To work on elevators and other conveyances in Colorado, you must be licensed by the Division of Oil & Public Safety. Governed by C.R.S. Title 9, Article 5.5, the state's licensing system includes distinct categories for Conveyance Mechanics, Inspectors, and Contractors, each with specific requirements. This guide will walk you through the license types, experience paths, costs, and application process for each tier.
Do I need a license to work on elevators in Colorado?
Yes, a state-issued license is required to perform conveyance work in Colorado, including installation, alteration, repair, and inspection. The specific requirements are outlined in the state's regulations, 7 CCR 1101-8, and apply to individuals and companies working on conveyances such as elevators, escalators, and moving walks.
Who issues Colorado conveyance licenses?
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, through the Division of Oil & Public Safety (DOPS), issues all conveyance licenses. The DOPS administers the Conveyance Program, handles applications through its online services portal, and ensures compliance with state statutes and safety standards.
What types of conveyance licenses are available in Colorado?
Colorado offers several types of conveyance licenses, each authorizing a different scope of work or serving a specific purpose.
Conveyance Mechanic License (Type 1, 2, 3, 4)
This license is for individuals who perform installation, alteration, service, repair, or testing of conveyances. The specific type (1-4) corresponds to the class of conveyance the mechanic is qualified to work on.
Conveyance Inspector License (Type 1, 2, 3)
This license is for individuals who inspect conveyances to ensure they comply with state codes and standards. The type (1-3) indicates the class of conveyance the inspector is certified to evaluate.
Conveyance Contractor License
This license is for businesses that engage in installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or testing conveyances. A licensed contractor must employ at least one licensed Conveyance Mechanic.
Temporary Conveyance Mechanic License
This license allows an individual to work on conveyances for a limited period under specific circumstances, valid for 30 days.
Emergency Conveyance Mechanic License
Issued in situations where there is a shortage of licensed mechanics, this license is valid for 60 days and allows qualified individuals to perform necessary work.
Replacement License
This is not a work authorization but a replacement for a lost, damaged, or stolen license credential.
What are the experience requirements for a Colorado conveyance license?
To qualify for a Conveyance Mechanic license, applicants must satisfy one of three distinct paths defined by state regulations.
Path A — Approved Training Program
Applicants must provide proof of successful completion of a Conveyance Mechanic training program approved by the Administrator. This must be accompanied by an affidavit stating the applicant has completed at least 1,700 hours per year of qualifying work.
Path B — Equivalent Out-of-State License
An applicant can qualify by providing documentation of a current, equivalent license from another state. The required documentation includes a copy of the license and contact information for the issuing state's licensing department.
Path C — Documented Work Experience and Exam
This path requires a combination of documented work history and a passing exam score. Applicants must demonstrate "three years of work experience as a Conveyance Mechanic on non-residential conveyances without supervision." They must also pass the state-administered examination.
How Colorado Defines "One Year" of Qualifying Experience
For the purpose of meeting experience requirements, Colorado regulations state that "one year of work experience will equal 1,700 hours." Applicants must use this conversion when documenting their work history.
Mechanic vs. Inspector Experience Requirements
While the paths above apply to mechanics, inspector applicants must meet separate criteria, typically involving certification from a nationally recognized organization and relevant experience. Contractor applicants do not have a personal experience requirement but must employ a licensed mechanic.
What is the Colorado conveyance exam and who provides it?
A passing score on a state-approved examination is required for Conveyance Mechanics applying via the work experience path.
Exam Content and Codes Covered
The examination, provided by the Administrator or a similar approved exam, covers the codes and standards relevant to the license type being sought. These standards are adopted in state regulation 7 CCR 1101-8-2-7.
Exam Provider
The exam is provided by the Administrator of the Conveyance Program. Colorado does not accept NASCLA or other national-level exams in place of its state-specific examination.
Scheduling and Rescheduling
Exam scheduling is coordinated through the Division of Oil & Public Safety after an application is approved. Specific details on scheduling, locations, and rescheduling policies are provided to eligible candidates.
What to bring on exam day
The testing administrator will provide a list of permitted materials. Typically, this includes valid photo identification and any codebooks or reference materials authorized for use during the exam.
How much does a Colorado conveyance license cost?
