If you install, service, repair, or renovate elevators or accessibility lifts in Maryland, the Maryland Elevator Safety Review Board requires a license. The state issues seven distinct license categories, and the right tier for you depends on the specific work you perform in the field. This guide walks through the requirements, fees, and application process for each type of Maryland elevator license.
Do you need a license to work on elevators in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland requires a license for anyone who installs, services, repairs, or renovates elevators or accessibility lifts, and the Maryland Elevator Safety Review Board issues seven distinct license categories. This requirement is established under the Maryland Public Safety Code, specifically § 12-826.
Which activities require a Maryland elevator license?
According to state law, you must hold a license to perform work related to the construction, alteration, service, replacement, maintenance, removal, or dismantling of any conveyance covered by the elevator safety code. This includes elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks, and accessibility lifts.
Which activities are exempt?
The state provides limited exemptions. According to Public Safety § 12-826, a license is generally not required for individuals performing work on conveyances in a private residence. However, it is critical to confirm the full scope of exemptions with the Elevator Safety Review Board before beginning any work.
Who enforces elevator licensing in Maryland?
The Maryland Elevator Safety Review Board, operating within the Department of Labor's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, is responsible for creating regulations, issuing licenses, and enforcing elevator safety standards throughout the state.
What license tiers and classes does Maryland offer?
Maryland issues seven elevator license categories: elevator mechanic, elevator contractor, elevator renovator mechanic, elevator renovator contractor, temporary elevator mechanic, emergency elevator mechanic, and accessibility lift mechanic.
Elevator mechanic vs. elevator contractor
- Elevator Mechanic: An individual licensed to construct, alter, service, test, or maintain elevators and other conveyances under the supervision of a licensed elevator contractor.
- Elevator Contractor: A person or business licensed to engage in the business of constructing, servicing, or dismantling elevators or accessibility lifts. A contractor employs licensed mechanics to perform the hands-on work.
Renovator mechanic vs. renovator contractor
These license tiers authorize work limited to the renovation of existing elevators.
- Elevator Renovator Mechanic: An individual authorized to perform renovation work on elevators.
- Elevator Renovator Contractor: A person or business licensed to engage in the business of renovating elevators.
The specific qualifications for renovator licenses are to be set by Board regulation; confirm the current requirements directly with the Board.
Temporary and emergency elevator mechanics
- Temporary Elevator Mechanic: This license is issued for a 30-day period to allow an individual to perform elevator work under specific, temporary circumstances. It is renewable.
- Emergency Elevator Mechanic: In the event of an emergency, the Board may issue this license to qualified individuals. It is valid for 30 days and can be renewed for the duration of the emergency at no charge.
Accessibility lift mechanic
This specialized license authorizes an individual to work exclusively on accessibility lifts, such as platform lifts and stairway chairlifts, which are distinct from commercial or residential elevators.
What are the requirements for a Maryland elevator license?
Maryland's elevator license requirements differ by tier, but every tier requires documented qualifying experience, a license application, and—for mechanics—passage of a written Safety Code examination.
Qualifying experience for an elevator mechanic
To qualify for an elevator mechanic license, an applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have "at least three years of recent and active work experience in the elevator industry, in construction, maintenance, and service or repair, as verified by current and previous employers," and pass a written examination.
- Have at least three years of experience and a certificate of completion from a nationally recognized training program, such as the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) or its equivalent.
- Provide a certificate of completion from an apprenticeship program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship or a state apprenticeship council.
Qualifying experience for an elevator contractor
An applicant for an elevator contractor license must demonstrate "at least five years of work experience in the elevator industry in construction, maintenance, service, or repair."
Education and apprenticeship alternatives for mechanic applicants
As noted above, completing a registered apprenticeship program is a direct path to qualifying for the mechanic license. Additionally, the Board states that education credits may be combined with documented work experience for mechanic applicants. Contact the Board for specifics on how education credits are evaluated.
Renovator and accessibility lift requirements
The specific qualifications for renovator mechanic, renovator contractor, and accessibility lift mechanic licenses are set by Board regulation and are not detailed in the sources reviewed; confirm the current experience and examination requirements for these tiers with the Board before applying.
Required documentation and employer verification
Applicants must submit a completed application form and provide detailed verification of their work experience from current and past employers. This documentation is a critical part of the application and must accurately reflect the required years and type of experience.
What is the Maryland elevator license exam?
Maryland requires a written examination on the Safety Code for elevator mechanic applicants, administered under the authority of the Maryland Elevator Safety Review Board.
Exam content and scope
The exam covers the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (ASME A17.1) and other relevant safety standards adopted by the state. No separate business and law examination was identified in the sources reviewed for this guide.
