If you install, repair, or inspect elevators in Alabama, you need a state-issued license from the Elevator Safety Review Board. The state regulates this work across five distinct license tiers, and choosing the wrong classification can stop your application before it starts. This guide walks through the requirements for each license type, from contractor and mechanic to inspector, to ensure you apply for the right credential.
Do you need a license to install or service elevators in Alabama?
Yes, a license is required to perform most elevator work in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Labor and the Elevator Safety Review Board oversee licensing for individuals and companies involved in the construction, maintenance, service, repair, alteration, inspection, and dismantling of elevators, escalators, and related equipment. This requirement ensures that all work complies with state safety standards.
What license tiers does Alabama issue?
Alabama issues five distinct license tiers for elevator work, each with a specific scope of authorized activities. The licenses are issued by the Elevator Safety Review Board and include the Elevator Contractor, Limited Elevator Contractor, Elevator Mechanic, Limited Elevator Mechanic, and Elevator Inspector.
- Elevator Contractor: Authorizes a business to enter into contracts for all types of elevator work.
- Limited Elevator Contractor: Authorizes a business to enter into contracts for a restricted scope of elevator work, typically related to specific equipment or residential installations.
- Elevator Mechanic: Authorizes an individual to perform hands-on construction, maintenance, service, and repair work on elevators under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
- Limited Elevator Mechanic: Authorizes an individual to perform hands-on work within a restricted scope, similar to the Limited Contractor license.
- Elevator Inspector: Authorizes an individual to perform safety inspections and witness tests on elevator equipment.
How do you qualify for each license tier?
The Elevator Safety Review Board sets specific experience and examination requirements for each license. For an Elevator Mechanic license, applicants must demonstrate "not less than 3 years work experience in the elevator industry, in construction, maintenance and service/repair, as verified by current and previous employers licensed to do business in the State of Alabama."
Key qualification paths include:
- Elevator Mechanic: Requires at least three years of verified work experience in the elevator industry.
- Temporary Elevator Mechanic: Requires a minimum of two years of experience.
- Elevator Inspector: Requires at least one year of experience performing inspections and tests specified in the adopted safety codes, including ASME A17.1/CSA B44, CSA B311, ASME A18.1/CSA B355, and ANSI/ASSE A10.4/CSA Z185.
- Elevator Contractor: Requires providing evidence of business registration and compliance with insurance requirements.
In addition to direct experience, applicants for a mechanic license may satisfy the requirements by completing a nationally recognized training program for the elevator industry or a registered apprenticeship program.
What does the Alabama elevator license exam cover?
A written examination is required for licensure and is administered by the Alabama Department of Labor's Elevator Safety Review Board. The exam covers the most recent referenced codes and standards adopted by the state to ensure applicants have a thorough understanding of current safety and installation protocols.
The exam content is based on a suite of safety codes, including:
- ASME A17.1/CSA B44 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators)
- CSA B311 (Safety Code for Manlifts)
- ASME A18.1/CSA B355 (Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts)
- ANSI/ASSE A10.4/CSA Z185 (Safety Requirements for Personnel Hoists and Employee Elevators)
How much does an Alabama elevator license cost?
The Elevator Safety Review Board charges an initial license fee of $300.00 for an Elevator Contractor and a biennial renewal fee of $200.00; fees for mechanics and inspectors are $100.00 for both initial licensure and biennial renewal. The Alabama Department of Labor publishes a full schedule of fees covering all aspects of elevator licensing, permitting, and inspection.
License and Renewal Fees:
- Elevator Contractor License (Initial): $300.00
- Elevator Contractor License Renewal (Biennial): $200.00
- Limited Elevator Contractor License (Initial): $300.00
- Limited Elevator Contractor License Renewal (Biennial): $200.00
- Elevator Mechanic & Limited Mechanic License (Initial & Biennial Renewal): $100.00
- Elevator Inspector License (Initial & Biennial Renewal): $100.00
- Temporary Mechanic License Processing Fee: $50.00 (renewable for $50.00 per renewal)
Permit and Certificate Fees:
- Installation Permit (Elevator): $400.00 per unit, plus $15.00 per floor
- Installation Permit (Dumbwaiter, Material Lift, Escalator, etc.): $250.00 per unit
- Major Alteration Permit: $250.00 for the first alteration, $250.00 for each additional alteration (up to a $500.00 maximum per unit)
- One-Year Operating Certificate: $100.00
- Temporary Operating Certificate: $260.00
Inspection and Other Fees:
- Inspection by Licensed Inspector: $90.00 per unit (includes first two landings), plus $5.00 for each additional landing
- Internal Escalator Inspection: $250.00 per unit
- Additional Inspections: $260.00 per visit (for installations) or $250.00 (for alterations)
- Category 5 Witness Inspection: $300.00
- Lock Out Fee (Unlock): $100.00
- Tamper/Unauthorized Relock Fee: $500.00
These fees are based on the official published schedule; always confirm the current amounts with the Alabama Department of Labor before submitting payment.
What insurance does Alabama require for an elevator license?
Applicants for an Elevator Contractor license must provide proof of general liability, personal injury, and property damage insurance. Per the state's administrative code, applicants must show proof of compliance with the insurance requirements set forth in Code of Ala. 1975, §25-13-1, et seq., including "satisfactory evidence that the applicant is or will be covered by general liability, personal injury, and property damage insurance."
Code of Ala. 1975, §25-13-19 sets the specific coverage minimums: both Elevator Contractors and Elevator Inspectors (who are not employed by the authority having jurisdiction) must submit an insurance policy providing general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 for injury or death of any number of persons in any one occurrence, at least $500,000 for property damage in any one occurrence, plus the statutory workers' compensation insurance coverage. The policy (or a certificate of insurance) must be delivered to the administrator before or at the time of license issuance, and at least 10 days' notice is required before any material alteration or cancellation.
How do you renew an Alabama elevator license?
All Alabama elevator licenses, including contractor, mechanic, and inspector tiers, must be renewed biennially. The renewal process requires submitting the appropriate application and paying the renewal fee for your license type. Failure to renew on time can result in license suspension and additional fees.
Per Code of Ala. 1975, §25-13-12(d)(1), renewal of every license granted under this section is conditioned on submitting a certificate of completion of a continuing education course covering new and existing board regulations. The course must consist of at least eight (8) hours of instruction, completed within one year immediately preceding the license renewal. Approved continuing education providers include association seminars and labor training programs, subject to board approval.
Does Alabama offer reciprocity for elevator licenses?
Yes, Alabama offers a path to licensure without examination for individuals holding a valid license from another state or province. This process, known as comity, is available if the applicant's home state has licensing standards that are "substantially equal" to those in Alabama, as established in Section 480-8-3-.01(3) and Code of Alabama § 25-13-11. Applicants must provide documentation from their current licensing board to qualify. NASCLA acceptance does not apply to this specific trade license.
How long does the process take?
The time to obtain an Alabama elevator license depends on several factors, starting with the accumulation of required experience, which can take three or more years. Once you meet the experience qualifications, the administrative process includes gathering employer verifications, submitting a complete application, scheduling the state exam, and passing it. Current application-processing and exam-scheduling timelines vary; confirm with the Elevator Safety Review Board for the most up-to-date information.