Getting your elevator license in Minnesota can seem complex because the state offers seven distinct license tiers, including a specific registration for unlicensed apprentices that many guides overlook. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) issues these credentials, and it's critical to understand that a personal license to perform the work is a separate application from the business license required to operate as an elevator contractor. This guide breaks down every tier, fee, and requirement to help you navigate the process correctly.
Do you need an elevator license in Minnesota?
Yes, under Minnesota Statutes § 326B.701, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) requires an elevator constructor license for individuals performing elevator work, and a separate business license is required to operate as an elevator contractor. The DLI oversees the licensing for all individuals who install, maintain, repair, or test elevators and related equipment.
Minnesota elevator license tiers (all 7, with DLI codes)
Minnesota has a seven-tier licensing structure to cover different roles and scopes of work within the elevator industry. Each license has a specific code used by the DLI.
Elevator Contractor (CE) — Business License
This license is for a business entity that performs any type of elevator work. The business must employ a licensed Master Elevator Constructor.
Limited Elevator Contractor (LC) — Business License
This business license covers a limited scope of work, such as installing and servicing residential elevators, platform lifts, and stairway chairlifts. The business must employ a licensed Master Elevator Constructor Limited.
Master Elevator Constructor (EM) — Personal
This is the highest-level personal license, authorizing an individual to plan, supervise, and perform all types of elevator work.
Master Elevator Constructor Limited (LM) — Personal
This personal license authorizes an individual to plan, supervise, and perform a limited scope of elevator work, typically restricted to residential elevators, platform lifts, and stairway chairlifts.
Journeyworker Elevator Constructor (EL) — Personal
This license allows an individual to perform all types of elevator work under the supervision of a Master Elevator Constructor.
Journeyworker Elevator Constructor Limited (LJ) — Personal
This personal license authorizes an individual to perform a limited scope of elevator work under the supervision of a Master Elevator Constructor Limited.
Unlicensed Elevator Constructor (RC) — Registration
This is an entry-level registration for apprentices or helpers working under the direct supervision of a licensed elevator constructor.
Applying for the wrong license tier is a common cause of application rejection. Carefully review the scope of work defined in Minnesota Rules Chapter 1307 and confirm which license matches the work you will perform before paying any fees.
Who issues elevator licenses in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), through its Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD), is the sole authority for issuing and renewing elevator licenses in the state. All applications, forms, and official fee schedules are maintained by the DLI.
- DLI Main Page for Elevator Licensing: Elevator Licensing Information
- Official Forms: Elevator Constructor Licensing Forms
- Official Fee Schedule: CCLD Licensing Fee Schedule
- Governing Law: Minnesota Statutes § 326B.701–326B.86 and Minnesota Rules Chapter 1307
How long does it take to get a Minnesota elevator license?
The time required to get a Minnesota elevator license depends on application completeness, DLI review times, and exam scheduling. Current application-processing and exam-scheduling timelines vary; confirm with the DLI for the most up-to-date information.
The general process follows these steps:
- Submit your license application and all supporting experience documentation.
- The DLI reviews your application and verifies your qualifications.
- Upon approval, you receive eligibility to take the required written exam.
- You schedule and pass the exam.
- The DLI issues your license upon receipt of passing exam scores and any final license fees.
What are the experience requirements for each tier?
Minnesota Rules Chapter 1307 outlines specific experience pathways for each license tier.
Journeyworker Elevator Constructor (EL)
An applicant for a Journeyworker license must meet one of the following criteria:
- Complete "a four-year elevator mechanics apprenticeship registered with the United States Department of Labor."
- Have "worked at least 9,000 hours in five consecutive years for a DLI-licensed elevator contractor installing, maintaining, modernizing, testing, wiring and repairing elevators."
Master Elevator Constructor (EM)
An applicant for a Master license must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have "one year of experience working as a journeyworker elevator constructor."
- Have "six years of experience in planning for, laying out, supervising and installing apparatus, equipment and wiring for elevators."
Limited Journeyworker (LJ) and Limited Master (LM)
- Limited Journeyworker (LJ): Requires two years of experience.
- Limited Master (LM): Requires three years of experience.
Unlicensed Elevator Constructor (RC)
This is an entry-level registration and does not have a prerequisite experience requirement, but all work must be performed under the supervision of a licensed individual.
What is the Minnesota elevator license exam like?
Minnesota requires a written exam for all personal license tiers except the Unlicensed Elevator Constructor (RC). The specific testing provider is not listed in publicly published rules; you must verify the vendor and registration process with the DLI before paying any exam fee.
Who administers the exam?
The DLI approves a third-party testing administrator for the elevator license exams. Contact the DLI directly for the current provider's name and contact information.
What the exam covers
The exam content is based on state-adopted codes and safety standards. This typically includes the National Electrical Code (NEC) and relevant elevator safety codes like ASME A17.1. The specific code versions are set by Minnesota Rules Part 1307.0020; confirm the current editions with the DLI before studying.
