Is Prop Money Legal in Australia? The Complete RBA Guide

The short answer

Yes — prop money is legal to buy, own and use in Australia for film, TV, photography, events and training. What matters is how it is made. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) publishes reproduction guidelines, and the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 makes it an offence to reproduce currency in a way that could pass as genuine or to use any reproduction as real money.

What makes a prop note compliant

A compliant Australian prop note differs clearly from genuine currency. In practice that means a noticeably different size from real AUD notes, clear markings identifying it as a prop, and none of the security features of genuine notes — no clear polymer windows, no holograms, no UV-reactive inks. The RBA name must never appear on a prop note.

Where people get into trouble

Problems arise with 1:1 scale reproductions, notes marketed as "undetectable", and any attempt to spend a prop note. All three are illegal regardless of intent claims. If a supplier advertises full-size or unmarked notes, walk away — owning them puts your production at risk.

What this means when buying

Buy from a supplier that states its compliance openly. Every note we sell is reduced scale, clearly marked, and free of replicated security features, which is why productions can use our notes on set without legal review holding up the shoot. Read our full compliance statement on the legal page, and if you are ready to order, our Australian prop money range covers film, photography and events.