC, ACT, NT, SA, WA, or TAS. Free, no NSW licence issued, faster.
- Standard Mutual Recognition (Standard MR) — required if your licence is issued in QLD, or if you prefer a formal NSW licence. A fee applies.
⚠️ QLD-based staff: Queensland has opted out of the AMR scheme. If your interstate licence is issued by QLD, skip to Section 2 (Standard MR).
Important info if required:
- InvestorKit ABN: 39 625 882 108
- Business address: 01/151 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Which Pathway Do I Use?
Standard MR | AMR | |
Fee | Yes (paid via Service NSW) | Free |
NSW licence issued | Yes | No (notification only) |
Form required | Yes (Notice for Registration PDF) | No |
Eligible states | All Australian states | All states except QLD |
Process | Apply via Service NSW | Notify via Service NSW |
Processing time | Up to 10 business days | Can work unless told otherwise |
Outcome | NSW licence number issued | Work authorised by notification |
💡 If you are unsure which pathway applies to you, check with Operations before starting.
Section 1: Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR)
Reference: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/notify-to-work-in-nsw-under-automatic-mutual-recognition
Use this section if your interstate licence is issued in VIC, ACT, NT, SA, WA, or TAS.
Before You Start
Have the following ready:
- Your MyServiceNSW account (or be ready to create one)
- A clear photo or scan of the front and back of your interstate occupational licence
- A document confirming the address linked to your trade licence (e.g. driver licence, utility bill, or financial statement)
ℹ️ There is no application fee for AMR. You will not be issued with a NSW licence number. Your authorisation to work is confirmed by the notification itself.
Procedure
Confirm your occupation is included in the AMR scheme for NSW. You can check the list of eligible occupations at nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/projects-and-initiatives/automatic-mutual-recognition/occupations
Real estate and property occupations are included. Confirm with Operations if you are unsure.
Go to service.nsw.gov.au and log in to your MyServiceNSW account. If you do not have one, you can create one during this process. You may need details from up to 2 identity documents.
- In the search bar, type: Notify to work in NSW under Automatic Mutual Recognition
- Click Notify online
- Follow the prompts to complete your notification
Note: You can save and resume your notification. If you do not submit within 60 days, your progress will be deleted.
You will be prompted to upload:
- Front and back of your interstate trade licence (PDF, DOCX, DOC, JPEG, JPG, or PNG; max 2MB per file)
- A document confirming the address on your trade licence (driver licence, utility bill, or financial statement)
Before submitting, confirm:
- Your licence details (issuing state, licence type, number) are correct
- The address on your supporting document matches the address on your licence
- All files are clear and legible
Submit the notification and save your confirmation reference number.
The NSW regulator will verify your information. You may begin working in NSW unless you are contacted and told otherwise. If the regulator needs more information, they will contact you directly.
Once confirmed, save a copy of your notification confirmation and forward it to Operations.
Common Mistakes (AMR)
Mistake | How to Avoid |
Applying AMR when based in QLD | QLD has opted out of AMR. If your interstate licence is QLD-based, use the Standard MR pathway instead. |
Uploading blurry or cut-off licence photos | Check both front and back images are clear before uploading. |
Address on licence does not match supporting document | Use a utility bill, driver licence, or financial statement that matches the address on your trade licence exactly. |
Assuming you receive a NSW licence number | AMR does not issue a NSW licence. You are authorised by notification. Keep your confirmation for your records. |
Not saving the confirmation | Screenshot or note your notification reference immediately after submitting. |
Section 2: Standard Mutual Recognition (Standard MR)
Use this section if your interstate licence is issued in QLD, or if you have been directed by Operations to obtain a formal NSW licence.
Before You Start
Confirm with your manager:
- Do you need a Class 1 or Class 2 licence? (Default to Class 2 unless told otherwise)
Have the following ready before beginning your application:
- Your interstate licence details (issuing state, licence type, number, and expiry)
- Driver licence details
- InvestorKit ABN: 39 625 882 108
- Business address: 01/151 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
- 2 proof of identity documents (e.g. driver licence, Medicare card, or passport)
Procedure
Step 1: Log in to Service NSW
Go to service.nsw.gov.au and log in to your MyServiceNSW account.
Step 2: Find the right service
In the search bar, type: Apply for a property licence under mutual recognition
Step 3: Start the online application
Click Apply online and complete the fields until you reach the document upload section. Stop here and complete Step 4 before proceeding.
Step 4: Download and complete the mutual recognition form
Download the form here: Notice for Registration of Equivalent Occupation (PDF)
Complete all sections:
- Registration duration (1, 3, or 5 years)
- Registration type — Class 2 unless Class 1 is required
- Personal details, InvestorKit business details, and your interstate licence details
- Any other state registrations (if applicable)
- Signature and date
Step 5: Prepare your documents
Save all files as clear, legible PDFs using the naming convention below, replacing STATE with your licence's issuing state (e.g. QLD, VIC, WA):
- MutualRecognitionForm_FirstLast.pdf
- [STATE]LicenceEvidence_FirstLast.pdf
- ID1_FirstLast.pdf
- ID2_FirstLast.pdf
Step 6: Upload documents and submit
Return to your Service NSW application and upload all documents. Before submitting, confirm:
- Email address is correct
- Licence number and expiry match your interstate licence exactly
- Correct registration class is selected
- All documents are attached and clearly readable
Pay the application fee and submit. Save your confirmation/reference number.
Step 7: After submission
Processing takes up to 10 business days. Monitor your email (including spam/junk) for any follow-up from NSW Fair Trading. Once approved, save a copy of the approval and forward it to Operations.
Step 8: Request reimbursement
Log your application fee as an expense in Xero. Attach your Service NSW payment receipt to the expense claim before submitting.
Common Mistakes (Standard MR)
Mistake | How to Avoid |
Blurry or cut-off documents | Check each file is legible before uploading. |
Wrong licence class selected | Confirm Class 1 vs. Class 2 with your manager before starting. |
Missing or insufficient ID documents | You need 2 proof of identity documents. Ensure both are ready before starting. |
Typos in email, licence number, expiry, or address | Copy directly from source documents where possible. |
Incorrect state listed on the form | Double-check that your licence details reflect your issuing state, not NSW. |
Not saving the confirmation number | Screenshot or note it immediately after submitting. |
Questions?
Contact Operations if you are unsure which pathway applies, need help with your application, or want to confirm your licence class before starting.