Exam fees and how to register
The exam fee for all Master and Journeyworker tiers (EM, LM, EL, LJ) is $50. Once the DLI approves your application, you will receive instructions on how to register and pay for the exam with the state-approved testing vendor.
How much does a Minnesota elevator license cost?
Licensing costs consist of application, exam, and license fees, which vary by tier. All fees are set by the DLI and are subject to change.
-
Unlicensed Elevator Constructor (RC)
- Application Fee: $10
- Annual Renewal: $15
- Late Renewal Fee: $5
-
Journeyworker Elevator Constructor (EL & LJ)
- Exam Fee: $50
- Initial License Fee: $40
- Biennial Renewal: $35
- Late Renewal Fee: $15
-
Master Elevator Constructor (EM & LM)
- Exam Fee: $50
- Initial License Fee: $80
- Biennial Renewal: $65
- Late Renewal Fee: $30
-
Elevator Contractor (CE & LC) - Business License
- Initial License/Renewal Fee: $180.00
- Late Renewal Fee: $90 (for a total renewal cost of $270.00)
Insurance and bond requirements for Minnesota elevator contractors
Minnesota elevator contractors (CE and LC license holders) must carry a $25,000.00 surety bond and a certificate of general liability insurance that meets minimum statutory requirements. Proof of both must be filed with the DLI as part of the business license application.
Surety Bond Requirement
A continuous surety bond in the amount of $25,000 is required for all Elevator Contractor (CE) and Limited Elevator Contractor (LC) licenses. The bond must be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in Minnesota.
General Liability Insurance
Contractors must also provide a certificate of insurance for general liability coverage. The specific coverage minimums are set by statute; confirm the current required amounts with the DLI when applying.
Where to file proof with DLI
The original, signed surety bond and certificate of insurance must be submitted with the Elevator Contractor and Limited Elevator Contractor Business License application form.
The surety bond and general liability insurance requirements apply to the contractor business licenses (CE/LC), not the personal license tiers (EM, LM, EL, LJ, RC). Personal credential holders do not need to file proof of bond or insurance with their individual license application.
How to renew your Minnesota elevator license
Renewal cycles and fees vary by license tier. All renewals are processed through the DLI.
Journeyworker / Limited Journeyworker (EL, LJ) Renewal
- Cycle: Every two years from the end of the month the license was originally issued.
- Renewal Fee: $35
- Late Fee: $15
Master / Limited Master (EM, LM) Renewal
- Cycle: Biennially, on the last day of February of each odd-numbered year.
- Renewal Fee: $65
- Late Fee: $30
Unlicensed Elevator Constructor (RC) Renewal
- Cycle: Annually, one year from the end of the month of the original registration.
- Renewal Fee: $15
- Late Fee: $5
Contractor (CE, LC) Renewal
- Cycle: Not specified in the sources reviewed; confirm the current renewal cycle for the Elevator Contractor / Limited Elevator Contractor license with DLI.
- Renewal Fee: $180.00
- Late Fee: $90
Continuing education requirements
Minnesota requires all licensed and registered elevator constructors to complete continuing education (CE) for renewal.
Journeyworker (EL) and Master (EM)
- Requirement: 16 hours of CE per renewal cycle.
- Breakdown: At least 4 hours on the National Electrical Code and 12 hours on elevator code and technology.
Limited Journeyworker (LJ) and Limited Master (LM)
- Requirement: 8 hours of CE per renewal cycle.
- Breakdown: At least 2 hours on the National Electrical Code and 6 hours on elevator code and technology.
Unlicensed Elevator Constructor (RC)
- Requirement: 2 hours of DLI-approved CE per renewal cycle.
Where to find DLI-approved CE providers
The DLI maintains a list of approved continuing education courses and providers. Confirm a course is approved by the DLI before enrolling.
Reciprocity and out-of-state applicants
No reciprocity agreements for elevator licenses were identified in the Minnesota statutes, rules, or DLI materials reviewed. Out-of-state applicants should expect to apply through the standard process. This involves submitting a complete application with detailed verification of your work experience that meets Minnesota's requirements for the desired license tier, and passing the state-required written examination.
Common mistakes Minnesota elevator applicants make
- Applying for the Wrong License Tier: Failing to match your experience and intended scope of work to one of the seven specific license categories.
- Incomplete Experience Documentation: Submitting applications without sufficient proof of hours, apprenticeship completion certificates, or employer verification letters that meet the specific requirements of Minnesota Rules Chapter 1307.
- Missing Contractor Bond or Insurance: Forgetting to include the original $25,000 surety bond or certificate of insurance with a business (CE/LC) license application.
- Misunderstanding Renewal Cycles: Missing the renewal deadline because Master licenses renew on a fixed date (odd years), while Journeyworker and Unlicensed renewals are based on the original issue date.
- Taking Unapproved Continuing Education: Completing CE hours from a provider not approved by the DLI.