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Washington, DC Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Enforcing body
Board of Industrial Trades
License fee
$260 to issue, renew, or reinstate
Inspector standard
ASME QEI-1 qualification required
Max criminal penalty
1 year jail, $10,000 fine
Rulemaking deadline
December 31, 2009

Summary

In Washington, D.C., elevator contractors, mechanics, and inspectors must hold a Board of Industrial Trades license before erecting, servicing, repairing, testing, or inspecting elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters, per D.C. Code § 47-2853.95.

Unless licensed in accordance with this part, no person shall use the words or terms "elevator contractor," "elevator mechanic," "licensed elevator contractor," "licensed elevator mechanic," "elevator inspector," "licensed elevator inspector," or any words describing an elevator specialty licensed by the Board to imply that the person is authorized to perform the services of an elevator contractor, elevator mechanic, or elevator inspector in the District.

Source: District of Columbia CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

D.C. Code § 47-2853.95 defines elevator contractor, mechanic, and inspector as anyone who erects, installs, alters, services, repairs, or tests elevators, platform lifts, escalators, dumbwaiters, and similar conveyances for compensation. Section 47-2853.97 bars anyone without a Board of Industrial Trades license from using those titles or implying authorization to do the work. Mechanics need a passed exam or, before rules are final, two years of supervised construction, maintenance, or repair experience; inspectors must meet the ASME QEI-1 qualification standard. Licenses cost $260 to issue, renew, or reinstate, and the Mayor was required to issue implementing rules by December 31, 2009.

Violations & Fines

Unlicensed practice under this subchapter is a criminal offense: up to one year imprisonment and a $10,000 fine, rising to $25,000 for a repeat conviction, per D.C. Code § 47-2853.27.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a general contractor service an elevator in D.C.?
No. Only a licensed elevator contractor, mechanic, or inspector is authorized to erect, alter, service, repair, or test elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters, per D.C. Code §§ 47-2853.95 and 47-2853.97.
What counts as an elevator for licensing purposes?
The law covers elevators, platform lifts, stairway chair lifts, manlifts, conveyors, escalators, dumbwaiters, material lifts, and automated people movers, per D.C. Code § 47-2853.95(a).
How do I become a licensed elevator mechanic?
Pass the Board's exam, or before rules are finalized, show an apprenticeship certificate plus two years of unsupervised elevator construction, maintenance, or repair work, per D.C. Code § 47-2853.96(b).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washington

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsLead PaintSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsChildcare Center RulesSome RestrictionsGreen Building CodeHeavy RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsCurfew Laws: Juvenile CurfewHeavy RestrictionsTree Protection: Urban Forest EquityLight RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Heat Island MitigationSome RestrictionsZoning Overlays & Bonuses: Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC)Some RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Shoreline ManagementSome Restrictions

All Washington rules

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