Losing your White Card is stressful, especially if you are due on site. The important thing to know is that losing the physical card does not mean losing your qualification. Your training record exists in a database, either with your state regulator or with the RTO that issued your card, and in most cases you can get a replacement without redoing the course.
The exact process depends on which state your card was issued in. Here is a complete guide by state.
Before you start: find your Statement of Attainment
When you completed your White Card training, you received a Statement of Attainment, a certificate confirming you passed the course. This document is separate from the physical card and is your most important piece of evidence when requesting a replacement.
If you still have your Statement of Attainment, the replacement process is straightforward. If you have also lost that document, start by contacting the RTO that delivered your training, they keep enrolment records and may be able to reissue it. If the RTO has closed, your training record may also be accessible through your Unique Student Identifier (USI) at usi.gov.au.
NSW: Service NSW online or in person
NSW has one of the most straightforward replacement processes. Your White Card details are registered with SafeWork NSW.
How to replace: Visit service.nsw.gov.au and apply for a replacement online, or attend a Service NSW centre in person. You will need your existing White Card number (if you remember it) and proof of identity. If you cannot remember your card number, you can check your details via Verify NSW.
Fee: $39 – $55 depending on standard or express postage (fees current as of 2025–26; check Service NSW for the current schedule).
Important: If your White Card was originally issued by an RTO in another state (for example, you completed training in QLD but now work in NSW), your card may not be on the NSW register. In that case, contact the original issuing RTO for a replacement.
VIC: WorkSafe Victoria, free of charge
Victoria has the simplest and cheapest replacement process of any state.
How to replace: Call WorkSafe Victoria on 1300 852 562. They will verify your identity and confirm your postal address, then send a replacement card. The process takes approximately 10 business days.
Fee: Free.
If you hold an old Red Card (pre-July 2008): WorkSafe Victoria does not retain records of cards issued before July 2008 under the old Victorian system. If your Red Card is lost, you will need to contact the training provider that originally delivered the course. If that provider no longer exists, you may need to complete the current CPCCWHS1001 course to obtain a new White Card.
QLD: Contact your original RTO
Queensland does not have a centralised White Card register covering all RTOs. This means there is no single government body you can contact for a replacement, you need to go back to the organisation that originally issued your card.
How to replace: Contact the RTO that delivered your White Card training and request a replacement. Provide your name, date of birth, and as much detail as you can about when and where you completed the course.
Fee: Set by the individual RTO; typically $30 – $50.
If you cannot find your original RTO: Some RTOs that hold Queensland approvals will issue replacement cards for workers who completed training with any approved provider. Check with WorkSafe QLD if you are having difficulty locating your original issuer.
WA: Contact your original RTO
Similar to QLD, replacement in WA generally goes through the issuing RTO rather than through a centralised government system.
How to replace: Contact the RTO that originally issued your WA White Card. Many WA providers allow you to request a replacement online by submitting a declaration explaining how the card was lost, stolen, or damaged.
Fee: Varies by provider; typically around $30 – $50.
SA: SafeWork SA or original RTO
How to replace: Contact your original issuing RTO in the first instance. If you are unable to identify the RTO, contact SafeWork SA for guidance.
Fee: Varies.
TAS: Service Tasmania shop
How to replace: Lodge a replacement application in person at a Service Tasmania Shop. You will need to bring your Statement of Attainment (or a copy) and a form of ID. Pay the applicable fee.
Fee: Varies; check the current schedule at service.tas.gov.au.
Processing time: Allow up to 60 days. If you have not received your card within 60 days of lodgement, contact WorkSafe Tasmania.
ACT: Access Canberra digital application
How to replace: Apply through your ACT Digital Account via the Access Canberra website (accesscanberra.act.gov.au). Complete the Construction and Workplace Licensing application for a replacement card and pay the applicable fee. You will need a digital copy of your Statement of Attainment or a declaration of attainment.
Fee: Check the current schedule on the Access Canberra website (fees are updated annually from 1 July).
Processing time: Up to one month.
Note: Applications must be made through your own Digital Account. A parent or guardian cannot apply on your behalf.
NT: Contact your original RTO
How to replace: Contact the RTO that originally issued your NT White Card. NT WorkSafe can provide guidance if you are unable to locate the original provider.
What if you have also lost your Statement of Attainment?
Contact the RTO that delivered your training, they maintain enrolment records. If they are no longer in business, try checking your USI transcript at usi.gov.au, which may show your completed qualifications. As a last resort, you may need to complete the CPCCWHS1001 course again.
Can you work without a card while waiting for a replacement?
Some RTOs can provide a temporary letter or digital copy of your Statement of Attainment, which some employers and principal contractors will accept as interim evidence while you wait for the physical replacement. Always check with your employer first, requirements vary by site and contractor.
Practise while you wait
If you end up needing to redo the course, prepare with our free White Card practice test. 552+ questions, no signup, instant feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to redo the course if I lose my White Card?
No, in most cases. Losing the card does not mean losing the qualification. The replacement process lets you get a new physical card using your existing training record.
- How long does a replacement take?
It varies significantly by state: VIC is around 10 business days; ACT can take up to a month; TAS up to 60 days; NSW is fastest for online applicants. Check with your specific authority or RTO.
- Is there a fee to replace a White Card?
In most states yes, typically $30 – $55. Victoria is the exception, replacement is free through WorkSafe Victoria.
- What if my White Card was issued in one state but I now live in another?
You will generally need to contact the original issuing RTO or the regulator in the state that issued the card. Your card is nationally recognised regardless of where it was issued, so you do not need to get a new card from your current state.
- Can I work on site with a photo of my card?
Most sites require the physical card or a formally issued replacement letter. A photo on your phone is generally not sufficient. Check with your employer or principal contractor about their specific requirements.