Lost your forklift operator licence – what to do?

Anyone who has lost their forklift operator licence applies for a replacement document directly from the provider who carried out the original training and issued the document. A new examination is not required for this.

Step 1 – identify the training provider Anyone who completed the course with Dekra, TUV Rheinland, Jungheinrich Akademie or a regional training organisation should contact that provider directly. The contact details are often known from the original registration or can be found on the provider's website.

Step 2 – gather documents The following documents are usually required:

• Copy of an identity document (identity card or passport)
• Details of the training date and location (can be reconstructed from old e-mails or payslips)
• If applicable, a loss report (formally required by some providers)

Step 3 - apply for the replacement document and pay the fee Most providers issue the replacement document for a processing fee. Costs: approx. 10-40 € as a guide. Processing time: 5-20 working days, depending on the provider and the state of the archived records.

If the original training organisation is insolvent or has ceased operations:

Archive search with the legal successor Many training organisations are taken over – the legal successor often keeps the records. Information can be found in the commercial register or through industry associations.

Contact the regional labour inspectorate The competent regional labour inspectorate of the State Labour Inspection Office (SUIP) may in some cases provide information or help with tracing the records.

Complete new training If no records can be obtained, the last resort is to repeat the training. Experienced operators can consider the one-day course route.

No - at least not formally. Under the applicable occupational safety rules, a written operator authorisation requires proof of completed forklift operator training. Without the document, the employer cannot formally authorise the employee.

Until the replacement document is issued, the employer can document internally that the qualification demonstrably exists (e.g. through statements from supervisors, old payroll records, course confirmations in the personnel file). This is not a legal basis but a pragmatic bridging practice that should be agreed with the person responsible for occupational safety.

Losing the operator licence can largely be avoided with simple measures:

Choose the credit-card format: Many providers issue the operator licence in a laminated credit-card format (on request or for a surcharge, for example approx. 80 euros excl. VAT). The format is handier and more durable.

Make a digital copy: Scan or photograph the licence immediately after receiving it and store it securely.

Central company archive: Employers with several forklift operators should keep copies of all operator licences centrally in their occupational safety documentation.

How much does a replacement forklift operator licence cost?

As a guide, a processing fee of approx. 10-40 euros from the issuing provider. Costs vary by provider and document format.

Do I have to take the exam again?

No. The replacement licence is issued without a new exam, provided the issuing provider still has the records of the original training on file.

Is a copy of the forklift operator licence enough?

In day-to-day operations, many employers accept a copy temporarily. Legally, the original document (or the replacement document) is the correct form of proof.

How long does it take to issue the replacement document?

Usually 5-20 working days. Large providers with a centralised archive are often faster; small regional organisations may take longer.

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