How to renew your White Card

The short version: a White Card doesn't expire in most Australian states, so there's usually nothing to "renew" on a date. But there are two situations where you do need to act — here's how each works.

Does a White Card expire?

In most states, your General Construction Induction card (the White Card) has no expiry date. It stays valid as long as you keep working in the construction industry.

When you do need to re-do it

If you've been out of construction work for two or more years, your card is generally treated as no longer valid, and you'll need to complete the induction training again to get a new one. This is the main "renewal" situation.

Not sure if yours still counts? If it's been more than two years since you last worked in construction, plan to re-do the course before your next start date.

If your White Card is lost or damaged

• Contact the RTO that issued it, or your state's work health and safety regulator, to request a replacement card.
• You'll usually need proof of identity and, if you can, your certificate number.
• A replacement is not the same as re-doing the training — if your card is still valid, you're just getting a new copy.

Keep it from becoming a problem

The reason lapsed or lost cards cause headaches is that you often discover the issue the morning you're trying to start on site. Keeping a photo of the card and its number somewhere you can always reach it — like a verified WRK profile — means you can prove it in seconds instead of scrambling.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if my White Card is still valid? Confirm you've worked in construction within the last two years, and contact the issuing RTO or your state regulator if you're unsure.

Do the rules differ by state? Yes — the two-year rule is common, but always check your specific state's WHS regulator for the detail.