If you install, service, or inspect elevators in Kansas, you need a license from the Kansas State Fire Marshal. The state recognizes three distinct license tiers—Contractor, Mechanic, and Inspector—each with its own specific experience, exam, and insurance requirements. This guide will walk you through the entire licensing process, from identifying the right tier to fulfilling your annual compliance duties.
Do you need an elevator license in Kansas?
Yes, all elevator contractors, elevator mechanics, and elevator inspectors who work on elevators in Kansas must hold a current license issued by the Kansas State Fire Marshal. The Kansas Elevator Safety Act defines "elevator" broadly to include a range of conveyances, but the specific equipment covered is detailed in the state's rules and regulations. Confirm with the State Fire Marshal if your work falls under their jurisdiction.
The three license tiers at a glance
Kansas offers three distinct licenses for elevator professionals, each authorizing a different scope of work.
- Elevator Contractor: This license is for a business entity that engages in erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining elevators. A licensed contractor must employ licensed mechanics to perform the hands-on work.
- Elevator Mechanic: This license is for an individual who performs the physical work of erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining elevators.
- Elevator Inspector: This license is for an individual who performs safety inspections of elevators to ensure they comply with state codes. Inspectors are responsible for witnessing annual tests and collecting the fee for the state's Certificate of Operation.
Kansas elevator mechanic license requirements
To qualify for a Kansas elevator mechanic license, an applicant must provide documentation for one of several approved experience pathways. The primary routes involve holding a recognized industry credential, but a path based on documented work experience is also available.
An applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a certificate of completion from a nationally approved apprenticeship program, such as the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) or a program certified by the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC).
- Possess a certificate of completion from a postsecondary elevator technician program.
- Hold a valid elevator mechanic license from a state with standards substantially equal to those of Kansas.
- Provide documented proof of sufficient supervised work experience.
The supervised-experience fallback
Applicants who do not hold one of the credentials listed above can qualify by demonstrating sufficient work history. An applicant must prove they have "worked as an elevator mechanic without supervision for at least 4,000 hours within six years prior to the date of application," per K.S.A. 44-1807.
Kansas elevator contractor license requirements
An elevator contractor license in Kansas requires the business to meet structural and financial responsibility standards set by the Kansas Elevator Safety Act. A contractor must employ one or more licensed elevator mechanics and carry the state-mandated insurance coverage to be eligible for a license.
The key requirements for a contractor license are:
- Employing at least one Kansas-licensed elevator mechanic.
- Providing proof of the required general liability and workers' compensation insurance policies.
- Submitting the contractor application and fee to the State Fire Marshal.
Kansas elevator inspector license requirements
An elevator inspector license applicant must demonstrate competency through a recognized national certification or an equivalent qualification approved by the Kansas State Fire Marshal. The primary path to licensure is holding a current certification from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Applicants can qualify through one of the following routes:
- Hold a current certificate as an elevator inspector from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- Provide a certificate of completion from a postsecondary elevator inspector program.
- Pass an equivalency examination prepared and administered by the Kansas State Fire Marshal.
How to apply for a Kansas elevator license (step by step)
- Determine Your License Tier: First, select the appropriate license—Contractor, Mechanic, or Inspector—based on the scope of work you intend to perform.
- Gather Documentation: Collect the required proof of your qualifications. This may include apprenticeship or program certificates, evidence of 4,000 hours of work experience, proof of an out-of-state license, or your ANSI inspector certification.
- Secure Insurance: Obtain the required insurance policy. You will need a certificate of insurance demonstrating general liability and workers' compensation coverage from an insurer authorized to do business in Kansas.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the appropriate license application, which is available through the State Fire Marshal's online Elevator Payment Portal.
- Pay the Application Fee: Submit the non-refundable application fee along with your application materials.
- Pass Any Required Exam: If you are applying for an inspector license via the equivalency route, schedule and pass the examination administered by the State Fire Marshal.
- Receive Your License: Once your application is approved, the State Fire Marshal will issue your license. You must be prepared to present it upon request.
Kansas elevator license fees
The Kansas State Fire Marshal sets all fees for elevator licensing and permits.
- Application Fees:
- Elevator Contractor License: $500
- Elevator Inspector License: $250
- Elevator Mechanic License: $150
- Permit Fees:
- Kansas Elevator Installation Permit: $400
- Permit to Alter an Existing Elevator: $400
- Certificate Fee:
- State Certificate of Operation: $100 (This annual fee is collected by the licensed inspector during the annual inspection).
- Registration: There is no fee to register an elevator.
Insurance and workers' compensation requirements
All licensed elevator contractors, inspectors, and mechanics must provide proof of a current insurance policy to the State Fire Marshal. The policy must be issued by an insurer authorized to do business in Kansas and meet the following minimum coverage limits:
- General Liability:
- $1,000,000 for injury or death of any number of persons in any one occurrence.
- $500,000 for property damage in any one occurrence.
- Workers' Compensation: All licensees must carry workers' compensation insurance as required by Kansas law.
Renewal and continuing education
Kansas elevator licenses must be renewed every two years from the date of issuance. The Kansas Elevator Safety Act, specifically K.S.A. 44-1819, grants the State Fire Marshal the authority to establish continuing education (CE) requirements for license renewal.
The specific number of CE hours required per renewal cycle was not identified in the sources reviewed; confirm the current requirements and approved course list with the State Fire Marshal before your renewal date.
Reciprocity and out-of-state applicants
Kansas offers a path to licensure for elevator mechanics and contractors who hold a license from another state. According to K.S.A. 44-1807, a valid license from a state with "standards substantially equal to those of Kansas" can be used to qualify for a Kansas elevator mechanic license. This qualification also allows an individual to meet the licensed mechanic requirement for an elevator contractor license.
Applicants seeking licensure through reciprocity must provide a copy of their out-of-state license and any other documentation requested by the State Fire Marshal to verify the equivalency of the licensing standards. No specific agreements based on NASCLA examinations are mentioned in the state's published rules.
Annual inspection, registration, and the Certificate of Operation
Every elevator within the scope of the Kansas Elevator Safety Act must be registered with the State Fire Marshal and undergo an annual safety inspection. This inspection must be performed by a Kansas-licensed elevator inspector.
As part of this process, the elevator must be tested according to the most current version of the ASME A17.1 code by a qualified person, with the test witnessed by the inspector. Following a successful inspection, the inspector collects the $100 fee for the Certificate of Operation, which must be clearly displayed on or in the elevator at all times.