Working on elevators and accessibility lifts in New Hampshire requires a state-issued license, with four distinct tiers administered by the Department of Labor and the Division of Fire Safety. The pathway to licensure depends on your specific trade and whether your qualifying experience comes from within New Hampshire or another state. This guide walks through the requirements, fees, and application process for all license types.
Do you need a license to work on elevators or accessibility lifts in New Hampshire?
Yes, New Hampshire requires a state-level license to perform work as an elevator or accessibility lift mechanic or inspector. The New Hampshire Department of Labor, in conjunction with the Division of Fire Safety's Elevator Safety Program, oversees the licensing and regulation of this trade under the authority of RSA Chapter 157-B and the administrative rules in Lab 1300.
What license tiers does New Hampshire offer?
New Hampshire offers four distinct license classifications for this trade, separating mechanics from inspectors and elevators from accessibility lifts.
Elevator Mechanic
An Elevator Mechanic is licensed to install, construct, alter, service, repair, test, or maintain elevators.
Elevator Inspector
An Elevator Inspector is licensed to inspect elevators to ensure they comply with state safety codes and standards.
Accessibility Lift Mechanic
An Accessibility Lift Mechanic is licensed to perform installation, construction, alteration, service, repair, testing, or maintenance on accessibility lifts.
Accessibility Lift Inspector
An Accessibility Lift Inspector is licensed to inspect accessibility lifts for compliance with state safety regulations.
What are the requirements for an elevator or accessibility lift mechanic license?
To qualify for a mechanic license, you must document sufficient work experience through one of two primary pathways.
In-State Qualifying Experience
Applicants who have trained in New Hampshire must meet the following criteria:
- Document at least two years of experience working in the state.
- This experience must be directly under the supervision of a licensed New Hampshire elevator or accessibility lift mechanic.
- The work must average 1,800 hours in each year over the two-year period.
Out-of-State Qualifying Experience
Applicants with experience from another state must meet these requirements:
- Hold a current certificate or license of competency from another state.
- Document at least three consecutive years of experience as a mechanic.
- The work must average 1,800 hours in each year over the three-year period.
What are the requirements for an elevator or accessibility lift inspector license?
To become a licensed inspector in New Hampshire, you must first have experience as a licensed mechanic in the state. The primary qualification path is having at least two years of experience working as an elevator or accessibility lift mechanic in New Hampshire.
An exception exists for highly experienced individuals. Per RSA 157-B:8, an elevator inspector with "experience in excess of 5 years within the state" may be issued a license without examination, subject to the commissioner's approval.
Do I have to take an exam?
Yes, an examination is required to obtain an elevator or accessibility lift license in New Hampshire, unless you qualify for a specific waiver. The exam is administered by the New Hampshire Department of Labor (commissioner) and is based on the ASME A17.1 and A18.1 codes as adopted by the state.
The two primary exceptions to the exam requirement are:
- Reciprocity/Endorsement: Applicants holding a license from a state with equal examination standards may be licensed without a new exam.
- Inspector Experience Waiver: As outlined in Lab 1303.06 and RSA 157-B:8, an inspector candidate with more than five years of in-state experience may be licensed without examination at the commissioner's discretion.
How do I apply for a New Hampshire elevator or accessibility lift license?
The application process is managed by the New Hampshire Department of Labor and the Division of Fire Safety.
- Obtain the Application: Contact the NH Division of Fire Safety’s Elevator Safety Program to request the official license application form.
- Compile Documentation: Gather proof of your qualifying work experience, including verification of hours worked and confirmation from your supervising licensed mechanic(s).
- Submit Application and Fee: Complete the application and submit it with the required initial fee to the Department of Labor.
- Schedule and Pass the Exam: Once your application is approved, you will be scheduled to sit for the state-administered exam.
- Receive Your License: Upon passing the exam, the Department of Labor will issue your license.
Current application-processing and exam-scheduling timelines vary; confirm with the Department of Labor for the most up-to-date information.
How much does a New Hampshire elevator license cost?
The fees for licensure and related services are set by state statute. No state-level bond, insurance, or net-worth requirements were identified in the sources reviewed.
- Initial Examination and License: $50
- License Renewal (every 2 years): $35
- Reinstatement Fee (if expired over 30 days): $50.00
- Inspection Certificate: $75
- Department-Performed Inspection: $100 per hour (with a $100 minimum)
- Plan/Specification Examination: $4 per $1,000 of the valuation of the equipment, with a minimum fee of $200.
- Civil Penalty for Unlicensed Work: Up to $500
How long is the license valid, and how do I renew?
An elevator or accessibility lift license in New Hampshire is valid for two years from the date of issue. To renew your license, you must submit a renewal application and a fee of $35 before the expiration date.
If your license is not renewed within 30 days of its expiration, it will be considered lapsed. To restore a lapsed license, you must pay a $50.00 reinstatement fee and may be subject to re-examination.
No state-level continuing education requirement for renewal was identified in the sources reviewed.
Does New Hampshire offer reciprocity or license endorsement?
Yes, but the condition differs depending on which license you hold — New Hampshire's inspector and mechanic reciprocity pathways are governed by two separate statutes with two different tests.
- Inspectors (RSA 157-B:8): If you hold a certificate or license of competency as an elevator inspector from a state with an examination standard equal to New Hampshire's, you may be issued a New Hampshire license without examination upon payment of a $35 fee.
- Mechanics (RSA 157-B:8-a): If you hold a certificate or license of competency as a mechanic issued by another state, you may be issued a New Hampshire license without examination upon payment of a $35 fee — provided that New Hampshire licensees are not subject to greater certification or licensure requirements in that other state. This is a different, "no greater burden" test, not an equal-standards test.
Separately, an out-of-state mechanic who does not qualify for the reciprocity pathway above may still qualify to sit for the New Hampshire exam by documenting three consecutive years of experience, averaging 1,800 hours per year, per RSA 157-B:8-a. No specific agreements based on the NASCLA exam were identified in the sources reviewed.
Can I work as a helper or apprentice without a license?
The New Hampshire Department of Labor's Elevator FAQs address the role of helpers and apprentices. Unlicensed individuals may work as helpers or apprentices, but only under the direct supervision of a licensed New Hampshire mechanic. The licensed mechanic is responsible for all work performed by the unlicensed individual. For specific rules on supervision ratios and scope of work, consult the Department of Labor's published rules and FAQs.