Kentucky has three distinct elevator licenses, and the right one for you depends on whether you contract for installations, perform mechanical work, or specialize in accessibility lifts. The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) sets the specific experience, examination, and insurance rules you'll need to meet. This guide walks you through the requirements for each license tier, from initial application to renewal.
Do you need a license to work on elevators in Kentucky?
Yes, a state-level license is required to work as an elevator contractor or mechanic in Kentucky. Per Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 198B.4009, no individual or company may erect, construct, install, alter, service, repair, or maintain elevators without the proper license from the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. This requirement applies to Elevator Contractors, Elevator Mechanics, and Accessibility and Residential Elevator Mechanics.
Kentucky elevator license tiers at a glance
The DHBC issues three distinct types of licenses for elevator work, each with a different scope and set of qualifications.
Elevator Contractor
This license is for a business entity or individual that engages in erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining elevators, accessibility lifts, and related equipment.
Elevator Mechanic
This license is for an individual who performs the hands-on work of installing, altering, servicing, and repairing elevator systems under the supervision of a licensed Elevator Contractor.
Accessibility and Residential Elevator Mechanic
This license is for an individual who specializes in the installation, alteration, service, and repair of accessibility lifts, such as platform lifts and stairway chairlifts, as well as residential elevators.
What experience do you need to qualify?
Each Kentucky elevator license has a specific, verifiable experience requirement.
Elevator Mechanic experience path
An applicant for an Elevator Mechanic license must have at least thirty-six (36) months of work experience in the elevator industry, covering construction, maintenance, service, repair, or a combination thereof. This experience must be verified by current and previous employers. Equivalent experience obtained during service in the U.S. military is also accepted as a substitute.
Accessibility and Residential Elevator Mechanic experience path
An applicant for an Accessibility and Residential Elevator Mechanic license must have at least twelve (12) months of equivalent work experience in the trade.
Elevator Contractor experience path
An applicant for an Elevator Contractor license must have a minimum of three (3) years of verifiable experience working as an elevator mechanic.
The Kentucky elevator mechanic exam
An examination is required to qualify for both mechanic-level licenses in Kentucky. The exam is administered by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction or its approved designee.
Who must take the exam
An exam is required for the Elevator Mechanic and the Accessibility and Residential Elevator Mechanic licenses. The Elevator Contractor license does not require a separate exam; instead, it qualifies based on three years of prior experience as a licensed mechanic.
Passing score and validity
A passing score on the exam is at least 70%. A passing score remains valid for three (3) years, during which time the applicant must complete the licensing process.
Exam cost cap
Per state regulations, the cost for the examination shall not exceed $100.
How to apply for a Kentucky elevator license
Follow these steps to apply for your license with the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.
- Confirm Your Tier: Determine whether you are applying as a Contractor, Mechanic, or Accessibility and Residential Mechanic based on your experience and intended scope of work.
- Gather Experience Verification: Collect signed letters or forms from current and past employers to document your required work experience (3 years for Contractor, 36 months for Mechanic, or 12 months for Accessibility/Residential Mechanic).
- Complete the Application: Fill out the appropriate application form provided by the DHBC. The specific forms and submission process are published by the department; confirm the current versions on the DHBC website before applying.
- Submit Insurance Proof (Contractors Only): Elevator Contractor applicants must provide a certificate of insurance meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements.
- Pay Application Fees: Submit the required initial license fee with your application. The fee is prorated based on your birth month.
- Schedule and Pass the Exam (Mechanics Only): If applying for a mechanic license, you will need to schedule and pass the state-approved exam after your application is processed.
- Receive Your License: Once all requirements are met, the DHBC will issue your license.
Kentucky elevator license fees
Licensing fees are set by 815 KAR 4:030 and vary by tier.
Initial and renewal license fees by tier
- Elevator Contractor:
- Initial License: $240 for a 12-month license (prorated)
- Annual Renewal: $240
- Elevator Mechanic / Accessibility and Residential Elevator Mechanic:
- Initial License: $96 for a 12-month license
- Annual Renewal: $96
Special service fees
- Restoration (Late Renewal):
- Contractor: $50
- Mechanic: $25
- Reinstatement (of a terminated license):
- Contractor: $100
- Mechanic: $25
- Reactivation (of an inactive license):
- Contractor: $120
- Mechanic: $48
- Duplicate License: $10
Equipment inspection and construction permit fees
In addition to licensing fees, licensed contractors are responsible for permit and inspection fees for their projects. Per 815 KAR 4:010 and 815 KAR 4:025, these can range from $75 to $200 for annual equipment inspections and start at $85 for construction/alteration permits, depending on the equipment's horsepower.
Insurance requirements for Kentucky elevator contractors
Per KRS 198B.4027, licensed Elevator Contractors must maintain a specific insurance policy. A certificate of insurance must be submitted to the DHBC as proof of coverage.
- General Liability: At least $1,000,000 for injury or death of any number of persons in any one occurrence.
- Property Damage: At least $500,000 for property damage in any one occurrence.
- Workers' Compensation: Statutory workers' compensation insurance coverage.
A contractor whose license is in inactive status is not required to maintain this insurance. The sources reviewed do not identify a specific insurance requirement for the Elevator Mechanic or Accessibility and Residential Elevator Mechanic license tiers.
Renewal and continuing education
All Kentucky elevator licenses must be renewed annually and require proof of continuing education.
Annual renewal cycle and the 60-day late window
Your license renewal application must be postmarked by the last day of your birth month each year. If you miss this deadline, you have a 60-day grace period to renew by paying the standard renewal fee plus a restoration fee. Failure to renew within this 60-day window will result in the termination of your license, which then requires a more costly reinstatement process.
8-hour CE requirement
All license holders—Contractors and Mechanics—must complete eight (8) hours of approved continuing education (CE) before their license can be renewed.
- One CE hour is defined as fifty (50) minutes of classroom instruction.
- You may carry forward up to twelve (12) excess credit hours to the following renewal year.
- Proof of completion must be submitted with your renewal application.
Reciprocity for out-of-state elevator license holders
Kentucky offers a path to licensure for individuals holding an equivalent license from another state. According to 815 KAR 4:030, an applicant with a current license from a state with "substantially equal" standards may apply for a reciprocal license in Kentucky.
Reciprocal applicants must use the standard application forms and pay the same initial fees ($240 for contractors, $96 for mechanics). Applicants must also provide proof that they meet Kentucky's minimum experience requirements: three years for a contractor and the statutory 36-month requirement for a mechanic. No specific agreements based on NASCLA are identified in the state regulations.
Official sources and next steps
All requirements for elevator licensing are established by the Kentucky Revised Statutes and the Kentucky Administrative Regulations. For application forms, approved CE providers, and the most current information, always refer to the official website of the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.