If you service, install, or alter an elevator in Hawaii, the state requires a specific license issued by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board. A single license tier won't cover every worker on a crew, as Hawaii has distinct paths for licensed mechanics, registered apprentices, and temporary permit holders. This guide breaks down the requirements, fees, and biennial renewal deadlines for each.
Do you need a license to work on elevators in Hawaii?
Yes, a state-issued license is required to perform elevator mechanic work in Hawaii. The Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, operating under the authority of Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 448H and Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Title 16, Chapter 81, oversees the licensing and registration of all individuals in the trade.
Who must be licensed
Any individual who installs, erects, repairs, maintains, alters, or services elevators, escalators, or related equipment must hold the appropriate license or registration from the DCCA. This applies to employees, independent contractors, and out-of-state workers on projects within Hawaii.
The three Hawaii license tiers
The state provides three distinct authorizations for elevator work:
- Elevator Mechanic (EVM): The full license for individuals who have met all experience and examination requirements.
- Apprentice Elevator Mechanic: A required registration for individuals training under the supervision of a licensed elevator mechanic.
- Temporary Permit: A short-term authorization for qualified out-of-state mechanics to work on specific projects.
Hawaii elevator mechanic license requirements
To qualify for a Hawaii elevator mechanic license, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age, document at least four years of supervised training, and pass a state-approved examination.
Age and basic qualifications
All applicants for an elevator mechanic license must be at least 18 years old.
Qualifying experience under a licensed elevator mechanic
The primary path to licensure requires documenting substantial on-the-job training. As stated in HRS §448H-5, an applicant must have "satisfactorily completed at least four years of training under the supervision of a licensed elevator mechanic." This experience must be formally documented and verifiable by the board.
Apprentice registration path
Individuals starting their career in the elevator trade must register with the DCCA as an Apprentice Elevator Mechanic. This registration involves submitting an application and paying a one-time fee of $60.00. This formalizes the training period and ensures all work is performed under the direct supervision of a licensed mechanic.
How to apply for a Hawaii elevator mechanic license
The application process involves submitting a complete application to the DCCA, registering for the examination with the state's approved testing service, and passing the exam to receive your license.
Step-by-step application process
- Complete the Application: Obtain and fill out the "Application for License as Elevator Mechanic" from the DCCA's Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) division website.
- Document Experience: Provide all required documentation verifying your four years of supervised training.
- Pay Application Fee: Submit the non-refundable application fee of $40.00 with your application.
- Receive Exam Approval: Once the board approves your application, you will receive instructions on how to register for the licensing exam.
- Register for the Exam: Schedule your exam with the board's approved testing provider, PSI Services LLC, either online or by phone at (833) 333-4754.
- Pay Exam Fee: Pay the examination fee of $70.00 directly to the testing service.
- Pass the Exam: Achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the examination.
- Pay License Fee: Upon passing the exam, pay the required license fee to the DCCA. The fee is $170.00 if your license is issued in the first year of a biennial cycle and $85.00 if issued in the second year.
Application fee and license fee
The initial fees include a $40.00 application fee and a $70.00 examination fee. The license fee is prorated based on when it is issued within the two-year licensing cycle:
- $170.00: If licensed between July 1 of an even-numbered year and June 30 of the following odd-numbered year.
- $85.00: If licensed between July 1 of an odd-numbered year and June 30 of the following even-numbered year.
Registering for the exam
After your application is approved by the DCCA, you must register for the exam directly with PSI Services LLC. You can register online at their website (test-takers.psiexams.com/hitrade/) or by calling (833) 333-4754.
Hawaii elevator mechanic exam
The Hawaii elevator mechanic license exam is administered by PSI Services LLC and requires a passing score of at least seventy per cent.
Exam content and scheduling
The exam covers topics relevant to the safe installation, maintenance, and repair of elevators and related equipment. All scheduling is handled directly through PSI after the DCCA has approved your license application.
Passing score and re-examination
A passing grade is 70% or higher. If you do not pass, you must follow the board's and testing service's procedures to re-apply and re-schedule for another attempt. Re-examination fees will apply.
Exam fee
The examination fee is $70.00, payable to PSI Services LLC when you schedule your test.
Temporary permits and out-of-state applicants
Hawaii does not offer full license reciprocity, but it provides a path for qualified out-of-state mechanics to obtain a temporary permit by demonstrating they have passed the NEIEP joint examining committee examination or an Elevator Constructors Union examination.
To qualify, an applicant must have become a licensed or qualified elevator mechanic in another state with standards substantially equal to Hawaii's. A one-time fee of $60.00 is required for a temporary permit.
NEIEP joint examining committee examination
Passing this nationally recognized exam can satisfy the examination requirement for a temporary permit in Hawaii.
Elevator Constructors Union examination
Passing an approved examination from the Elevator Constructors Union is another accepted alternative for temporary permit eligibility.
License renewal and restoration
Hawaii elevator mechanic licenses follow a biennial renewal cycle, with all licenses expiring on June 30 of every even-numbered year.
On-time renewal
To renew on time, you must submit the renewal application and fee to the DCCA before the June 30 deadline in an even-numbered year. The on-time renewal cost for the 2026-2028 period is $240.00.
Restoration (late renewal)
If you fail to renew your license by the deadline, it will be considered lapsed. To reactivate it, you must apply for restoration and pay a higher restoration fee. For the 2026-2028 period, the restoration cost is $340.00.
Continuing education requirement
No state-level continuing education requirement was identified in the sources reviewed for elevator mechanic license renewal. However, regulations can change. Always confirm current continuing education requirements directly with the Hawaii Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board before your renewal period.
Dishonored payment service charge
A service charge of $25.00 is assessed for any payment (check or electronic) that is dishonored for any reason.
Insurance and bond requirements
State-level rules for elevator mechanics do not specify a minimum insurance or bond amount to hold the license. Individual contractors and employers are responsible for maintaining adequate insurance coverage, such as general liability and workers' compensation, as required for their business operations. Project owners may also impose their own insurance or bonding requirements.
Hawaii elevator mechanic license fees (summary)
The following fees are set by the DCCA and are subject to change:
- Application Fee: $40.00
- Examination Fee: $70.00
- Apprentice/Temporary Permit Fee: $60.00 (one-time)
- License Fee (Prorated):
- $170.00 (First year of biennial cycle)
- $85.00 (Second year of biennial cycle)
- Biennial Renewal Fee: $170.00 (component of total renewal cost)
- On-Time Renewal Cost (2026-2028): $240.00
- Restoration (Late Renewal) Cost (2026-2028): $340.00
- Dishonored Payment Service Charge: $25.00