What is a Registration Variation?
A variation is a change to your existing NDIS registration. You can apply to vary your registration to:
- Add registration groups — Start providing new types of supports
- Remove registration groups — Stop providing certain supports
- Change business details — Update trading name, business structure, contact information
- Expand or reduce service locations — Add states or regions
Variations are managed through the NDIS Commission portal.
Adding Registration Groups
To add one or more registration groups to your existing registration:
Step 1: Determine Audit Requirements
You will need an audit covering the new registration groups. The audit type depends on what you're adding:
Adding verification-only groups
If you currently have verification registration and are adding more verification-only groups (not 0137 or 0139), your auditor will conduct a focused verification audit covering the new groups plus confirmation that existing groups still meet requirements.
Adding certification groups (0137 or 0139)
If you're adding a certification group for the first time, your entire registration will need to undergo a certification audit, even if your existing groups would normally only require verification. This is a more comprehensive process.
Step 2: Prepare for the Audit
Ensure you have:
- Policies and procedures covering the new registration groups
- Staff trained and screened for the new supports
- Any required qualifications or certifications for the new groups
- Systems in place to deliver and document the new supports
Review our preparing for your audit guide for detailed preparation steps.
Step 3: Engage Your Auditor
Contact your existing auditor (or select a new one from the Commission's approved list) to conduct the variation audit.
Step 4: Apply Through the Portal
Once your variation audit is complete and you have a conforming audit report:
- Log in to the Commission portal
- Select "Apply for a variation"
- Nominate the registration groups you want to add
- Upload your variation audit report
- Submit your application
- Track your application status online
Removing Registration Groups
If you want to stop providing certain supports and remove registration groups:
- Log in to the Commission portal
- Apply to vary your registration, nominating the groups to be removed
- Provide an explanation for why you're removing them
- Ensure you have notified any affected participants and assisted them to find alternative providers
No audit is required to remove groups. However, removing all registration groups means your registration will be cancelled entirely.
Changing Business Details
Some changes to your business details can be made through the portal without an audit:
Simple Changes (No Audit)
- Contact details (email, phone, postal address)
- Key personnel contact information
- Trading name (if business structure stays the same)
- Service location details
Complex Changes (May Require Audit or Re-Application)
- Business structure change (e.g., sole trader to company) — May require new application
- Transfer of ownership — New owner typically needs to apply as a new provider
- Merger or acquisition — Contact the Commission for guidance
Costs and Timing
| Variation Type | Audit Required? | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Adding verification groups | Yes (focused verification) | 2-4 months |
| Adding certification groups (first time) | Yes (full certification) | 4-6 months |
| Removing groups | No | 1-2 months |
| Simple business detail changes | No | 2-4 weeks |
Audit costs: Variation audits typically cost less than initial audits, but pricing varies by auditor, complexity, and how many groups you're adding. Get quotes from your auditor.
Important Things to Know
You cannot provide supports until the variation is approved
Even if you've completed your audit and submitted your variation application, you must wait for the Commission to approve it before you can deliver or claim payment for supports under the new groups.
Your audit expiry date may change
When you add groups via a variation audit, your new audit report may have a later expiry date than your original registration. Make sure you understand when your next audit is due.
Next Steps
- Use our Registration Pathway Checker to confirm the audit type for your new groups
- Review our audit preparation guide
- Contact your auditor to discuss the variation audit scope and timing
- Log in to the Commission portal to begin your variation application once your audit is complete