Lost your licence? No dogging work for you.
Missed the renewal window? Time to redo the whole course.
It sounds harsh, but when it comes to dogging licences, WorkSafe Victoria doesn’t muck around. If you want to keep working in high-risk roles, you need to know when and how to renew your dogging licence.
Fortunately, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
Here, the crew at Construction Training International walks you through everything you need to know to renew your dogging licence in Victoria. Step-by-step, no jargon, and no surprises.
Why you need to renew your dogging licence
A dogging licence (High Risk Work Licence Class DG) legally allows you to direct crane operations and safely sling loads. It’s essential for countless construction roles across Australia, and without it, you’re off the job.
Issued by WorkSafe Victoria, this licence lasts five years.
You’ll get a renewal notice around 60 days before expiry, and from there, it’s up to you to take action. Renewing on time not only keeps you compliant but shows employers and clients that your safety skills are current.
If it’s been a while since your last course, it’s also a great time to refresh your knowledge with a quick competency update.
How long does a dogging licence last?
In Victoria, HRW licences expire after five years. While you can’t renew more than 30 days before it expires, you do have a 12-month grace period to renew it after it lapses. But you can’t perform any dogging work during that grace period.
You have up to 12 months after expiry to renew your dogging licence. After that, you’ll need to redo the entire course and assessment.
When and who should renew?
If you hold a valid DG-class HRW licence issued in Victoria, you’ll receive a renewal email from WorkSafe about two months before it expires. This email includes instructions and a renewal link for your myWorkSafe account.
Even if your licence has expired, you’re eligible to renew within 12 months of the expiry date. But once that window closes, there’s no shortcut. You’ll need to complete a full dogging course again, including both theory and practical assessments.
You cannot perform dogging work with an expired licence even during the 12-month renewal window
Step-by-step: How to renew your dogging licence online
The renewal process is mostly online, but there are a few steps that can trip people up. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you stay on track.
- Gather your documents
You’ll need the following before you start:
- Your existing HRW licence number
- Date of birth
- Surname and postcode
- 100 points of identity documents (e.g., passport, driver’s licence, Medicare card, utility bill)
If your ID has changed or expired, you may need to update it before your renewal can be processed.
- Log in to myWorkSafe
Head to the myWorkSafe portal. If you’ve never used it before, you’ll need to create an account using your personal details.
Once you’re in, go to ‘My Licences’ and choose the option to renew your High Risk Work Licence. Double-check your contact information while you’re there; it’s how WorkSafe sends your new card.
- Complete the declaration and pay the fee
You’ll be asked to confirm that you’ve maintained your dogging competency over the past five years. This is a legal declaration, so only continue if you’ve remained active in the role or undertaken refresher training.
Next, pay the renewal fee online. As of 2025, this is just under $60, depending on whether a new photo is required.
- Visit a photo site (if needed)
If your photo is more than 10 years old, WorkSafe will need a new one. You’ll receive an invoice to take with you to a participating Service Victoria or Australia Post site.
Bring your invoice and original identity documents so staff can verify them and take your updated photo.
- Wait for your new licence to arrive
Once everything is submitted and verified, WorkSafe will mail your new licence. This can take up to six weeks.
In the meantime, your payment receipt serves as temporary proof that you’ve renewed your licence.
Costs and ID requirements
Here’s a quick reference for what you’ll need and how much it might cost:
| Item | Details |
| Renewal fee | ~$60, depending on whether a new photo is required |
| Photo verification (if needed) | Done at Service Victoria or Australia Post with your invoice and ID |
| ID documents (100-point rule) | Passport, driver’s licence, Medicare card, utility bills, etc. |
What if your dogging licence has already expired?
If your licence expired less than 12 months ago, you can still renew it online—but you can’t use it on site until the new one arrives.
If it’s been more than 12 months, you’ll need to complete a full dogging course and assessment through an accredited RTO.
CTI offers refresher and full dogging courses in Victoria, helping you get back on the tools fast. Flexible delivery, experienced trainers and on-site assessments make it easier to meet licence requirements without extra downtime.
Tips to stay compliant
- Add a reminder in your phone or calendar for your next renewal date
- Keep your myWorkSafe login details safe and up to date
- Notify WorkSafe of any address or contact changes
- Undertake refresher training every few years to stay sharp
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renew your dogging licence in Victoria?
Fees range from around $60, depending on whether a new photo is required.
Can I renew after my licence expires?
Yes, within 12 months of expiry, but you can’t do dogging work until you’ve renewed.
Do I need to take another course to renew?
Not if you renew within 12 months and can declare you’ve maintained your skills. Otherwise, yes.
Where do I go for a new photo?
Visit any participating Service Victoria or Australia Post branch with your invoice and ID.
So, whether your licence is expiring next week or already gathering dust, the message is simple: act now or risk starting over.
If you’re still within the 12-month grace period, renewing is quick and painless. Just follow the steps above and you’ll be back on site in no time.
Need to book a refresher course just to be safe?
Get in touch with the team at Construction Training International. We’ll help you stay qualified, stay safe, and stay on the job.
