How long does a forklift licence last for?

A forklift license lasts for three years. After that, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires drivers to undergo a recertification process. Forklift operators are required to have their certification card on them at all times.

Recertification can happen at the driver's place of employment, or the employee can take a refresher course off-site. Fines for operating a forklift without certification range from $7,000 to $70,000.

If forklift-driving employees have an accident, the employer gives them a different type of forklift, or they are found to be driving recklessly, they must to go through the certification training before the three-year period is up.