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Elevator Licenses & Helper Card
UPDATES
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As of June 27, 2022, all new license applications are required to be submitted online through DOB NOW Licensing. Read the related Service Notice for more information.
- For step by step instructions on how to file a new elevator license application, please view the links below.
- Pay Elevator Director/ Inspector Exam Fee Step by Step Guide
- New Elevator License Application Step by Step Guide
- Elevator Business Approval Application Step by Step Guide
- Full training presentations on how to use DOB NOW Licensing for Elevator Licenses:
- The New York State Elevator Safety Act (effective January 1, 2022) requires a New York State Department of Labor issued license for all persons performing design, construction, inspection, maintenance or repair work on elevators, escalators or any other automated people moving conveyances. All individuals (elevator workers/inspectors) and businesses must hold the applicable New York State license. and New York City license to engage in elevator contracting and inspection work.
EXEMPTIONS- Design and alteration work does not apply to the services of registered design professionals (PEs and RAs)
- Work involving the outfitting, removal, refinishing, or replacement of interior finishes, including wall panels, drop ceilings, handrails and flooring, removal or replacement of interior lighting, recladding of doors, transoms and front return panels, finishing or ornamental work on car operating panels; dismantling and removal of elevators/conveyances is also exempt from elevator licensing requirements.
It will also be required to have a New York City Department of Buildings issued Elevator license for the type of work that you will be engaging in.
*NOTE: View the Overview of the New Elevator Licensing Scheme to learn more about New York City’s changes to elevator licenses effective January 1, 2022.*
License Types
The type of elevator work you are seeking to perform will determine the type of license required to perform elevator work in New York City. Please note some work may require multiple license types:
- Elevator Agency Director – Individuals holding this license are responsible for all elevator inspection work as well as elevator mechanical work. Get more information on the requirements and how to obtain Elevator Agency Director License.
- Elevator Agency Inspector – Work under this license is performed under the direct and continuing supervision of the licensed Elevator Agency Director. Get more information on the requirements and how to obtain an Elevator Agency Inspector License.
- Elevator Agency Technician or Restricted (Accessibility) Elevator Technician – The work of an Elevator Agency Technician includes the alteration, assembly, installation, maintenance, repair, replacement and modernization of elevators. The work of a Restricted Elevator Agency Technician license is limited to work on platform lifts, including those installed in private homes. In both designations, the work must be performed under the direct and continuing supervision of the licensed Elevator Director. Get more information on the requirements and how to obtain an Elevator Agency Technician or Restricted (Accessibility) Elevator Technician License.
- Elevator Agency Helper – An Elevator Agency Helper performs work under the direct and continuing supervision of an Elevator Agency Director. Get more information on the requirements and how to obtain an Elevator Agency Helper Card.
Renewals, Insurance Updates & Changes
- Elevator Agency Director License Renewal
- Elevator Agency Inspector License Renewal
- Insurance Updates and Changes to Elevator Agency Directors and Inspector Licenses