Licensing of Elevator Mechanics and Contractors
Under legislation that became effective in 2004, mechanics who work on elevators and other conveyances and contractors who provide installation, repair, and maintenance services for elevators and other conveyances (such as escalators and specialized lifts for people and materials) must be licensed by the state of Washington.
In most cases, only licensed elevator mechanics are allowed to work on elevators and other conveyances. Only licensed elevator contractors will be able to pursue contracts to provide such services.
Find out how to apply for or renew a license
Get step-by-step instructions, application forms, and options for paying your license fee:
- Elevator Contractor License.
- Elevator Mechanic License. Also includes descriptions of the 9 elevator mechanic license categories.
See the current list of approved Elevator Continuing Education courses (479 KB PDF).
Need to hire an elevator mechanic or contractor? Here's what to watch for
- What to watch for if you're a building owner or facilities manager.
- Elevator work that does NOT require a licensed elevator mechanic.
What to watch for if you're a building owner or facilities manager
- Check whether the specific work to be done on your elevator or other conveyance requires a licensed elevator mechanic. It may not. (See next section below.)
- Determine if the people who work on your elevator or other conveyance are licensed to do so.
Elevator work that does NOT require a licensed elevator mechanic
- Elevator mechanic licenses are not required for individuals who install signal systems, fans, electric light fixtures, illuminated thresholds and feed wires to the terminals on the elevator main line control provided that the individual does not require access to the pit, hoistway, or top of the car for installation of these items.
- Elevator mechanic licenses also may not be required for certain types of incidental work that is performed on elevators and other conveyances when the appropriate lockout and tagout procedures have been performed by a licensed elevator mechanic in the appropriate license category. L&I must be notified and must approve the scope of work prior to the work being performed.
- An elevator mechanic license is not required for maintenance on private residential conveyances performed by an owner or by someone voluntarily assisting an owner. A license is required for installation, alteration or repair of a private residential conveyance.
- Under specific circumstances, maintenance work on conveyances in industrial, manufacturing, food and energy processing plants are exempt from elevator license requirements. Please contact L&I about your particular case.
