AUSTRAC enrolment for conveyancers — step by step

Why do I need to enrol?

AUSTRAC enrolment is the formal registration process that makes you a reporting entity under the AML/CTF Act. Without enrolment, you cannot legally provide designated conveyancing services from 1 July 2026. It is not optional.

Enrolment is separate from your state conveyancing licence. You can hold a valid conveyancing licence and still be non-compliant with AUSTRAC if you fail to enrol.

What do you need before enrolling?

Before starting your enrolment, make sure you have the following ready:

• Your AML/CTF Program — Parts A (policy) and B (procedures) — documented and approved. You technically cannot enrol before your program is in place.
• Practice risk assessment — completed using the AUSTRAC Conveyancing Starter Kit
• AMLCO details — name, title and contact details of your AML/CTF Compliance Officer
• ABN and ACN (if applicable)
• Business address and contact details
• Commencement date — when you started or will start providing designated services (1 July 2026 for most practices)
• Designated services list — which of the four conveyancing designated services you provide (sale, purchase, transfer, body corporate/legal arrangement)

Step-by-step: how to enrol

1. Go to AUSTRAC Online at online.austrac.gov.au
2. Create an account if you don't already have one (you will need an email address and to verify your identity)
3. Select "Enrol as a reporting entity" and choose the conveyancer category
4. Complete the enrolment form — entity details, designated services, AMLCO details, fit and proper declaration, and industry levy question
5. Submit — AUSTRAC will confirm your enrolment and provide your AUSTRAC Entity ID
6. Record your Entity ID in SimpleAML under the AUSTRAC Enrolment tab

The fit and proper declaration

As part of enrolment, you must declare whether the practice or key personnel have been subject to adverse civil penalty orders or proceedings under the AML/CTF Act, or adverse civil or criminal proceedings relating to management or professional activities. Answer honestly — false declarations are a criminal offence.

For the vast majority of conveyancing practices the answer to both questions is simply "No".

The industry levy question

AUSTRAC's form asks whether your business earnings (including related entities) were $100 million or more in the previous financial year. For virtually all conveyancing practices, the answer is No. If you answer Yes, you may be subject to the industry contribution levy — speak with your accountant.

After enrolment: what next?

Once enrolled, you must notify AUSTRAC of your AMLCO. This is done separately through AUSTRAC Online. The deadline for AMLCO notification is also 29 July 2026.

From 1 July 2026, you must begin conducting CDD on all clients in scope, filing SMRs where required, and maintaining your records in accordance with the 7-year retention requirement.

Use SimpleAML's Matter Register from 1 July 2026 to record client CDD for every purchase, sale and transfer matter.