Who must take the exam (and who is exempt)
Applicants for the elevator mechanic license must pass the exam. Individuals who have already passed the mechanic examination of a nationally recognized training program like NEIEP may be able to use their certificate to meet the examination requirement. Contractors are not required to take the mechanic's technical exam but must meet the five-year experience threshold.
How to schedule and what to bring
Exam scheduling information is provided to applicants after their application is approved by the Board. The Board or its designated testing service will provide instructions on scheduling, test locations, and what identification to bring on exam day.
How much does a Maryland elevator license cost?
All Maryland elevator license applications require a non-refundable application fee, with separate initial and renewal license fees that differ by license tier.
Application fee (all tiers)
- Non-refundable application fee: $25
Initial license fees by tier
- Elevator Mechanic / Renovator Mechanic (2-year): $175
- Elevator Contractor / Renovator Contractor (2-year): $275
- Accessibility Lift Mechanic (2-year): $125
- Temporary Elevator Mechanic (30-day): $25
- Emergency Elevator Mechanic (30-day): No Fee
Renewal fees by tier
- Elevator Mechanic / Renovator Mechanic (2-year): $200
- Elevator Contractor / Renovator Contractor (2-year): $300
- Accessibility Lift Mechanic (2-year): $150
- Temporary Elevator Mechanic (each 30-day renewal): $10
- Emergency Elevator Mechanic (each 30-day renewal): No Fee
Reinstatement and license-verification fees
- License Reinstatement (plus renewal fees): $25
- License Verification Request: $25
Does Maryland require insurance or a bond for an elevator license?
The Maryland Elevator Safety Review Board's public licensing materials do not specify minimum insurance or bond amounts for license holders.
How do you apply for a Maryland elevator license?
Applicants apply directly to the Maryland Elevator Safety Review Board using the Board's original-license application process.
Step-by-step application process
- Determine Your License Tier: Select the appropriate license category based on your experience and the scope of work you intend to perform.
- Gather Documentation: Collect proof of your work experience, including verification from past and present employers. If applicable, obtain your certificate from a registered apprenticeship or nationally recognized training program.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the official application form provided by the Maryland Elevator Safety Review Board.
- Submit Application and Fee: Mail the completed application and the non-refundable $25 application fee to the Board.
- Await Board Approval: The Board will review your application and experience documentation.
- Schedule and Pass the Exam: Once approved, mechanic applicants will receive information to schedule and pass the required Safety Code examination.
- Pay the License Fee: After passing the exam (if required), pay the initial two-year license fee for your tier to have your license issued.
Application review and timeline
Current application-processing and exam-scheduling timelines vary. Confirm the estimated processing times directly with the Elevator Safety Review Board.
How do you renew a Maryland elevator license?
Maryland elevator licenses renew on a two-year cycle for mechanic, contractor, renovator, and accessibility lift tiers, while temporary and emergency licenses renew on a 30-day cycle.
Standard two-year renewal
The Elevator Safety Review Board will send a renewal notice to your address on file before your license expiration date. You must submit the renewal application and the required fee to maintain your license.
30-day temporary and emergency renewals
- Temporary Mechanic: Renewable for 30-day periods for a fee of $10 per renewal.
- Emergency Mechanic: Renewable for 30-day periods at no cost for the duration of the declared emergency.
Late renewal and reinstatement
If your license expires, you must pay any applicable renewal fees plus a $25 reinstatement fee to restore it to active status.
Continuing professional competency
No state-level continuing education (CE) requirement was identified in the sources reviewed for this guide. The Board's website links to a "Continuing Professional Competency" page; however, the specific requirements are published by the Board. Confirm the current CE rules with the Board before your renewal period.
Does Maryland offer reciprocity for out-of-state elevator licenses?
Yes, Maryland offers reciprocal licensing for elevator professionals, with the specific reciprocal terms set by Board rule.
How reciprocal licensing works
The Elevator Safety Review Board has provisions to issue a license to an applicant who holds a similar license in another state with equivalent or stricter licensing standards. Applicants must still submit an application, pay the required fees, and meet any Maryland-specific requirements.
What to submit with a reciprocity application
Applicants seeking licensure through reciprocity should be prepared to provide a copy of their out-of-state license and a license verification from their home state's licensing board. The specific requirements are set by the Board; contact the Board directly to understand the process for your specific license.
Maryland elevator codes and inspection requirements
Adopted Safety Code editions
Maryland's elevator regulations are based on the nationally recognized Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ASME A17.1, along with other related safety standards. The Elevator Safety Review Board maintains a list of the specific editions and amendments currently in force. You can find the latest adoption dates on the Division of Labor and Industry website.
Inspection frequency and reporting
Elevators and other conveyances in Maryland are subject to periodic safety inspections. The frequency of these inspections is determined by state regulations and the type of equipment. All inspections must be performed by a licensed third-party inspector, and reports must be filed with the state.