In Mississippi, elevator work is regulated by the Mississippi Insurance Department under the Mississippi Conveyance Safety Act, not the State Board of Contractors which licenses many other commercial trades. To operate legally, an elevator contractor firm must hold a license, and the individual mechanics who perform the installation, maintenance, or repair must also hold their own, separate licenses. This guide explains the requirements for both the company-level contractor license and the individual mechanic license.
Do you need a license to do elevator work in Mississippi?
Yes, a state-level license is required to erect, construct, install, alter, service, repair, or maintain elevators and other conveyances in Mississippi. All licensing is managed by the Administrator designated by the Mississippi Commissioner of Insurance, in accordance with the Mississippi Conveyance Safety Act and the associated administrative rules found in Title 19, Part 8, Chapter 1 of the Mississippi Administrative Code.
What license tiers exist under the Mississippi Conveyance Safety Act?
Title 19, Part 8, Chapter 1 of the state's rules establishes several distinct licenses for firms and individuals, as well as permits for specific projects. It is crucial to understand the difference between a license for a company and a license for an individual technician.
Elevator Contractor's License
This license is for a firm, partnership, or corporation that engages in the business of elevator and conveyance work. The firm itself does not take an exam but must employ licensed elevator mechanics and carry the required insurance.
Limited Elevator Contractor's License
This is a company-level license similar to the standard contractor license. The specific scope of work authorized by a "limited" license is defined by the Administrator.
Elevator Mechanic's License / Limited Mechanic's License
This license is for individuals who perform the physical work of installing, constructing, altering, servicing, or repairing conveyances. It requires passing an exam and meeting specific experience or apprenticeship requirements.
Elevator Inspector License / Elevator Inspection Agency
These licenses are for individuals and agencies, respectively, who are qualified to inspect elevators and other conveyances to ensure they comply with state safety codes.
Temporary Elevator Mechanic License
This license allows an individual to perform elevator work for a period not to exceed 180 days under the supervision of a licensed elevator mechanic. It is intended for emergency situations or when there is a shortage of licensed mechanics.
Permits
Separate from licenses, permits are required for specific jobs:
- Installation/Modernization Permit: Required before beginning work on a new installation or a complete modernization of an existing unit.
- Major Alteration Permit: Required for any significant change to an existing conveyance.
Mississippi Elevator Contractor License Requirements
An elevator contractor firm must demonstrate that it is properly insured and staffed with qualified individuals. Per Rule 1.10, applicants for a contractor license must submit:
- A completed application form.
- Proof of employing licensed elevator mechanics who will perform the work.
- A certificate of insurance meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements.
Mississippi Elevator Mechanic License Requirements
To obtain an Elevator Mechanic License, an individual must demonstrate sufficient industry experience and pass a state-approved exam. The rules provide two primary pathways to qualify.
Path A — Work Experience
An applicant must have "not less than four (4) years work experience in the elevator industry, in construction, maintenance and service/repair," all occurring within the last five years and verified by employers.
Path B — Apprenticeship
An applicant can qualify by providing "certificates of completion of an apprenticeship program for an elevator mechanic, having standards substantially equal to those of the national elevator industry educational program or other program registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the U.S. Department of Labor."
The Mississippi elevator licensing exam
A written examination is required to obtain an Elevator Mechanic's License. The exam is approved by the Administrator—the person designated by the Mississippi Commissioner of Insurance—and covers the most recent referenced codes and standards adopted by the state, such as ASME A17.1. The administrative rules do not name a specific third-party testing vendor; exam administration is handled directly by the Administrator's office.
Mississippi elevator license fees
Licensing and permit fees are set by the Mississippi Department of Insurance per Rule 1.16.
- Elevator Contractor's License: $300.00 initial fee, $200.00 biennial renewal fee.
- Limited Elevator Contractor's License: $300.00 initial fee, $200.00 biennial renewal fee.
- Elevator Mechanic / Limited Mechanic License: $100.00 initial fee and biennial renewal fee.
- Temporary Mechanic's License (6-month): $300.00.
- Elevator Inspector's License: $100.00 initial fee and biennial renewal fee.
- Installation/Modernization Permit: $100.00 per unit.
- Major Alteration Permit: $100.00 per unit, with a cap of $500.00 total per unit for multiple alterations.
- Late Renewal/Reinstatement: $100.00 in addition to the standard renewal fee.
Insurance and coverage requirements
Elevator contractors must maintain specific insurance coverage and provide proof to the Mississippi Insurance Department annually. The required minimums are:
- General Liability:
- At least $1,000,000 for injury or death of any number of persons in any one occurrence.
- At least $500,000 for property damage in any one occurrence.
- Workers' Compensation: Statutory workers' compensation insurance coverage as required by state law.
How to apply for an elevator contractor license in Mississippi
Follow these steps to apply for your firm's Elevator Contractor's License:
- Ensure Staff is Licensed: Confirm that your company employs individuals who hold, or can obtain, a Mississippi Elevator Mechanic License.
- Obtain Insurance: Secure a certificate of insurance that meets or exceeds the state's general liability and workers' compensation requirements.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the official Application for Elevator Contractor's License, available on the Mississippi Insurance Department's website.
- Assemble Documents: Gather your completed application, certificate of insurance, and a list of your licensed mechanics.
- Submit Application and Fee: Mail the complete application package along with a check or money order for the $300.00 application fee, payable to the Mississippi Insurance Department. The correct mailing address and contact information are published on the department's Conveyance Safety Division page; confirm the current address before sending.
How to renew an elevator license in Mississippi
All elevator licenses in Mississippi must be renewed every two years. To renew, you must submit a written renewal application, pay the renewal fee, and provide proof of completing the required continuing education before your current license expires.
Mississippi continuing education for elevator licenses
To renew any elevator license, an applicant must complete "eight hours of instruction approved by the Administrator" during the two-year license cycle (Rule 1.13).
For Elevator Mechanics specifically, Rule 1.9(7) requires them to complete eight hours of continuing education within the 12 months immediately prior to their renewal date. At least two of these eight hours must be dedicated to safety training. Courses must be approved by the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC), the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP), the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), the Certified Elevator Technician (CET) program, or otherwise directly approved by the Administrator.
Reciprocity and license endorsement in Mississippi
Reciprocity is available for individual elevator mechanics. An applicant holding a valid elevator mechanic license from another state with "standards substantially equal to those of" Mississippi may be issued a license without examination. The final determination is made by the Administrator upon verification of the applicant's qualifications and the other state's licensing standards.
The state's rules do not specify a direct reciprocity or endorsement path for the Elevator Contractor's License.