The total cost includes license application fees, permit fees for specific jobs, and registration fees for each conveyance unit.
License Application Fees
License and renewal fees are set by Table 4-1 of the state's regulations.
- Conveyance Mechanic: $125.00
- Temporary Mechanic: $25.00
- Conveyance Contractor: $500.00
- Conveyance Inspector: $175.00
- Replacement License: $25.00
Installation and Alteration Permit Fees
For each project, contractors must pay permit and certificate fees.
- Installation Permit Application: $300.00
- Alteration Permit Application (Major or Minor): $150.00
- Certificate of Operation: $30.00
This results in a total of $330.00 for a new installation permit with a Certificate of Operation, or $180.00 for a major alteration permit with a Certificate of Operation.
Per-Conveyance Registration Fee
Each conveyance must be registered with the state. The owner is responsible for "the registration fee of $200 per conveyance."
Periodic Inspection and Reporting Fee
A fee of $30 per conveyance is required for periodic inspection reporting, due within 30 days of the inspection date.
What insurance does a Colorado conveyance contractor need?
A Conveyance Contractor license applicant must provide proof of adequate insurance coverage.
The § 9-5.5-115(1) C.R.S. Requirement
State law requires contractors to maintain insurance. Applicants must submit "a certificate of insurance, declaration page or insurance policy indicating that the applying company possesses insurance coverage according to § 9-5.5-115(1) C.R.S."
Acceptable Proof
Proof can be a certificate of insurance (COI), the policy's declaration page, or the full insurance policy.
Does Colorado have reciprocity for out-of-state conveyance licenses?
Colorado does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states, but it does offer a path for mechanics with equivalent out-of-state licenses to qualify.
The § 4-1-1(2)(b)(i) Documentation Path
Instead of a formal reciprocity agreement, Colorado's regulations allow an out-of-state licensed mechanic to qualify by submitting documentation. This includes a copy of a current license from another state whose requirements do not exceed Colorado's, along with the issuing state's contact information.
No NASCLA-Style Reciprocity
The state does not participate in NASCLA or similar programs that grant licenses based on passing a standardized national exam. The out-of-state path is based on an evaluation of the other state's licensing requirements.
How do I apply for a Colorado conveyance license?
Follow these steps to apply for your license through the Division of Oil & Public Safety's online portal.
- Access the Online Portal: Navigate to the Division of Oil & Public Safety's Database & Online Services portal. New users will need to register for an account.
- Select the Correct Application: Choose the appropriate application form for the license you are seeking (e.g., Conveyance Mechanic, Contractor, Inspector).
- Assemble Required Documents: Gather all necessary documentation. This may include proof of experience, affidavits, training program certificates, or out-of-state license information.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the application form completely and accurately.
- Upload Your Documents: Scan and upload all required supporting documents directly to the portal.
- Pay Application Fees: Pay the required license application fee online.
- Schedule the Exam: If an exam is required for your license path, you will receive instructions on how to schedule it after your application is reviewed and approved.
- Receive Your License: Once all requirements are met, your license will be issued. You can verify its status through the online database.
How long is a Colorado conveyance license valid, and how do I renew it?
License validity and renewal requirements vary by license type.
Validity by Tier
- Conveyance Mechanic License: Valid for one year.
- Conveyance Contractor License: Valid for one year.
- Emergency Conveyance Mechanic License: Valid for 60 days.
- Temporary Conveyance Mechanic License: Valid for 30 days.
Renewal Cycle Mechanics
To renew, licensees must submit a completed renewal application and the appropriate renewal fee before the expiration date.
Continuing Education: 8 Hours Every 2 Years for Mechanics
A Conveyance Mechanic must complete 8 hours of Administrator-approved continuing education every 2 years. Proof of completion must be submitted with the renewal application. No state-level continuing education requirement was identified for Conveyance Contractors or Inspectors in the sources reviewed.
What happens if you let it lapse
Operating with an expired license is a violation of state law. If your license lapses, you may need to go through a reinstatement process or re-apply as a new applicant, which could include retaking the exam.
Colorado conveyance license vs other states
Licensing requirements for elevator mechanics and contractors vary significantly across the United States. Some states have no statewide license, delegating regulation to local jurisdictions. Others have robust state-level programs with different tiers, exam requirements, and reciprocity rules.