Survey Certificate Validity NSW | 2-Year Rule & Certificate of Currency
Survey Certificate Validity in NSW
In New South Wales, plans of survey lodged with NSW Land Registry Services must satisfy current requirements concerning the age and currency of the survey information.
Where a plan of survey is more than two years old at the time of lodgment, additional confirmation may be required from the surveyor before the plan can be accepted for registration.
The 2-Year Rule
A plan of survey generally cannot be lodged more than two years after the date of completion of the survey shown on the Survey Certificate unless it is accompanied by an appropriate Certificate of Currency completed by the surveyor.
The purpose of the rule is to help ensure that plans lodged for registration continue to reflect current survey and cadastral information.
What Is a Certificate of Currency?
A Certificate of Currency is a confirmation by the surveyor that the plan remains current and suitable for lodgment despite the time that has passed since the survey was completed.
Before providing the certificate, the surveyor may need to review the plan and consider whether any changes affecting the land, boundaries, survey information or required consents have occurred since the survey was completed.
Why Can an Older Survey Plan Be a Problem?
Land and cadastral information can change over time. Delays between completing a survey and lodging the plan can mean that the information shown on the plan is no longer fully current.
The currency requirements are intended to reduce requisitions and ensure that plans lodged with NSW Land Registry Services accurately reflect the relevant land and survey information at the time of registration.
When Should the Issue Be Checked?
The age of a survey plan should be considered before lodgment, particularly where there has been a lengthy delay between completion of the survey and the proposed registration of the plan.
Where the plan is more than two years old, the surveyor should be consulted about whether a Certificate of Currency or any further survey work is required.
2026 Digital Plan Requirements
From 1 July 2026, NSW digital plan requirements generally require plan administration sheets and section 88B instruments to be generated using the digital form builder in NSW LRS Connect, subject to applicable exceptions.
These digital lodgment changes operate alongside the requirements concerning the currency of survey plans and should be considered when preparing or lodging plans for registration.
Property Development and Subdivision
Survey plans can form an important part of subdivisions, easements, boundary adjustments and other property development matters.
Russell Kelly & Associates can assist with the legal aspects of property development and subdivision matters, including documentation and issues arising in connection with registration and settlement.
Learn more about our Property Development services.
Learn more about our Property Law services.
Speak to Russell Kelly & Associates
If you are dealing with a subdivision, survey plan or other property matter in New South Wales, contact Russell Kelly & Associates to discuss your circumstances.
Contact us to arrange an appointment.
This information is general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal or surveying advice. Requirements can depend on the particular plan, transaction and circumstances.
Published by Russell Kelly & Associates, lawyers and Notary Public in Norwest NSW. Learn more about our firm, Russell Kelly and Bradley Kelly.
Last updated: 27 August 2026.
