NDIS Mandatory Registration for Providers: What You Must Do 2026-2030
NDIS mandatory registration for providers is rolling out 2026-2030. See who must register, when, what it costs and how to prepare.
What mandatory registration actually means
Wave 1: SIL and digital-platform providers (commenced 1 July 2026)
Wave 2: high-risk supports (2027 to 2030)
Are you affected? A quick decision aid
What registration involves (and which audit applies)
What it costs — honestly
The cost of NOT registering: differentiated pricing
Prove and pay, and the 90-day window
Price limits vs wages: don't confuse the two
What to do now
Common mistakes and edge cases
Frequently asked questions
Is NDIS registration now mandatory for all providers?
No. As of 1 July 2026, mandatory registration commenced only for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and digital-platform providers. Personal care, daily living and other high-risk supports become mandatory in a second wave phased from 1 July 2027 and intended to be complete by end 2030. Many other supports remain outside the mandatory scope for now, though differentiated pricing may still affect unregistered providers.
What is registration group 0138?
0138 is the new registration group for Assistance with Supported Independent Living, introduced from 1 July 2026 alongside a SIL Supplementary Module in the NDIS Practice Standards. Existing SIL providers are assessed against the module at their next scheduled audit rather than immediately. New SIL providers must register under 0138 before delivering the support.
What happens if I stay unregistered when my support becomes mandatory?
Once mandatory registration applies to a support, you must register to keep delivering it or stop delivering that support. Even before mandatory registration reaches your category, a differentiated-pricing consultation in the second half of 2026 may mean unregistered providers face lower price treatment for certain supports, reducing your margin. Model both scenarios before deciding.
Do I need a certification or verification audit?
It depends on your registration groups. Lower-risk supports usually require a lighter verification audit, largely a document check. Higher-risk and complex supports, including SIL under the new module, require a certification audit with a document review plus an on-site or remote assessment. Confirming which applies early is important because it drives both your cost and your preparation time.
How much does mandatory registration cost?
There are two layers: the audit fee paid to an NDIS-approved quality auditor, which is market-set and higher for certification, and the internal cost of becoming audit-ready through policies, systems and staff time. For small providers the preparation effort often exceeds the audit invoice, and re-audit recurs at renewal, generally every three years. Get at least three written quotes to compare scope and price.