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Obtain an: Elevator Agency Inspector License

UPDATE: New License Application Requirement

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.
*NOTE: The Licensing & Exams Unit will not be accepting any walk-in transactions, or paper applications for this process.*
Presentation: Overview of the New Elevator Licensing Scheme - This presentation provides an overview of changes to New York City elevator licenses effective January 1, 2022.

STEP 1: Exam Guidelines

To obtain an Elevator Agency Inspector License, you must meet the following qualifications:

Be at least eighteen (18) years old
Be able to read and write the English language
Be fit to perform the work authorized by the license
Have completed an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Standards course
Have good moral character so as not to adversely impact your fitness to perform the duties and responsibilities of an Elevator Agency Inspector
Have a minimum of seven (7) years of satisfactory experience within the ten (10) years immediately preceding the exam application date in the assembly, installation, repair, design, or inspection of elevators or as an elevator mechanic

*NOTE: Please see Chapter 28 of the NYC Administrative Code Section 28-421 for the full requirements for licensure, except as modified by Section 101-07(c)(4) of Title 1 of the Official Compilation of the Rules of the City of New York*

STEP 2: Applying for Your License

You must pay through the Elevator License Exam Payment function on the DOB NOW Public Portal located under the Licensees Search on the left side. You do not have to have a DOB NOW account to be able to access this function, this option is available to everyone.

When you open the “Elevator License Exam Payment” bar, click “New Payment,” select “Elevator Inspector” under “License Class/Class Type” and fill out the information as requested.

When you have filled out the form, click “Create” and the system will prompt you to pay the $525.00 fee via eCheck or Credit Card.

For step by step instructions on how to pay for your exam fee, view the Pay Elevator Director/ Inspector Exam Fee Step by Step Guide.

STEP 3: Scheduling Your Exam

After submitting your exam application, you must next schedule your exam.

If your application is accepted, you will receive an email from the exam administrator in one (1) to two (2) weeks with instructions on how to schedule your exam. Exams are given at several different locations in the State.
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge of the installation, operation and repair of new, existing and relocated dumbwaiters, elevators, escalators, moving walkways, wheelchair and stair chair lifts, and special hoisting and conveying equipment. You will be allowed to use approved reference materials during the exam.
To pass the exam you must score at least a seventy (70) percent. You will be notified of your score immediately upon finishing the exam.

STEP 4: Background Investigation

For step by step instructions on how to file a new elevator license application, please view the links below.

Full training presentations on how to use DOB NOW Licensing for Elevator Licenses:

To become an ElevatorAgency Inspector, you must also pass a background investigation by submitting the documents listed below as scanned PDFs via the DOB NOW Portal. Applicants that do not currently have an eFiling account will need to create an account by completing the registration form.

Submit these documents:

LIC34 Licensing Supplemental Affidavit, if applicable
LIC51 application
*NOTE: Applicants may fill out the LIC51 Voluntary Authorization for Service of Process by email even if they reside within the City of New York and would like to to receive Notices of Violation (NOV)/Summonses via email.*
Notarized Background Investigation Questionnaire
Notarized Supplemental Investigation Form
Examination Score Report Form
LIC62: Physical Exam Form must be completed within 90 days prior to application date
Experience Verification Forms from all supervisors for the years you are claiming as experience
*NOTE: Experience Verification Forms from company Human Resources will not be accepted
Social Security History of Earnings for the years you are claiming as experience - this is NOT the Social Security Statement.
*NOTE: There is a fee charged by the Social Security Administration for this service. You must request the report to be run by ‘company name’. You may request the information by mail or in-person (ordinarily you can receive this instantly in-person).Visit http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-7050.html for more information*
Current Photo ID (Driver’s license, State ID, permit, green card or passport)
10-Hour General Industry Standards OSHA Course Certificate
Child Support Certification Form
Original Social Security Card
Proof of residence (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or deed) or a typed notarized letter and bill from the person with whom you are residing
*NOTE: Cell phone bills will not be accepted*
Latest pay stub or W-2, if needed for qualifying experience
Background Investigation Fee - $500.00 payable within the DOB NOW Portal
For questions pertaining to your background investigation or to find out the status, please send inquiries to lbackgrounds@buildings.nyc.gov.
License Issuance Fee - $50.00 payable within the DOB NOW Portal

STEP 5: Obtaining Your License Card

Once you have you have passed the written exam and background investigation, you need to apply for your Elevator Agency Inspector license.

Once all documentation is submitted and approved, you will be able to schedule an appointment within the DOB NOW Portal to take a picture and receive the Elevator Agency Inspector license.

If this is a new elevator company the Elevator Agency Director would need to submit the following business documentation prior to an Inspector receiving a license:

Insurance Requirements

All license holders must submit insurance certificates for general liability, worker’s compensation and disability. Please read our Insurance Guidelines section for more information.

For Corporations
- Copy of Certificate of Incorporation, certified by New York State Department of State
- Copy of Filing Receipt or Certificate of Good Standing
- Copy of by-laws or Articles of Agreement (if none, an affidavit on corporation stationery stating such)
- Copy of minutes stating the elected officers, including time, date and location of meeting

For Limited Liability Corporations (LLC)
- Copy of Filing Receipt or Certificate of Good Standing
- Copy of Articles of Organization
- Copy of Operating Agreement (if none, an affidavit on corporation stationery stating such)
- Copy of minutes stating the elected members
- Licensee must be an elected member of the LLC

You will have one (1) year from the date of the letter to begin submitting the required documents for your license. If you do not complete the process within one (1) year of the date on the letter, you will be required to retake the exam.

If the Department determines you meet all the qualifications and you pass the background investigation, you will receive an approval letter from the Licensing & Exams Unit. Once deemed qualified, you must send an email to LicensingAppointments@buildings.nyc.gov to obtain an appointment to receive your license card. Your email must include a PDF scan of your approval letter. You should receive a reply within 15 business days.