Complete outline of the NSW reptile licensing system (PDF - 117KB) (2025)

• Basic - Non venomous species - allows the licensee to hold only non-venomous species listed for Class 2 as well as all species listed in Class 1;
• Category 1 Endorsement - Mildly venomous snakes - all species listed for Class 1; the non-venomous species listed below and venomous species listed for Class 2 Category 1;
• Category 2 Endorsement - Dangerous venomous snakes - all species listed for Class 1; the non-venomous species listed below and venomous species listed for Class 2 Categories 1and 2 below;
• Category 3 Endorsement - Extremely venomous snakes - all species listed for Class 1; the non-venomous species listed below and venomous species listed for Class 2 Categories 1, 2 and 3 below.

All applicants for a Class 2 licence must be over the age of 18 years with at least 2 years experience keeping reptiles. Applicants for Class 2 with a category 1, 2, or 3 endorsement will need to satisfy additional criteria listed under the relevant section.

A Class 2 licence must be obtained before these species are acquired. Written notification of all transactions involving Class 2 species is required from both parties within 10 days of the transaction and a detail record for all species held must be provided to the NPWS in April each year. A Class 2 licence is issued for a period of up to one year for $60, two years for $120 or five years for $240.

Class 2 - Non Venomous Species

Dangerous Venomous Snakes

A Class 2 licence with the relevant category endorsement is required to keep venomous species listed under Class 2. Usually, licensees will start with Category 1 licence, then progress to a higher category licence as they gain more experience. The following prerequisites are required before a category 1 licence may be granted.

• Prerequisites: The prerequisites for a Class 2 Category 1 reptile keepers licence are that the applicant:
  • must be over the age of 18 years;
  • must be able to demonstrate at least 2 years experience in the care of snakes;
  • must supply two written references from appropriately qualified people who can attest to the applicant's ability, knowledge and experience and suitability to possess species listed in Class 2 category 1. Referees should have extensive experience in the handling and/or husbandry of the species proposed to be held;
  • must demonstrate awareness and knowledge of currently accepted procedures for the treatment of snake bite and first aid equipment for the treatment of snake bite must be kept in a clearly marked and obvious container on site where venomous snakes are being held;
  • must have the required facilities and equipment for the care and security of the animals and for human safety as listed below.
• Upgrading licence category endorsements: Endorsement of Class 2 dangerous venomous species licences would normally start with category 1. Advancement to category 2 or from category 2 to 3 is subject to further applications after experience has been gained in the husbandry and keeping of the dangerously venomous snakes listed in the lower category. As a general rule, the applicant will be required to demonstrate at least 12 months experience caring for the lower category dangerous venomous species before a licence could be upgraded to the next category.
• Facilities for keeping venomous snakes: Licensees must ensure that they address all animal welfare and husbandry considerations in respect of keeping snakes in captivity and prevent the escape of snakes out of an enclosed environment. To minimise the possibility of snake-bite, either to the licence holder or to any other person, dangerous venomous snakes may only be kept in lockable, escape-proof containers/cages within a lockable and sealed escape-proof room. Outdoor pits are not appropriate, or acceptable, for the holding of these reptiles.
• Security and Access: The individual containers and the room itself must be locked when the licensee is not present in the room to prevent both unauthorised entry and/or tampering with containers/cages and the escape of snakes. Access to all Class 2 snakes must be limited to persons who are under the direct supervision of the licensee or to persons holding a Class 2 licence with the same category endorsement.

Class 2 Category 1

Class 2 Category 2 - As a general rule a minimum of 12 months experience in the keeping of category 1 species is required prior to upgrading to category 2 endorsement to allow the keeping of the following species:

Native species that are not listed above may not be kept under the RKL system unless and until they may be classified. Proposals for classification of native species that are not listed above, or for the review of the classification of listed species, may be forwarded to the Director-General of the DEC. Proposals must demonstrate the legal availability of the species and detail their captive husbandry. Proposals will be referred to the Native Animal Keepers' Consultative Committee for advice.

Exotic Species

Exotic (non-native) species of reptile can be held in Australia only by licensed zoos and other licensed exhibitors. It is an offence under the Commonwealth's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 for a private person to possess an exotic reptile. The states and territories cannot issue authority for the keeping of exotic reptiles.

Rescue and relocation or rehabilitation of reptiles

A Reptile Keepers' Licence does not authorise the rescue and relocation of reptiles, or the care of sick or injured reptiles. Appropriately qualified people are licensed by the DEC to provide capture and relocation services and specialist wildlife rehabilitation organisations are licensed to care for sick and injured animals and these animals must eventually be returned to the wild.

Interstate import and export of reptiles

An RKL licensee must obtain a licence from the DEC to authorise the interstate import or export of reptiles. Interstate import and export licences/movement permits authorise a single consignment of animals from/to one State/territory to/from another. In NSW, an interstate import or export licence costs $20.

Reptile Keepers' Organisations

The NSW societies include:

• Australian Herpetological Society - PO Box R79, Royal Exchange, Sydney 2000
• Central Coast Reptile and Frog Group - PO Box 922, Gosford 2250
• Hawkesbury Herpetological Society - PO Box 30, Emerton 2770
• Macarthur Herpetological Society, PO Box 235, Narellan 2567
• New England Herpetological Society, 11 Johnston St, Tamworth 2340
• North Coast Herpetological Group, PO Box 8006, Flynns Beach 2444
• Orana Herpetological Society - PO Box 809 Mudgee 2850
• Reptile & Amphibian Interest Group, PO Box 5013, East Lismore 2480
• Riverina Frog and Reptile Society, PO Box 712, Wagga Wagga 2650
• Society of Frogs and Reptiles Inc. (SOFAR), PO Box 30, Jesmond 2299
• South Coast Herpetological Society, PO Box 248, Fairy Meadow 2519

More information

• Contact the Wildlife Licensing Unit