Forklift Certification Requirements by State: Breakdown of OSHA-Approved State Plans

Quick Summary:

Federal OSHA standards mandate that all forklift operators obtain a certification before handling any powered industrial trucks, but some states enforce additional regulations that drivers must adhere to. 

Ignorance is no excuse for violating standards, so knowing your local codes is key to compliance. This resource breaks down the forklift certification requirements by state. Use it as a quick-reference guide to keep your facility and forklift operators compliant.

Federal OSHA Requirements

All forklift operators in the U.S. must comply with OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.178, which states all handlers must be forklift certified for the type of equipment they are operating. Each training includes 3 parts: a formal education portion, hands-on training, followed by a performance evaluation. 

All employers are legally responsible for ensuring their personnel are properly trained and certified to use the forklift equipment in the facility. 

Federal vs. State Plans

While OSHA sets the minimum forklift safety and certification standards at the national level, states are encouraged to create their own plans to keep workers safe in their unique environments. 

All state plans must be approved by the federal OSHA in order to take effect. Only plans that are “at least as effective” as national regulations are approved by OSHA, so many state-level plans are usually more strict.

Once approved, enforcement responsibilities are transferred to the state agency to police. 

Employer Responsibilities by State

No matter where you operate, all employers have a responsibility to ensure their forklift training meets OSHA standards. Employers must conduct evaluations for each type of forklift that will be used on site, and should keep a record of all operators’ formal and practical training. 

Having documentation and training logs for each operator on file can help protect your business if and when you are audited by the state or federal OSHA agency. 

Private vs. Public Sectors

Some forklift certification requirements by state can only be enforced for jobs that operate within the public sector. In those states, private workers default to federal OSHA regulations. 

Below is a breakdown of the different state-approved plans that are enforced in both public and private, or just public companies:

OSHA-Approved State Plans For Private & Public Workers

The following states have OSHA-approved forklift certification requirements that cover private and public workers:

OSHA-Approved State Plans For Private Workers

The following states have OSHA-approved forklift certification requirements that cover only public workers:

Private workers in these states fall under the enforcement of the federal agency.

Federal OSHA-Regulated States

These states do not have state-approved forklift certification plans, and therefore, fall under review of the federal regulations:

State-by-State Forklift Certification Chart

Certification Validity and Recertification Requirements

Forklift certification is valid for three years across all states. Recertification may be required sooner if:

• An operator is involved in an accident or near-miss crash
• Unsafe operation is observed
• A different type of forklift is introduced
• Workplace conditions change significantly

Each state follows this recertification model, though some may require additional documentation or employer sign-offs if they have a state-approved plan.

Can You Transfer Forklift Certification Between States?

If you’re moving from a federally-regulated state to another federally-regulated state, your forklift certifications will be valid across state lines as long as the original training met OSHA standards and the employee can pass a site-specific evaluation observed by the new employer. 

If the new state is regulated by a state OSHA plan, you’ll have to work with your new employer or safety officer to pass any state-specific requirements before operating the equipment.

Industrial Forklift Truck: A Trusted Resource, Nationwide

Industrial Forklift Truck doesn’t provide training or certification, but we do help forklift operators and employers stay informed. 

In addition to our educational resources, our online comparison tool helps compare forklift types by features, price, and best-use cases so you can find the right equipment for your business. Just answer a few questions about your use requirements, enter your zip code, and we’ll send you our top recommendations on equipment in your area!

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FAQ: Forklift Certification by State

Do forklift certification rules vary by state?
Yes, forklift certification rules can vary by state. Some states adhere to federal OSHA programs and others have state-approved plans, which transfer the rights to regulation and enforcement to state OSHA agencies.

See the full breakdown of forklift certification requirements by state.

Does a California forklift license work in Texas?
Yes, as long as the original certification met OSHA standards, but your new employer must still evaluate you on their site’s equipment. Additional training might be required if you're moving from a federally-regulated state into a state-regulated.

How often do you need to recertify in Michigan or Washington?
The federal OSHA agency requires recertifications every three years, minimum. Some authorities may conduct audits more frequently, so keep documentation up to date.

Does Industrial Forklift Truck provide certifications?
No. We provide educational resources only — not training or certification services. But we do sell the equipment your employees will be handling. If you’re in need of some new machines to improve your warehouse operations, we’re here to help. 

Start comparing rates for free today!