Elevator Certificates of Operation or Construction Permits
A current Certificate of Operation is required annually (from the date of the prior year's passed inspection) in order for elevator owners to legally utilize elevators, escalators and lifts in the state of South Carolina.
All new elevators must be registered by elevator contractors. A permit is required prior to elevator installation.
Construction on existing elevators may not begin until an application for alterations has been submitted by the elevator contractor and approved by LLR.
It is a violation South Carolina State law to operate, install, or alter an elevator, escalator, or lift without a current certificate of operation or permit to install or alter.
Scheduling of annual elevator inspections is the responsibility of the elevator owner, which includes contacting a Special Inspector for Elevators of your choice.
Scheduling of new elevator inspections or alteration inspections is the responsibility of the elevator contractor.
All elevators, escalators, and lifts are required to have the following as applies:
Annual Certificate of Operation
For normal operation of elevators, lifts, and escalators.
Special Inspectors for Elevators Contacts
Permit to Install or Alter
For new elevator installations and alterations.
Annual Certificate of Operation
- Contact a Special Inspector from our list of special inspectors to set up an annual elevator inspection
- Once your elevator is inspected, please be sure to provide your accurate mailing and email addresses so that our office can send you your Report of Inspection, Certificate Fee Invoice, and Abatement Form (only if your elevator failed inspection.)
- If the annual inspection failed, correct each violation, fill out your Abatement Form and email/mail it to our office.
- You will receive your Report of Inspection and abatement form via the email address you provided to our inspectors. Your invoice will be mailed within 3-5 business days. Please make sure that you provide your inspector with your updated email and mailing addresses for accurate and expedient service.
- Pay certificate fees and complete abatement forms via the Elevator Web Portal (UserID and Passwords are located on the abatement form and invoice) or by mailing a physical check or abatement form to our office.
*Note if your abatement form is not filled out COMPLETELY, it will not be approved for processing.
New Elevator Installation (For Elevator Contractors Only):
- Complete the Elevator Application for Installation via the Elevator Web Portal or email the physical form to Contact.Elevators@llr.sc.gov
- Complete the Elevator Registration also via the Elevator Web Portal or email the physical form to Contact.Elevators@llr.sc.gov
- Submit blueprints by uploading to the Elevator Web Portal or physical mail.
- Contact the State Inspector for the territory in which the elevator is located to schedule a new elevator inspection.
- Pay permit fees via the Elevator Web Portal or by mailing a physical check to our office.
Existing Elevator Alteration (For Elevator Contractors Only):
- Complete Elevator Application for Installation via the Elevator Web Portal or paper form. (Check the Alteration Box on the paper form).
- Contact the State Inspector for the territory in which the elevator is located to schedule a new elevator inspection
- Pay permit fees via the Elevator Web Portal or by mailing a physical check to our office.
Temporary Operating Certificate (For Elevator Contractor Only):
Note: A temporary operating certificate authorizes operation for construction use only in the state of South Carolina and is valid for sixty days from the date of issue. The fee for the temporary operating certificate is $250 per elevator.
You should request a temporary operating certificate by contacting the state inspector for the territory where the elevator is located.
Annual Elevator Operating Certificate Fee: $50/elevator.
New Installation and Alteration Fees: Fees.
Application for Installation or Alteration
You may also complete these forms electronically in the Elevator Web Portal