Registered vs Unregistered Providers
Not all NDIS providers need to be formally registered with the NDIS Commission. The key distinction is which participants you want to work with:
- Registered providers can serve all NDIS participants, including those whose plans are NDIA-managed. Registration requires meeting quality and safeguards standards, undergoing an audit, and maintaining compliance.
- Unregistered providers can serve plan-managed and self-managed participants only. Most sole traders and independent support workers operate as unregistered providers, which has fewer compliance requirements.
Regardless of registration status, you still need an ABN to issue invoices and must comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct.
Steps to Become a Registered NDIS Provider
- Check eligibility: Review the NDIS Commission website to understand requirements for the registration groups you want to deliver.
- Get an ABN: If you do not already have one, register for an ABN through the Australian Business Register.
- Complete the application: Apply through the NDIS Commission portal. You will need to specify which registration groups and support categories you want to deliver.
- Undergo an audit: Depending on the supports you provide, you will need either a verification audit (lower risk) or a certification audit (higher risk). Audits are conducted by approved quality auditors and have associated costs.
- Receive approval: Once the NDIS Commission reviews your application and audit report, you will receive your registration confirmation.
Working as an Unregistered Provider
Many independent support workers choose to operate as unregistered providers. This path involves less administrative overhead while still allowing you to serve the majority of NDIS participants (plan-managed and self-managed). You still need to follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, maintain proper record keeping, and use the correct PAPL billing codes on your invoices.
As an unregistered sole trader, you can read our NDIS sole trader guide for detailed invoicing and business setup advice.
Invoicing as a Provider
Whether registered or unregistered, you need to issue compliant tax invoices for the supports you deliver. Each invoice must include the correct PAPL code from the NDIS Price Guide 2025-26, your ABN, the participant's NDIS number, and accurate shift rates. Download our free NDIS invoice template to get started, or use CareVoice to generate invoices automatically from voice recordings.