If you're looking to install elevators in North Carolina, you might be searching for a specific "elevator contractor license." However, the state has no standalone license for elevator work. The credential you actually need is an Electrical Contractor License, and it's issued by a board that most applicants don't initially expect. This guide explains North Carolina's unique two-part system and walks you through the exact steps to get licensed.
Do You Need a License to Install Elevators in North Carolina?
Yes, to install, alter, or repair elevator equipment in North Carolina, your company must hold an Electrical Contractor License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. The state does not have a separate, dedicated license for elevator contractors or mechanics. Instead, it regulates the work through two different state agencies.
The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) oversees the equipment itself under the Elevator Safety Act. This involves issuing device permits, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with safety codes. However, the NCDOL requires that "Companies installing equipment in the state of North Carolina must have an electrical license number issued by the Electrical Board of Examiners." This means you must deal with both agencies: the NCDOL for device permits and the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors for your company's license.
Which License Do You Actually Need? (The Electrical Contractor License)
The credential required to install elevator equipment in North Carolina is an Electrical Contractor License from the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. This license is governed by N.C.G.S. Chapter 87, Article 4 and is classified into three tiers based on project value and the applicant's experience. This requirement applies regardless of whether your business markets itself specifically as an elevator installation company.
What Are the Three License Tiers?
The NC Electrical Contractor License has three statutory tiers—Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited—each defined by a maximum single-project value and a required number of verifiable experience hours under N.C.G.S. § 87-43.3.
Limited Electrical Contractor License
- Project Value Cap: Single projects up to $100,000.
- Equipment Rating: For equipment and installations rated at 1,000 volts or less.
- Experience Required: No more than 3,000 hours of total experience, with at least 2,000 hours of that being "primary experience."
Intermediate Electrical Contractor License
- Project Value Cap: Single projects up to $200,000.
- Experience Required: No more than 5,750 hours of total experience, with at least 5,000 hours of that being "primary experience."
Unlimited Electrical Contractor License
- Project Value Cap: No project value limit.
- Experience Required: No more than 9,000 hours of total experience, with at least 8,000 hours of that being "primary experience."
Qualifying Experience — What Counts and How to Document It
The Board defines "primary experience" as hours gained through the direct installation of electrical wiring and equipment governed by the National Electrical Code (NEC). To qualify for a license, you must provide verifiable documentation of your experience.
The specific documentation required is set by the Board; confirm the current requirements before applying. Common forms of evidence may include:
- W-2s and 1099s
- Affidavits from former employers
- Official employer certifications
- Other records demonstrating direct hands-on work
The Board has the final discretion to evaluate and approve all documented experience hours.
The Exam — What It Covers and Who Runs It
The exam is a written examination administered directly by the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors itself, not by a third-party testing vendor. Per N.C.G.S. § 87-42, the Board is responsible for providing and conducting the examination for all applicants seeking certification as a qualified individual.
The exam typically covers:
- The North Carolina State Building Code (Electrical Code)
- The National Electrical Code (NEC)
- North Carolina laws and board rules applicable to electrical contracting
Current application processing and exam scheduling timelines vary; confirm details directly with the Board. Information on re-examination policies is also published by the Board.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step
- Choose Your License Tier: Select the Limited, Intermediate, or Unlimited classification based on both your intended project scope and your documented experience hours.
- Document Your Experience: Compile all necessary proof of your primary and secondary electrical installation experience as required by the Board.
- Submit the Application: Complete and submit the official license application to the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors with the required fee.
- Provide a Bonding Ability Statement: Furnish a statement from a surety company licensed in North Carolina verifying your ability to secure performance bonds for projects. The Board may approve equivalent financial documentation.
- Schedule and Pass the Exam: Once your application is approved, you will be scheduled to take the written examination administered by the Board.
- Receive Qualified Individual Certification: Upon passing the exam, you will be certified as a qualified individual.
- Pay the Annual License Fee: The business entity must pay the annual license fee for its principal location and each branch office.
- Obtain Elevator Device Permits: For each elevator project, you must also apply for the necessary installation or alteration permits from the NC Department of Labor's Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau.
