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Reptile & Amphibian Licensing
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You need a licence to keep a native reptile or frog in NSW. This guide explains which licence you need, what it costs and how to apply, with links to the licensing body in every other state and territory.
NEW SOUTH WALES
You need a licence to keep any native reptile or frog in NSW. Which one depends on how many animals you want and which species. Licences are issued by the NSW Government and you apply online through Service NSW.
VICTORIA
Victoria issues Private Wildlife Licences through the Conservation Regulator. A small number of common species can be kept with no licence at all.
QUEENSLAND
Queensland has three Native Animal Keeping Licences, each valid for five years. Some animals are exempt and need no licence.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australia uses permits. You can keep one Basic animal without a permit, and exempt species need no permit at all.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
In WA you need a Fauna Possessing (Pet Keeper’s) Licence to keep any reptile or frog. It is issued by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
ACT
Most reptiles and frogs in the ACT need a licence under the Nature Conservation Act 2014. Apply before you get your animal.
TASMANIA
Tasmania has the strictest rules in Australia. Only Tasmanian native reptiles and frogs can be kept, and mainland species cannot be brought in as pets.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Each animal has their own size needed. if you need any help with what size to get, we have a blog dedicated to each animal you can keep, aswell as vetrinary backed care guide, and advice written by an expereinced keeper.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes. Every state and territory protects native reptiles, and most require a licence or permit. A few states let you keep certain common species without one, including Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
A Companion Animal Keeper Licence costs $50 for five years, or $45 if you apply online. A Class 1 Native Animal Keeper Licence costs $63 for two years or $143 for five years. Pensioner discounts apply.
The NSW Government says to allow at least 8 weeks. Apply well before you plan to bring an animal home.
In NSW you must be 16 or over. For children under 16, a parent or guardian applies and holds the licence. Advanced classes require you to be 18.
Yes, in NSW. One frog needs a Companion Animal Keeper Licence, and more than one needs a Class 1 (A1) Native Animal Keeper Licence. Frogs must be captive-bred.
No. Taking a native reptile or frog from the wild is illegal across Australia, even from your own yard. Pet reptiles must be captive-bred and bought from a licensed seller.
No. Keeping non-native reptiles such as corn snakes and red-eared slider turtles is illegal in Australia. Only native species can be kept.
Yes, but you usually need an import permit from your own state and the seller needs an export permit from theirs. Tasmania is the exception: mainland reptiles cannot be brought in as pets.
No. In NSW the axolotl is the only non-native amphibian you can keep without a licence.
If you want one animal from the companion list, get a Companion Animal Keeper License. If you want more than one, or a species on the R1 or A1 list, you need a Class 1 Native Animal Keeper License.
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