How to Get a Reptile Licence

Your Guide to Legal Reptile Ownership in Queensland

If you are thinking about owning a reptile in Queensland, you will need to understand the legal requirements first. All native reptiles are protected by law and cannot be taken from the wild. To keep a reptile as a private keeper, you will need to acquire a licence from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.

It is also illegal to import and keep exotic reptiles in Australia. This includes species like boa constrictors, corn snakes, and chameleons. All reptiles must be acquired from a licensed keeper or supplier only.

At Precision Reptiles, we are committed to responsible reptile ownership. We can help guide you through the licensing process and answer any questions you may have.

Reptile Licensing in Queensland

Here is everything you need to know about getting a reptile licence in Queensland.

Do I Need a Licence?

Yes. In Queensland, a recreational wildlife licence is required to keep native reptiles. Strict conditions apply that prohibit the owner from breeding their wildlife or selling or giving away wildlife held under certain permits.

Types of Licences Available

Queensland offers three licence types, depending on the species and number of animals you wish to keep:

Standard Licence

Valid for five years
Allows up to 10 Class 1 animals only
Trading is restricted for six months after acquiring the animal
Requires online record keeping
Breeding is not permitted
Class 2 animals are not allowed
Dangerous snakes are not allowed

Specialised Licence

Valid for five years
Allows up to 50 Class 1 and Class 2 animals (birds, reptiles, amphibians)
Allows unlimited protected scorpions and spiders
Allows up to 50 dangerous snakes with approval
Breeding is allowed within animal limits
Trading is restricted for six months after acquiring the animal
Requires online record keeping

Advanced Licence

Valid for five years
Allows unlimited Class 1 animals
Allows unlimited Class 2 animals
Allows up to 50 dangerous snakes with approval (unless approved for more)
Breeding is allowed
No restrictions on trading
Requires online record keeping

Licence Fees

Licence fees vary depending on the type of licence you require. Current fees include:

Standard Licence: $59.20
Specialised Licence: $316.90

Licence fees may increase annually in line with government indexation.

How to Apply

You can apply for a recreational wildlife licence online through the Queensland Government website. Once you register for an Online Services account, you can log in and select the Wildlife Authorities hub. If you do not have an account, you will need to create a new customer record as an individual or organisation and select “New application”.

Tips for applying online:

For a Standard Licence: Select “Permit” = Standard Licence, “Activity” = Keep and use Class 1 animals.
For a Specialised or Advanced Licence: Select “Permit” = Specialised Licence or Advanced Licence, “Activity” = Keep and use live Class 1 and Class 2 animals.

Processing Time

Your application can take up to 90 days to process, although most licences are issued within 10 working days. A licence may be issued for up to five years.

Age Requirements

To apply for a Standard, Specialised, or Advanced reptile licence yourself, you generally need to be 18 years or older. Individuals under 18 cannot directly hold these types of reptile licences.

Key Restrictions and Obligations

No Breeding Under Standard Licence

Strict conditions apply that prohibit the owner from breeding their wildlife or selling or giving away wildlife held under a Standard Licence.

Six-Month Holding Period

Once you buy or receive an animal, you must keep that animal on your licence for at least six months. If you need to sell or give away the animal within six months, a request must be made in writing to the department giving a suitable reason. You are not to move the animal until you have received a response.

Record Keeping

Every bird, reptile, or amphibian kept under a recreational wildlife licence must be recorded in a wildlife record book or approved electronic record system. It is the responsibility of the licence holder to obtain either a wildlife record book or an approved electronic record system prior to keeping wildlife under the licence.

An inspection of your facilities by a department officer can be undertaken at any time. Records must always be kept up to date. Penalties may apply if records are not complete, accurate, legible, or up to date.

Movement Advice

A movement advice must be completed each time you move wildlife to or from your licence. It is the responsibility of the person selling or giving away wildlife to fill in the movement advice. The movement advice must be completed before the movement happens.

Licence Renewal

A recreational wildlife licence can be issued for five years. It is your responsibility to renew the licence prior to expiry. The department does not issue renewal notices. Penalties may apply if you fail to hold a current licence while keeping protected animals in Queensland.

Classifications of Reptiles

Class 1 Animals

Class 1 species are animals that are considered:

Easy to keep
Established in the captive-bred market
Not posing a public safety risk in the event of an escape
Having minimal impact on wild populations from illegal activities

Examples include many pythons, dragons, skinks, and geckos.

Class 2 Animals

Class 2 species meet at least one of the following criteria:

Are not commonly kept and traded in Queensland
Require a specialised environment
Pose a risk to public safety in the event of escape
May be targeted by illegal activities because of their attractiveness or rarity

Examples include some venomous snakes and rarer reptile species.

Prohibited Animals

Animals not listed as exempt, Class 1, or Class 2 are by default prohibited from being kept and traded on a Standard, Specialised, or Advanced Licence.

Where to Buy Your Reptile

You must buy your reptile from a licensed breeder or dealer. It is illegal to take a reptile from the wild. Keep a record of your purchase, including the date and supplier details, to show it was done legally.

At Precision Reptiles, we offer a selection of healthy, hand-raised reptiles for sale to responsible and experienced owners. All our animals are bred and raised with care, ensuring they are well-socialised, healthy, and ready to join their new families.

Important Reminders

Age Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a licence in Queensland.
Record Keeping: Licensed keepers must maintain accurate records of acquisitions, births, deaths, and disposals.
Enclosure Standards: You must comply with the Code of Practice for the Captive Reptile and Amphibian Husbandry.
Venomous Reptiles: Keeping venomous species requires a Specialised or Advanced Licence with approval.
No Exotic Species: It is illegal to keep exotic reptiles such as boa constrictors, corn snakes, and chameleons in Queensland.

Book a Snake Refresher Course

Want to learn more about reptile safety and handling? Precision Reptiles offers snake bite awareness programs and snake refresher courses across Australia. Our hands-on training teaches you how to identify Australia’s deadly snakes, understand snake behaviour, and apply proper first aid techniques, including the Pressure Immobilisation Technique.

Learn to live safely alongside venomous snakes and other reptiles. Book your course today.