- Schedule Required Inspections: Work with the NCDOL to schedule all required inspections of the elevator equipment during and after installation.
What Does the License Cost?
Contractors must account for two separate sets of fees from two different state agencies.
1. Electrical Contractor License Fees
These annual fees are for the license that allows your company to perform the work. Per N.C.G.S. § 87-44, the maximum annual fees are:
- Limited License: $100.00 per principal and each branch place of business.
- Intermediate License: $150.00 per principal and each branch place of business.
- Unlimited License: $200.00 per principal and each branch place of business.
2. Elevator Safety Act Device Fees
These fees, paid to the NCDOL, are for the permits and inspections of the physical equipment. Per N.C.G.S. § 95-110.5A, these include:
- Permit Application Fee: The greater of $200.00 or 1% of the contract price for the installation or alteration.
- Temporary Limited Certificate (Construction Use): $200.00 (less than 10 floors) or $300.00 (10 or more floors).
- Routine/Annual Inspection: Varies by device type, from $100.00 for wheelchair lifts to $500.00 for escalators.
- Reinspection Fee (Failed Inspections): $1,000.
- Expedited Special Inspection Fee: $1,000.
Note that these fees are subject to scheduled adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Confirm the current fee schedule with the NCDOL before submitting payment.
Do You Need Insurance or a Bond?
The Electrical Contractor License requires a bonding ability statement from a surety licensed in North Carolina, or equivalent Board-approved financial documentation. N.C.G.S. § 87-43.2(a)(4) does not set a fixed dollar amount for a bond or require a specific insurance policy. This statement simply verifies your company's capacity to obtain performance bonds if a project requires it. Individual project owners or general contractors may still require you to carry specific insurance or post a performance bond as a condition of your contract.
Renewal and Continuing Education
The Electrical Contractor License expires one year after issuance and must be renewed annually. According to N.C.G.S. § 87-44, the renewal application and fee are due 30 days before expiration. A license that is allowed to lapse is automatically revoked.
To renew, licensees must complete continuing education (CE) courses within the 12 months preceding their renewal date. The Board is statutorily capped from requiring more than 10 hours of CE per 12-month period (N.C.G.S. § 87-44.1).
Reciprocity With Other States
The Board may grant an Electrical Contractor License by reciprocity without a written examination, but only on satisfactory proof of equal qualifications and only to the extent the applicant's home state extends similar reciprocity to North Carolina. Per N.C.G.S. § 87-50, reciprocity is not automatic. Applicants must provide satisfactory proof that their qualifications and license classification are equivalent to North Carolina's standards and pay the required fee.
Common Mistakes That Delay NC Licensing
- Applying for the wrong tier: Choosing a license tier that doesn't match your documented experience hours.
- Incomplete experience documentation: Failing to provide sufficient, verifiable proof of primary experience.
- Ignoring the bonding ability statement: Overlooking the requirement to provide a statement from a surety.
- Confusing the NCDOL and the Electrical Board: Submitting license applications to the NCDOL or device permit forms to the Electrical Board.
- Missing the renewal deadline: Letting the annual license lapse, which results in automatic revocation.
Does North Carolina require an elevator mechanic license?
No, North Carolina does not issue a specific, state-level license for individual elevator mechanics. The state licenses the contracting company that employs the mechanic. That company must hold an Electrical Contractor License from the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
Who issues elevator permits in North Carolina?
Elevator permits for new installations, alterations, and repairs are issued by the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL), Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau. This is separate from the contractor license, which is issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
What is 'primary experience' for the NC Electrical Contractor License?
Primary experience, as defined in N.C.G.S. § 87-43.3, consists of hours "gained by direct installation of electrical wiring and equipment governed by the National Electric Code." This refers to hands-on installation work, which is distinct from supervision, project management, or other related tasks.
Can I get a temporary elevator license in NC?
The NCDOL can issue a "Temporary Limited Certificate for Construction Use," which allows an elevator to be used during a building's construction phase. However, there is no temporary version of the Electrical Contractor License required to perform the installation work itself.