Renewing Your Forklift Licence in Melbourne: A Complete Guide

If your forklift licence in Melbourne is coming up for renewal, you’re definitely not the only one. Every year, thousands of operators across Victoria need to renew their forklift licences to stay compliant with WorkSafe Victoria.

It might seem like just another admin task, but keeping your licence up to date is crucial as it’s about safety, legality, and protecting everyone on site. Whether you work in a warehouse, logistics, or construction, staying current ensures you’re operating legally and safely.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about renewing your forklift licence in Melbourne, how long it lasts, when and how to renew, costs, what to do if it’s expired, and when to consider a refresher course. We’ll also show you how Star Training & Assessing, one of Victoria’s most trusted RTOs, can make the whole process easier.

How Long Does a Forklift Licence Last in Victoria?

In Victoria, a forklift licence is officially called a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) and is valid for five years from the date it’s issued. WorkSafe Victoria usually sends a reminder a few weeks before your licence expires, but don’t rely on that alone. Always double-check the expiry date printed on your card, so that you don’t get caught out.

Your licence may cover LF (forklift) and/or LO (order-picking forklift) operations across the state, depending on the licence class you have. Once it expires, however, you cannot legally operate a forklift until it’s renewed.

To apply for or renew a forklift licence in Melbourne, you must:

Some core skills include:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have completed recognised training through an Approved Provider like Star Training & Assessing

WorkSafe Victoria allows licence holders to apply for renewal within 12 months after expiry, under Regulation 490(3)(a) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017. Suppose the licence has expired for more than 12 months. In that case, applicants may need to provide a valid reason for exceptional circumstances (for example, time spent overseas continuing licensed work) or complete the full forklift training course again with a Registered Training Organisation like Star Training & Assessing.

When Do You Need to Renew Your Forklift Licence?

You can renew your forklift licence up to three months before it expires. If it’s already expired, what you do next depends on how long it’s been inactive:

• Still valid: Apply online for a standard renewal.
• Expired less than 12 months: You can still renew, but you’ll need to verify your details.
• Expired over 12 months: You’ll need to complete a full forklift training course again.

Allow around 1-2 weeks for processing, and make sure your contact details with WorkSafe Victoria are up to date so that you receive renewal reminders on time.

Step-by-Step Forklift Licence Renewal Process

Here’s exactly how to renew your forklift licence in Victoria step by step:

1. Check your licence expiry date.
2. Go to the WorkSafe Victoria High Risk Work Licence Renewal page.
3. Gather your ID and a recent passport-style photo.
4. Complete the online renewal form (or post it).
5. Pay the renewal fee, which is usually between $60 and $80.
6. Wait for your new licence card to arrive (normally within 10–15 business days).

If you’re unsure or run into issues renewing online, Star Training & Assessing can guide you through the process or help you retrain if your licence has already expired.

You’ll need to provide proof of identity that adds up to 100 points. This means showing both primary ID (like a passport or birth certificate) and secondary ID (like a driver’s licence or utility bill). If you can’t complete the identity check online, you can renew your forklift licence in person at an Australia Post outlet instead.

Renewing Your Forklift Licence at Australia Post

If you can’t renew your licence online, you can do it in person through Australia Post.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Wait for your renewal notice from WorkSafe Victoria (usually sent about 90 days before your licence expires).
2. Visit a participating Australia Post outlet that handles High Risk Work Licence renewals.
3. Bring the following items with you:
   • Your unsigned renewal notice from WorkSafe
   • Proof of identity documents totalling at least 100 points
   • A recent passport-style photo
   • Payment for the renewal fee ($60–$80)
4. Do not sign the form before visiting. Your signature must be witnessed by an Australia Post officer.
5. The Post Office will send your completed application to WorkSafe Victoria for processing.

Processing usually takes a few weeks. Make sure your name and address are up to date with WorkSafe before visiting to avoid delays.