A City of Chicago elevator mechanic contractor license is required to engage in the business of constructing, installing, altering, or maintaining elevators, escalators, platform lifts, and most other types of conveyance devices regulated by the Chicago Conveyance Device Code.

Elevator mechanic contractor licenses are issued by the Department of Buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is an elevator mechanic contractor license required?

An elevator mechanic contractor license is required to engage in the business of constructing, installing, altering, or maintaining the mechanical components of any elevator, escalator, moving walk, dumbwaiter, platform lift, manlift, mechanical equipment used for the raising or lowering of any curtain, stage or orchestra floor, or any other conveyance device specifically covered and described in the Chicago Conveyance Device Code.

There are two exceptions:

• An elevator mechanic contractor license is not required to construct, install, alter, or maintain mechanical amusement riding devices.
• An elevator mechanic contractor license is required to construct, install, alter, or maintain a conveyance device within or exclusively serving no more than three levels of a single, privately-owned dwelling unit.

The owners of installed and operating conveyance devices may maintain and repair their own conveyance devices, either directly or through employees, without engaging in business as a contractor or subcontractor. Accordingly, this type of work does not require an elevator mechanic contractor license.

Who can perform work under an elevator mechanic contractor license?

The elevator mechanic contractor license authorizes work on conveyance devices to be performed by the licensed business and its employees, working under the supervision of the licensed supervising elevator mechanic.

“Employees” means individuals that the business treats as employees for purposes of unemployment insurance contributions, worker’s compensation, and income taxation. An elevator mechanic contractor license does not authorize work on conveyance devices to be performed by individuals who are paid as independent contractors.

If employees of another business will be performing work on conveyance devices at a job site, that business must be properly licensed and listed on the permit.

Are there different types of elevator mechanic contractor licenses?

No. While elevator mechanic contractors may specialize in specific types of conveyance devices, there is only one type of elevator mechanic contractor license.

Who may obtain an elevator mechanic contractor license?

Elevator mechanic contractor licenses are issued to businesses, including sole proprietorships, that are owned by or employ at least one licensed supervising elevator mechanic.

What is required to obtain an elevator mechanic contractor license?

To obtain an elevator mechanic contractor license, a business must employ at least one individual who is a licensed supervising elevator mechanic.

How do I apply for a new elevator mechanic contractor license?

Starting in late May 2022, elevator mechanic contractor license applications are submitted through the City of Chicago Inspections and Permits web portal.

Continental Testing Services processes elevator mechanic contractor license applications on behalf of the Department of Buildings and can provide assistance after you begin an application on the web portal.

How do I renew an existing elevator mechanic contractor license?

Starting in late May 2022, renewals are processed through the City of Chicago Inspections and Permits web portal.

How much does an elevator mechanic contractor license cost?

Miscellaneous Fees

Amended registration: $35.00

How long is an elevator mechanic contractor license valid?

An elevator mechanic contractor license is valid for one year from issuance.

An elevator mechanic contractor license is automatically inactivated if there is no valid supervising elevator mechanic license associated with the contractor license.

Ordinances and Rules 

Municipal Code of Chicago, Chapter 4-298: Elevator Mechanic Contractors