If you're looking to perform elevator work in Wyoming, you might be surprised to find there is no dedicated state-level elevator contractor, mechanic, or inspector license. The only state credential that governs this work is the Limited Electrical Contractor's license, which specifically covers the wiring on the load side of the equipment disconnect. This guide explains what license is actually required, the qualifications you'll need, and the codes that govern the complete installation.
Do You Need a License to Work on Elevators in Wyoming?
Wyoming does not issue a dedicated elevator contractor, mechanic, or inspector license; the only state credential that reaches elevator work is the Limited Electrical Contractor's license, and only for wiring on the load side of the equipment disconnect. This licensing is managed by the Wyoming State Fire Marshal's (WSFM) Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety.
What the Limited Electrical Contractor's license covers — and what it doesn't
The scope of the Limited Electrical Contractor's license is narrow and precise. Per Wyoming Statute 35-9-124(a)(viii)(B), it authorizes the "Installation, repair or remodel of elevator systems limited to wiring on the load side of the equipment disconnect."
This means the license covers the final electrical connections to the elevator equipment but does not extend to the mechanical aspects of the installation.
What governs the elevator itself (the mechanical installation)
The mechanical installation of elevators in Wyoming is governed by the state's building codes. The Council on Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety in Buildings has adopted the 2024 International Building Code (IBC). Chapter 30 of the IBC, which covers Elevators and Conveying Systems, references the safety standard ASME A17.1, which provides the technical requirements for the elevator's design, installation, and inspection.
License Tiers That Reach Elevator Work
Licensing for elevator wiring is part of Wyoming's broader electrical licensing framework. A business must hold a contractor-level license, which in turn requires employing qualified, licensed electricians.
- Limited Electrical Contractor's license (Elevator Systems): This is the specific business license required for firms performing elevator wiring.
- Electrical Contractor's license: A general electrical contracting firm license. A firm holding this license must employ a full-time licensed Master Electrician.
- Master Electrician: The highest individual electrician tier, requiring extensive experience.
- Journeyman Electrician: An individual license for experienced electricians who can supervise installations.
- Limited / Low Voltage Technician: Individual licenses for specialized, lower-voltage work, with experience requirements set by department rule.
To perform elevator wiring, a company must obtain a Limited Electrical Contractor's license and employ appropriately licensed technicians or electricians (journeyman or master) to perform or supervise the work.
Qualifying Experience
Qualifying for the Wyoming Limited Electrical Contractor's license requires employing a technician who meets the experience standards for an underlying electrician tier, such as the four years required for a journeyman or the eight years for a master electrician.
- Journeyman Electrician: Requires four (4) years of experience in the electrical wiring industry.
- Master Electrician: Requires eight (8) years of experience in the electrical wiring industry.
- Limited and Low-Voltage Technicians: Must meet "minimum experience requirements as prescribed by board rules and regulations" rather than a fixed number of years set in statute.
These experience requirements relate only to the electrical trade, not to the mechanical installation of elevator systems.
Exam, Application, and Fees
An examination is required for electrical licensing in Wyoming, with the fee capped by statute at $300.00. The Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety establishes the application process and fees, which are capped by state law.
The Exam
An exam is required to obtain an individual electrician license (journeyman, master, etc.).
- Provider: The exam is administered by a testing agency designated by the Department.
- Fee: Per department rules, the examination fee "shall be established by the testing agency...but in no case shall an examination fee exceed $300.00." The statutory cap for the examination is also $300.00.
Application Process
Applications for all electrical licenses are submitted to the Wyoming State Fire Marshal's Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety. Confirm the current forms and submission procedures with the department before applying.
Statutory Fee Caps
Wyoming law sets the maximum fees the department can charge for licenses. The current fees are published by the department but cannot exceed these statutory caps:
- Electrical Contractor's license: $400.00
- Limited Electrical Contractor's license: $200.00
- Low Voltage Electrical Contractor's license: $200.00
- Master Electrician license: $200.00
- Journeyman Electrician license: $100.00
- Low Voltage Technician's license: $100.00
- Limited Technician's license: $100.00
- Apprentice registration fee: $20.00
- Temporary working permit: $50.00
Late Renewals and Temporary Permits
A temporary working permit for a journeyman, low voltage technician, or limited technician may be available for a fee of $50.00. Renewing a license within 45 days after it expires incurs a $50.00 late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee.
Building Codes, Plan Review, and Inspection
While licensing covers the electrician, the elevator installation itself is governed by building codes, which require plan review and inspection for new construction and major alterations.
The IBC and ASME A17.1
The Council on Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety in Buildings adopts the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) as the minimum standard. IBC Chapter 30 directly governs elevators and references the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators for detailed technical requirements.
WSFM Plan Review
For projects in areas where a municipality does not enforce its own building code, plans must be submitted to the Wyoming State Fire Marshal's office for review and approval before construction begins. The plan review fee is based on project valuation.
- Projects valued $1.00 to $499.99: $16.03
- Projects valued up to $1,000,000.00: The fee scales up to $3,824.33.
- Projects over $1,000,000.00: $3,824.33 for the first million, plus $2.49 for each additional $1,000.00 of valuation.
Inspection Fees
Inspections conducted by the WSFM are billed at a rate of $49.31 per hour.
Insurance and Bonding
The state electrical licensing statute and reviewed department rules do not specify a minimum insurance or bond amount for a Limited Electrical Contractor's license.
Reciprocity and Endorsement
Wyoming law allows the Council on Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety in Buildings to enter into reciprocal license agreements with other states. Per W.S. 35-9-124(g), "The board may enter into and approve reciprocal license agreements with other states."
This authority exists for journeyman, master, low voltage, and limited technician licenses. However, the existence of a reciprocal agreement with a specific state is not guaranteed. Applicants with out-of-state licenses should contact the Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety directly to determine if a current agreement covers their credential.
Renewal Cycle
In Wyoming, the firm-level Electrical Contractor's license is renewed annually, while individual electrician licenses are valid for up to three years on a staggered schedule.
- Contractor Licenses: The Electrical Contractor's license is issued annually and expires on July 1 of the following year.
- Individual Licenses: Master, journeyman, low voltage, and limited technician licenses are valid for up to three (3) years.
- Master, Low Voltage Technician, and Limited Technician licenses expire on July 1.
- Journeyman licenses expire on January 1.
- Late Renewal: A $50.00 late fee applies to renewals submitted up to 45 days after expiration.
Continuing Education
No continuing education hour requirement for license renewal was found in the reviewed state statutes or department rules.