To legally operate as an elevator contractor in Wisconsin, you must hold a license from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), but the state does not require a trade exam for this specific credential. Instead, your license application is gated by proving you have the required business structure, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage. This guide explains the four distinct elevator credentials available in Wisconsin and walks you through the specific steps to secure your Elevator Contractor license.
Do you need an elevator contractor license in Wisconsin?
Yes, a person must hold an Elevator Contractor license from the DSPS to engage in the business of installing, constructing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining elevators, escalators, and other conveyances covered by state code. This requirement is established under Wisconsin Statute § 101.985(1). This specialized license is separate from any general or dwelling contractor credentials also issued by the DSPS.
What types of elevator credentials does Wisconsin issue?
Wisconsin's DSPS issues four distinct credentials for work on elevators and related conveyances, each with a different scope and set of requirements.
Elevator Contractor (Wis. Stat. § 101.985(1))
This is the business-level license required for any company or sole proprietor to contract for elevator work. The applicant must be an owner, partner, or officer of the business. This guide focuses primarily on obtaining this credential.
Elevator Mechanic (Wis. Stat. § 101.985(2))
This is the individual-level license for technicians who perform the hands-on work of installing, constructing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining conveyances. Obtaining this license involves specific experience and examination requirements not applicable to the contractor license.
Elevator Mechanic – Restricted (SPS 305.993)
This is a limited license that authorizes an individual to work on specific types of conveyances, such as platform lifts and stairway chair lifts. The scope of work is narrower than that of a full Elevator Mechanic.
Elevator Inspector (Wis. Stat. § 101.985(3))
This credential authorizes an individual to perform safety inspections on elevators and other conveyances to ensure they comply with state codes. Applicants must typically meet national certification standards.
What are the requirements for an Elevator Contractor license in Wisconsin?
An applicant for a Wisconsin Elevator Contractor license must meet several key business and insurance prerequisites before applying through the DSPS. There is no state-level trade examination requirement for the contractor license.
- Business Standing: The applicant must be the owner, a partner, or a corporate officer of the business entity seeking the license.
- Workers' Compensation: The business must have a current policy of workers' compensation insurance in compliance with Wis. Stat. ch. 102.
- General Liability Insurance: The business must maintain a general liability policy with an insurer authorized to do business in Wisconsin. The policy must provide coverage of at least:
- $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury to or death of others.
- $500,000 per occurrence for damage to the property of others.
- Online Application: The application must be submitted through the state's online portal, DSPS LicensE.
How do you apply for an Elevator Contractor license in Wisconsin?
The application process for a Wisconsin Elevator Contractor license is managed entirely online through the DSPS LicensE portal.
- Confirm Eligibility: Before starting, ensure your business meets all requirements. Secure your general liability and workers' compensation insurance policies and have the certificates ready to upload.
- Access the LicensE Portal: Go to the DSPS LicensE website to register for an account or to sign in if you already have one.
- Complete the Application: Locate the application for the Elevator Contractor license and fill it out completely. You will be prompted to provide information about your business structure, ownership, and insurance.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Scan and upload your certificate of general liability insurance and proof of workers' compensation coverage as directed by the application wizard.
- Pay the Fee: The application fee is not a flat amount. It is calculated within the LicensE system at the time of submission. Pay the fee using the accepted online payment methods.
- Track Application Status: After submission, you can monitor the status of your application through your LicensE dashboard. Be prepared to respond promptly to any deficiency notices or requests for additional information from the DSPS.
How much does an Elevator Contractor license cost in Wisconsin?
The total cost includes the business license fee calculated by the state's online system and separate, per-device fees for plan reviews and inspections.
Application and License Fee
The fee for the Elevator Contractor license itself is not published as a fixed amount. Per Form #3140, it is "calculated in the department's online licensing system (LicensE) at the time of application." You must log in to the portal to determine the exact cost.
Device-Level Fees
Separately from your contractor license fee, the DSPS charges specific fees for plan examinations and inspections for each piece of equipment you install or alter. These are set by SPS 302 Table 302.15 and are billed on a per-unit basis.
| Fee Type | Traction Elevator | Hydraulic Elevator | Escalator / Moving Walk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Exam (New Installation) | $400.00 | $320.00 | $320.00 |
| Plan Exam (Alteration) | $200.00 | $160.00 | $160.00 |
| Acceptance Inspection (New) | $800.00 | $720.00 | $800.00 |
| Acceptance Inspection (Alteration) | $400.00 | $360.00 | $400.00 |
| Periodic Re-inspection | $320.00 | $240.00 | $320.00 |
How long does it take to get an Elevator Contractor license in Wisconsin?
The processing time for a Wisconsin Elevator Contractor license depends on the DSPS administrative workload once a complete application is submitted. Because there is no exam to schedule, the timeline is based solely on application review and verification of insurance. Current application-processing timelines vary; confirm with the DSPS for an estimate.
Does Wisconsin require continuing education for elevator contractors?
No state-level continuing education (CE) requirement for the Elevator Contractor license was identified in the sources reviewed. However, it is important not to confuse this with the requirements for the Elevator Mechanic license. Licensed Elevator Mechanics must complete 12 hours of approved CE per SPS 305.992(6)(b)1 to renew their individual credential. This CE requirement does not apply to the business-level contractor license.
Does Wisconsin offer reciprocity for out-of-state elevator contractors?
Yes, Wisconsin law allows the DSPS to issue an Elevator Contractor license to an applicant who is already licensed in another state. According to Wis. Stat. § 101.985(1), reciprocity may be granted if the department determines that the other state's regulations for elevator contractors are "substantially the same" as Wisconsin's. Applicants seeking licensure through reciprocity should be prepared to provide a copy of their current out-of-state license and any other documentation requested by the DSPS to demonstrate equivalent standards.
How do you renew an Elevator Contractor license in Wisconsin?
Elevator Contractor licenses must be renewed periodically to remain active. The renewal cycle length and fee for this license are not published in the sources reviewed; confirm the current renewal period and fee directly with the DSPS. The renewal process is typically handled through the DSPS LicensE online portal. It is the licensee's responsibility to complete the renewal application and pay the required fee before the expiration date to avoid a lapse in licensure.