If you work on elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, or wheelchair lifts in Indiana, you need one of five specialized licenses issued by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). Unlike a general contractor's license, these elevator licenses are specific to the type of work you perform and come with unique experience, exam, and insurance requirements. This guide explains each license tier and provides a step-by-step path to getting licensed in Indiana based on the state's official rules and regulations.
Do you need a license to work on elevators in Indiana?
Yes, Indiana requires a state-issued license to install, alter, repair, maintain, or inspect regulated lifting devices. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) issues these licenses under the authority of Indiana Code Title 22, Article 15, Chapter 5.
What counts as a "regulated lifting device" in Indiana?
The state's licensing requirements apply to work performed on a wide range of equipment. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Elevators
- Escalators
- Dumbwaiters
- Vertical and incline wheelchair lifts
- Incline chair lifts
- Belt manlifts
- Personnel hoists
- Sewage lift station personnel hoists
Which license do I need for the work I do?
Indiana offers five distinct licenses, and the one you need depends on your role. If you are a business entity that contracts for elevator work, you need an Elevator Contractor license. If you are an individual performing the hands-on installation, repair, or maintenance, you need an Elevator Mechanic license. Inspectors have their own dedicated license, and there are separate, limited licenses for temporary and emergency situations.
What are the Indiana elevator license tiers?
Indiana has five license classifications for elevator professionals, each with a specific scope of work and set of requirements.
Elevator Contractor
This license is for business entities that contract to erect, construct, install, alter, service, repair, or maintain regulated lifting devices. The company itself holds this license.
Elevator Inspector
This license is for individuals who inspect regulated lifting devices to ensure they comply with Indiana's safety codes, as established in the Indiana Administrative Code, Title 675, Article 21.
Elevator Mechanic
This license is for individuals who perform the hands-on work of erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining regulated lifting devices. This is the primary license for technicians in the field and has specific experience and exam requirements.
Temporary Elevator Mechanic
This license allows an individual to work under the supervision of a licensed elevator mechanic for a limited period. It is intended for those gaining experience in the trade.
Emergency Elevator Mechanic
This license is issued under specific emergency conditions, such as when there is a declared state of emergency or a shortage of licensed mechanics, allowing a qualified individual to perform necessary work.
What are the experience requirements for an Indiana elevator mechanic license?
To qualify for an Elevator Mechanic license in Indiana, you must meet one of three distinct experience pathways. The state does not impose a statewide experience prerequisite for the elevator contractor or elevator inspector licenses in the sources reviewed.
Path 1 — Direct industry experience
An applicant must have at least three years of documented work experience in the elevator industry, specifically in construction, maintenance, and service or repair.
Path 2 — Industry + related-field experience
An applicant can qualify with a combination of experience:
- At least 18 months of experience in the elevator industry in construction, maintenance, and service or repair, AND
- At least three years of experience in a related field, which must be certified by a licensed Indiana elevator contractor.
Path 3 — Registered apprenticeship
An applicant must provide proof of completion of an apprenticeship program that is either:
- Registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the United States Department of Labor, or
- An equivalent state apprenticeship program.
The program must be determined by the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission to be "at least equivalent to 3 years work experience in the elevator industry."
What is the Indiana elevator mechanic exam?
The Indiana elevator mechanic exam is the Elevator Mechanic Written Competency Exam, which is administered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Per IDHS, the exam is held at the Ivy Tech Public Safety Technology Training Center, located at 9530 E. 59th St., Indianapolis, IN 46216.
Exam content and format
The specific content, number of questions, time limit, and required passing score for the Elevator Mechanic Written Competency Exam are set by IDHS. Confirm the current exam details with the department when you apply.
How to schedule the exam
Exam scheduling information is provided by IDHS. The specific scheduling process — whether through an online portal or direct contact with the department — is not detailed in the sources reviewed; confirm the current process with IDHS before attempting to schedule your exam.
What if I fail — retake policy
The policy for retaking the exam, including any waiting period or additional fees, is determined by IDHS and is not detailed in the sources reviewed; confirm the current retake policy directly with the department.
How much does an Indiana elevator license cost?
Indiana elevator license fees are set by Indiana Administrative Code 675 IAC 12-3-15 and collected by IDHS. The state has separate fee schedules for permits, operating certificates, and professional licenses.
Installation or alteration permit fees
Before work begins, a permit is required. The fee depends on the type of device:
- Vertical wheelchair lift, incline wheelchair lift, and incline chair lift: $250
- Any other regulated lifting device (including elevator, escalator, belt manlift, personnel hoist, etc.): $500
Initial and renewal operating certificate fees
An operating certificate is required for a device to be used by the public.
- Initial or Renewal Operating Certificate: $120
- Temporary Operating Permit: $100
Professional licensing fees by tier
These fees apply to both initial applications and license renewals.
- Elevator Contractor: $500
- Elevator Inspector: $100
- Elevator Mechanic: $100
- Temporary Elevator Mechanic: $100
- Emergency Elevator Mechanic: $25
How and where to pay
All payments for elevator permits, certificates, and licenses must be made payable to the Fire and Building Services Fund.
What insurance does an Indiana elevator license require?
Indiana Code 22-15-5 Section 14 requires licensed elevator contractors to maintain liability insurance and file a certificate of insurance with the state. The statute outlines the consequences for failing to maintain and file proof of this coverage.
How do you renew an Indiana elevator license?
Indiana elevator licenses must be renewed to remain active. The fees for renewal are the same as the initial application fees for each license tier. The specific renewal cycle (e.g., annual, biennial) and expiration dates are not specified in the reviewed state regulations; confirm the current cycle with IDHS.
Continuing education requirements
Indiana Code 22-15-5 Section 15 authorizes the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission to establish continuing education requirements for license renewal, but the specific number of hours, approved course topics, and cycle requirements are not specified in the sources reviewed; confirm the current CE requirements with IDHS before your renewal period.
Exemptions and temporary waivers
The same state law that authorizes continuing education also provides for potential exemptions and temporary waivers. The criteria for qualifying for an exemption or waiver are set by the commission.
Does Indiana offer reciprocity for out-of-state elevator licenses?
The Indiana Code and Administrative Rules reviewed do not specify whether Indiana has reciprocity agreements with other states for any of its elevator license tiers. Applicants with an out-of-state license should contact IDHS directly to determine if any of their qualifications can be applied toward an Indiana license.
How do you apply for an Indiana elevator license?
Applications for an Indiana elevator license are filed with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. While the exact steps may vary slightly by license type, the general process is as follows.
- Confirm the correct license tier for your work. Determine whether you need a contractor, mechanic, inspector, temporary, or emergency license based on your role and scope of work.
- Document qualifying experience or apprenticeship. For the elevator mechanic license, gather detailed proof of your work history or apprenticeship completion to meet one of the three required pathways.
- Complete the application with IDHS. Fill out the official application form provided by the department. Whether applications are submitted via an online portal or a paper form is not specified in the sources reviewed; confirm with IDHS.
- Schedule and pass the competency exam. This step is required for the elevator mechanic license. Schedule your exam at the approved testing center and obtain a passing score.
- Pay the applicable fee. Submit the correct fee for your license tier, ensuring the payment is made out to the Fire and Building Services Fund.
- File proof of liability insurance. Elevator contractor applicants must submit a certificate of insurance that meets the state's requirements, per Indiana Code 22-15-5 Section 14.
Who enforces elevator safety and licensing in Indiana?
Elevator safety and licensing in Indiana is enforced by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) under the authority of Indiana Code Title 22, Article 15, Chapter 5 and the rules of the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission. The department handles applications, administers exams, and ensures compliance with state safety codes.