If you install, service, or maintain elevators in Missouri, you need a license from the Missouri Elevator Safety Board. The specific license you need depends on whether you are an individual mechanic or a contracting firm, and on the class of equipment you work on. This guide details the four distinct license tiers, their qualification paths, and the requirements set by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety to work legally in the state.
Do You Need a License to Install or Service Elevators in Missouri?
Yes, a state-level license is required to perform elevator installation, repair, and maintenance work in Missouri. The Missouri Elevator Safety Board, under the authority of Chapter 316 of the Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo) and the rules in 11 CSR 40-5, sets the licensing requirements, which are administered by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety (DFS).
Work that requires a license includes erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, testing, or maintaining elevators and other related equipment. Certain exemptions may apply, such as for building owners performing routine maintenance on their own equipment under specific conditions; applicants should confirm any potential exemptions with the DFS before beginning work.
What License Tiers Does Missouri Issue?
Missouri issues four primary types of elevator licenses, divided between individual mechanics and contracting firms, and further separated by the scope of work.
- Elevator Mechanic I: An individual license for mechanics who work on a broad range of elevator types and related conveyances.
- Elevator Mechanic II: An individual license for mechanics whose work is limited to specific classes of equipment, such as accessibility lifts governed by the ASME A18.1 standard.
- Elevator Contractor I: A firm-level license authorizing a business to contract for a broad range of elevator work.
- Elevator Contractor II: A firm-level license authorizing a business to contract for work limited to specific classes of equipment.
It is important to note that the state also licenses Elevator Inspectors, who must be certified as a Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI). This is a separate track from the mechanic and contractor licenses.
Who Oversees Elevator Licensing in Missouri?
Elevator licensing in Missouri is a joint effort between two state bodies.
- The Missouri Elevator Safety Board: This board is responsible for creating the rules and regulations for elevator safety and licensing, as established in Chapter 316 RSMo.
- The Missouri Division of Fire Safety (DFS): This division administers the program, handling applications, fee collection, inspections, and the issuance of licenses and operating certificates.
How to Qualify for an Elevator Mechanic I License
To qualify for an Elevator Mechanic I license, an individual must meet the requirements of at least one of the following three pathways, as defined in 11 CSR 40-5.170.
U.S. DOL-Registered Apprenticeship Pathway
This path requires the applicant to provide proof of successful completion of an elevator mechanic apprenticeship program registered with the United. States Department of Labor.
Equivalent Out-of-State License Pathway
An applicant may qualify by holding a valid, current elevator mechanic license from another state. The Missouri Elevator Safety Board must determine that the licensing requirements of the other state meet or exceed Missouri's standards.
Documented Experience and Examination Pathway
This path is available at the board's discretion and requires an applicant to submit documentation proving all of the following:
- A minimum of four (4) years of prior experience in the elevator industry.
- Completion of acceptable training.
- A passing score on a mechanic examination from a nationally recognized training program that is acceptable to the board.
How to Qualify for an Elevator Mechanic II License
The qualification pathways for an Elevator Mechanic II license are similar to those for Mechanic I but are tailored to the specific equipment scope, such as accessibility lifts. An applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
- A passing score on the ASME A18.1 mechanic examination from a board-accepted program.
- Successful completion of a U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program.
- An equivalent, valid license from another state, as determined by the board.
- At the board's discretion, documentation of prior experience and training relevant to the specific equipment class.
How to Qualify as an Elevator Contractor (Firm)
An Elevator Contractor license is a firm-level authorization required for any business entity that contracts to perform elevator work in Missouri. The application process is governed by 11 CSR 40-5.175 and requires the business to meet specific insurance requirements. Unlike the individual mechanic license, there is no separate experience or examination requirement for the firm itself, but the firm must employ licensed mechanics to perform the work.
What Exams Are Required?
An examination is required for certain elevator mechanic qualification pathways.
- Mechanic I: Applicants using the discretionary experience pathway must pass a mechanic examination from a nationally recognized training program acceptable to the board.
- Mechanic II: Applicants may qualify by passing an ASME A18.1 mechanic examination from a board-accepted program.
The state's regulations do not name a specific third-party testing vendor. Instead, they refer to examinations administered as part of board-accepted national training programs. For contrast, Elevator Inspectors must pass a separate QEI certification exam.
How Much Does the Missouri Elevator License Cost?
All fees are paid to the Elevator Safety Fund via the Missouri Division of Fire Safety and are non-refundable, as established in 11 CSR 40-5.195.
- Initial & Renewal Elevator Mechanic I or II License: $75 for a two-year license.
- Initial & Renewal Elevator Contractor I or II License: $200 for a two-year license.
- Annual Inspection: $125 per unit, plus any related expenses.
- State Operating Certificate: $25 per unit.
What Insurance Does Missouri Require for an Elevator Contractor License?
Elevator Contractor license applicants must provide proof of specific insurance coverage. According to 11 CSR 40-5.175, the policy must include:
- General Liability, Personal Injury, and Property Damage:
- At least $1,000,000 for injury or death of any number of persons in a single occurrence.
- At least $500,000 for property damage in a single occurrence.
- Workers' Compensation: The applicant must provide proof of statutory workers' compensation insurance coverage.
Individual Elevator Mechanic license holders are not subject to a separate state-level insurance requirement.
How Long Is the License Valid, and How Do You Renew?
Both Elevator Mechanic and Elevator Contractor licenses are valid for a period of two years. To renew, licensees must submit a renewal application and the required fee to the Division of Fire Safety before the license expiration date. Forms are available on the DFS website.
Does Missouri Require Continuing Education for Elevator License Renewal?
A continuing education requirement was not identified in 11 CSR 40-5.170 or 11 CSR 40-5.180 (the rules governing Elevator Mechanic and Elevator Contractor license renewal).
However, it is important not to confuse this with the requirements for Elevator Inspectors. Per 11 CSR 40-5.120, licensed inspectors must attend one board-approved continuing education and certification class each year to maintain their credentials.
Does Missouri Offer Reciprocity for Out-of-State Elevator Licenses?
Missouri offers a direct path to licensure for out-of-state mechanics but not for contracting firms.
- Elevator Mechanics: An applicant for an Elevator Mechanic I or II license who holds a valid license from another state may qualify for a Missouri license. This is conditional upon the Missouri Elevator Safety Board determining that the other state's licensing requirements meet or exceed its own.
- Elevator Contractors: No specific reciprocity provision was identified in the regulations for the Elevator Contractor license. Out-of-state firms must apply through the standard Missouri application process and meet all state insurance requirements.
Common Mistakes That Delay a Missouri Elevator License Application
To ensure a smooth application process, avoid these common errors:
- Applying for Contractor Reciprocity: Assuming that an out-of-state contractor license is eligible for reciprocity. It is not.
- Relying on the Experience Pathway: Submitting an application based on the discretionary experience pathway without first confirming the board's current acceptance standards for training and documentation.
- Confusing License Types: Applying for an individual mechanic license when what is needed is the firm-level contractor license to run a business.
- Incomplete Insurance Documentation: Failing to provide a certificate of insurance that meets all specified coverage minimums for liability, property damage, and workers' compensation.
Official Sources and Where to Apply
All official application forms, fee schedules, and regulatory updates are available through the Missouri Division of Fire Safety. Applicants should always consult the DFS website to ensure they are using the most current forms and are aware of the latest requirements before submitting an application.