Elevator Inspection Requirements by State
State-by-state guide to elevator inspection frequency, QEI requirements, and compliance deadlines.
Key Takeaway: Most states require annual elevator inspections conducted by a Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) or state-licensed inspector. California is the notable exception with a biennial (every 2 years) cycle. Penalties for non-compliance range from fines to forced shutdown. Your state's Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is the final word on specific requirements.
Elevator safety regulations are set at the state level, with some cities (New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles) imposing additional requirements beyond the state code. Nearly all states have adopted some version of the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, but inspection frequency, inspector qualifications, and enforcement mechanisms vary significantly. This guide covers the 10 states with the highest concentration of commercial elevator installations.
State-by-State Requirements
| State | Governing Body | Frequency | QEI Required? | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | DOB (NYC) / DOS (State) | Annual | Yes | NYC requires Category 1 tests annually, Category 5 every 5 years. State code applies outside NYC. DOB-licensed inspectors only within city limits. |
| California | DOSH (Cal/OSHA) | Biennial | Yes | Only state with a 2-year inspection cycle. Backlog of inspections is common. Buildings can request expedited inspections for an additional fee. Permit to Operate required. |
| Texas | TDLR | Annual | Yes | TDLR-licensed inspectors only. Annual operating certificate must be displayed in cab. Registration required for all conveyances. |
| Florida | DBPR | Annual | Yes | Certificate of operation must be posted. State-licensed inspectors or certified QEI. Private residences with 2 or fewer units exempt. |
| Illinois | IDOL | Annual | Yes | Chicago has additional city requirements enforced by the Department of Buildings. State IDOL inspectors handle the rest of Illinois. |
| Pennsylvania | L&I | Annual | Yes | Department of Labor and Industry requires annual inspection. Philadelphia has additional city code requirements. |
| Ohio | OCOM | Annual | Yes | Division of Industrial Compliance within OCOM. Annual certificate required. Inspections can be performed by state or third-party QEI. |
| New Jersey | DCA | Annual | Yes | Department of Community Affairs enforces. Owners must register each unit. Third-party inspection agencies approved by DCA. |
| Massachusetts | DPS | Annual | Yes | Department of Public Safety. License required for inspectors. Certificate must be conspicuously posted in or near the elevator. |
| Washington | L&I | Annual | Yes | Department of Labor and Industries. Permits issued annually. Inspections by state inspectors or approved third-party agencies. |
Understanding QEI Requirements
The Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) designation is administered by NAESA International (now QEI Services). Most states require that the person conducting your elevator inspection hold current QEI certification, though some states have their own licensing program that may be used in place of or in addition to QEI credentials. A QEI must pass a comprehensive exam covering ASME A17.1, A17.2, and A17.3 codes, and must complete continuing education to maintain certification.
Building owners should always verify that their inspector holds a current credential before allowing the inspection. Request a copy of their QEI certificate or state license and confirm its validity with the issuing authority. Using an unqualified inspector can void your inspection results and leave you liable.
What Happens If Your State Is Not Listed
A handful of states (Alabama, Kansas, Wyoming, and portions of Colorado) do not have state-level elevator safety codes. In these jurisdictions, inspection requirements may be set by local municipalities or may default to the ASME A17.1 standard adopted by the building's insurance carrier. Even without a state mandate, your property insurance almost certainly requires regular inspections. Contact your insurance carrier to confirm -- operating an uninspected elevator can void your liability coverage.
City-Level Additions
Major cities frequently impose requirements beyond the state code. New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, and Philadelphia all have city-specific elevator codes, additional permitting requirements, and their own inspector approval processes. If your building is in a large city, check with both the state authority and the city's department of buildings for the complete set of requirements that apply to you.
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