In Rhode Island, you can't legally install, inspect, or modernize an elevator without holding one of three state-issued credentials. A company must be licensed to offer services, its technicians must hold their own mechanic licenses, and inspectors need a separate state permit. This guide explains the tiers, fees, insurance, and renewal process for each license.
Do you need a license to do elevator work in Rhode Island?
Yes, a state-issued license is required to legally perform elevator installation, modernization, maintenance, repair, or inspection work in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training (DLT) issues three distinct types of credentials for this work: a company license, a mechanic/installer license, and an authorized inspector permit. This requirement covers work on elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, wheelchair lifts, moving walks, and vertical reciprocating conveyors.
Who oversees elevator licensing in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training (DLT), through its Division of Occupational Safety – Elevator Unit, is the state authority responsible for licensing elevator companies, mechanics, and inspectors. The DLT's authority and the specific regulations are established in the state's Elevator Safety Code (260-RICR-30-10-1) and Rhode Island General Laws Title 23, Chapter 33.
What are the three license tiers in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has a three-tiered system for elevator licensing, regulating companies, individual technicians, and inspectors separately.
Company License (Qualified Service Company)
A Company License is required for any business entity that offers services to construct, install, maintain, or repair elevators and other covered conveyances. To qualify, a company must employ licensed mechanics and meet state insurance requirements. For companies created after July 1, 1992, the state requires that "at least (1) owner or (1) corporate officer" must hold a qualified mechanic license.
Mechanics and Installers License
An individual Mechanics and Installers License is required for any person who performs the hands-on work of constructing, installing, maintaining, or repairing elevators. According to state regulations, this license is issued by the administrator of the Division of Occupational Safety to a person "due to experience and qualifications."
Authorized Inspector Permit
An Authorized Inspector Permit is required for any individual who inspects elevators and other conveyances to certify their safety and compliance with state code. This permit requires passing a state-administered examination and is renewed annually.
What are the requirements for a Company License?
To obtain a Qualified Service Company license, an applicant must submit an application to the DLT Elevator Unit and meet specific requirements.
- Licensed Personnel: The company must employ licensed qualified mechanics. For any company established after July 1, 1992, at least one owner or corporate officer must be licensed as a qualified mechanic.
- Insurance: The company must provide a certificate of liability insurance or proof of self-insurance for at least $500,000.
- Application: A completed application form must be submitted to the DLT.
- Fee: The annual fee for a Company License is $240.00.
- Renewal: The license must be renewed annually by August 1st.
How do you get a Mechanics and Installers License?
An individual seeking a Mechanics and Installers license must demonstrate sufficient qualifications to the state. The Division of Occupational Safety issues this license based on the applicant's "experience and qualifications," as determined by the administrator. The fee for the Mechanics/Installers license is $78.00. Applicants should contact the DLT Elevator Unit to confirm the specific documentation required to prove their qualifications.
How do you get an Authorized Inspector Permit?
To become an Authorized Inspector in Rhode Island, an applicant must pass a state examination.
- Examination: The exam is administered by the Rhode Island Division of Occupational Safety – Elevator Unit.
- Fee: The examination fee is $60.00, which also covers the initial inspection permit.
- Renewal: The permit must be renewed annually for a fee of $60.00.
Step-by-step: How to apply for a Rhode Island elevator license
While the exact process may vary slightly between license types, the general steps to obtain an elevator license in Rhode Island are as follows:
- Identify the Correct License: Determine whether you need a Company License, a Mechanics/Installers License, or an Authorized Inspector Permit based on your role.
- Gather Qualifying Documents: For a Mechanic License, collect proof of your "experience and qualifications." For a Company License, ensure an owner or officer (if applicable) is a licensed mechanic. For an Inspector Permit, prepare to sit for the exam.
- Secure Proof of Insurance (Company License only): Obtain a certificate of liability insurance or prepare proof of self-insurance showing coverage of at least $500,000.
- Obtain the Application Form: Contact the DLT's Division of Occupational Safety – Elevator Unit to request the appropriate application form.
- Complete and Submit the Application: Fill out the application completely and accurately. Attach all required documents, such as the insurance certificate for company applicants.
- Pay All Required Fees: Submit the correct application, license, or examination fees with your application package.
- Schedule and Pass the Exam (Inspector Permit only): If applying to be an inspector, schedule and pass the exam administered by the DLT Elevator Unit.
- Receive Your License: Once your application is approved and all requirements are met, the DLT will issue your license certificate or permit. You must keep this license current to legally work in the state.
What does a Rhode Island elevator license cost?
Licensing and permit fees are set by state law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-33-12) and vary by activity.
- Company License: $240.00 (annually, renewable August 1st)
- Mechanics/Installers License: $78.00
- Authorized Inspector's Examination Fee: $60.00 (includes initial inspection)
- Annual Renewal of Authorized Inspector Permit: $60.00
- Installation/Modernization Permit Surcharge: A fee equal to one percent (1%) of the contract price must accompany each permit application for installation or modernization.
- Biennial Inspection (Elevator or Escalator): $200.00
- Annual Inspection (Elevator): $120.00
- Annual Inspection (Escalator or Moving Walk): $120.00
- Inspection of Dumbwaiters: $72.00
- Inspection of Wheelchair Lift: $72.00
- Inspection of Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors: $72.00
- Reinspection of Elevators and Escalators: $90.00
- Reinspection of All Other Devices: $54.00
- Delinquent Payment Fee: $24.00
- Duplicate Certificate Fee: $12.00
What insurance does a Rhode Island elevator company need?
A company applying for or renewing a Qualified Service Company license must be covered by a liability insurance policy or an approved self-insurance plan in an amount not less than $500,000. Proof of this coverage, such as a current certificate of liability, must be submitted with the application.
How do you renew a Rhode Island elevator license?
Renewal requirements and schedules depend on the specific license or certificate.
- Company License: Renews annually. The renewal deadline is August 1st.
- Authorized Inspector Permit: Renews annually.
- Certificate of Operation: A certificate of operation for an individual elevator device must be renewed annually. However, for devices under a full maintenance contract with a qualified service company, the certificate is renewable every two years.
No state-level continuing education requirements for license renewal were identified in the sources reviewed.
Does Rhode Island offer reciprocity for elevator licenses?
No reciprocity or endorsement agreements for out-of-state elevator licenses were identified in the state's regulations. All individuals and companies, regardless of licensure in other states, must go through the full Rhode Island application process to obtain a license. This includes the requirement for prospective Authorized Inspectors to pass the Rhode Island state exam.