Operator accreditation fees

Operator accreditation fees must be paid in person when lodging your application and can be valid for up to 5 years.

Fees

All new applicants for operator accreditation must pay a criminal history check fee of $52.70, the fee is exempted for driver authorisation holders. A criminal history check fee is not required for renewals.

Operator accreditation category/service type	Annual fee as at 1 July 2026
Urban and minor scheduled services	$219.65
School scheduled services—government contract services	Nil
School scheduled services—unfunded/non-declared area	$219.65
School scheduled services—unfunded/declared area	$219.65
Long distance scheduled services	$219.65
General services—1–10 vehicles *	$440.25
General services—11 or more vehicles *	$2203.45
Motorcycle tourist services—1–10 vehicles	$440.25
Motorcycle tourist services—11 or more vehicles	$2203.45
Courtesy transport services **	$219.65
Community transport services **	$219.65

* General services include any non-defined public passenger services.

** Fees for courtesy and community transport services are waived for charitable and community organisations receiving a registration concession.

Operator accreditation fee schedule and vehicle declaration (form F3858) (PDF, 56KB).

Fee increase

Our fees and charges increase on 1 July each year. On 1 July 2026 our fees and charges will increase 3.4% in line with the government's indexation policy.

Goods and services tax (GST) notice

Unless indicated, our fees do not attract goods and services tax.

Credit card surcharge

A credit card surcharge will be added to the total amount payable (either a debit or credit card).

Refunds

Application and renewal

If an organisation is recognised by the department as a charitable organisation and the organisation has paid its full operator accreditation application or renewal fee, the organisation may be refunded the full application or renewal fees paid.

Criminal history check

The criminal history check fee is refundable:

• if the application is withdrawn before the close of business on the same day the application was lodged
• if an applicant has applied for driver authorisation in the last 3 months
• if an applicant holds existing driver authorisation.

Annual fees

Where there are compassionate and or compelling circumstances, unused annual fees paid may be refunded on request.

Dishonoured payments

• If we become aware that your payment has been dishonoured after lodging, we will notify you and provide an opportunity to make the payment. Your application will be refused if you do not pay the required fee
• If your operator accreditation has already been issued, you will not be able to use your operator accreditation until the payment is made.

How to apply

Check how to apply for operator accreditation.

More information

For more information on driver authorisations and operator accreditation fees, you can contact a:

• passenger transport office
• transport and motoring customer service centre.