In North Carolina, elevators are inspected on an annual cycle by state inspectors from the NC Department of Labor's Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau. State law allows inspections as often as every six months (N.C.G.S. § 95-110.5). An elevator cannot legally operate without a valid certificate of operation, and violations can bring civil penalties of up to $250 per day.
For property managers, condo boards and building owners in Charlotte, Raleigh and across the state, here is how elevator inspections work in North Carolina and what owners are responsible for.
Who inspects elevators in North Carolina?
Unlike Florida, where certified private inspectors perform most annual inspections, North Carolina uses state inspectors. The NC Department of Labor's Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau inspects elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, wheelchair lifts and similar equipment, including new installations and alterations (NCDOL Elevator Bureau).
You can look up an elevator's inspection history using the state's Statewide Elevator Lookup.
How often are elevators inspected in North Carolina?
| Item | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Routine inspection | Annual cycle; the state charges "routine/annual" inspection fees |
| Maximum frequency allowed by law | As often as every six months |
| New installations and alterations | Inspected before the equipment goes into service |
Sources: N.C.G.S. Chapter 95, Article 14A; NCDOL Elevator Bureau.
The state has struggled at times to keep up. In 2019, about 14% of devices statewide were overdue for inspection, with higher rates in some counties (CBS 17). In 2025, the legislature passed House Bill 559, the "Make Elevators Great Again Act," which updated inspection fees to help the department reduce its backlog (NCDOL).
What is an elevator certificate of operation in North Carolina?
A certificate of operation certifies that an elevator is approved for use. North Carolina law prohibits operating an elevator without a valid certificate (N.C.G.S. § 95-110.7). In 2025, the Department of Labor introduced a redesigned inspection certificate that it is rolling out statewide as elevators are inspected (Elevator World).
What are the penalties for elevator violations in North Carolina?
- Operating an elevator without a valid certificate, or out of compliance, can bring a civil penalty of up to $250 per day (N.C.G.S. § 95-110.10).
- Operating an unsafe device is a Class 2 misdemeanor (N.C.G.S. § 95-110.11).
What are North Carolina elevator owners responsible for?
- Keeping the elevator maintained. The Department of Labor has said owners are responsible for keeping units maintained under a maintenance contract, with state inspections acting as an extra safety check (CBS 17).
- Reporting serious incidents within 24 hours. After certain reportable occurrences, the owner must notify the Commissioner of Labor within 24 hours. The elevator may not be operated, and parts may not be repaired or removed, until the state approves (N.C.G.S. § 95-110.9).
- Correcting violations. When an inspector cites deficiencies, the owner must have them corrected. The state publishes a corrected violations lookup.
- Paying inspection fees. Under the 2025 law, the state may withhold certificates until inspection fees are paid. New fees took effect July 8, 2025, and adjust annually with inflation starting July 1, 2026 (NCDOL).
How can North Carolina owners stay inspection-ready?
- Check each elevator's certificate and inspection date using the Statewide Elevator Lookup.
- Keep an active maintenance contract with a licensed elevator company.
- Ask your elevator company to track code deficiencies and fix cited violations quickly.
- Keep written records of maintenance visits and tests on site.
- Make sure the current certificate is posted and visible.
Frequently asked questions
How often are elevators inspected in North Carolina?
Elevators are inspected on an annual cycle by the NC Department of Labor. The law allows inspections as often as every six months.
Who inspects elevators in North Carolina?
State inspectors from the NC Department of Labor's Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau.
How do I check if an elevator in North Carolina has been inspected?
Use the NC Department of Labor's Statewide Elevator Lookup online.
What happens if my elevator's NC inspection is overdue?
Contact the Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau at 919-707-7927, and keep the elevator maintained in the meantime. Overdue state inspections do not reduce the owner's responsibility for safe operation.
Keep your North Carolina elevators compliant with MODPROS
MODPROS maintenance programs include code compliance monitoring for buildings in North Carolina, with written documentation after every visit and 24/7 emergency response. Schedule a discovery call or call 833.MOD.PROS (833.663.7767).
Schedule a Discovery CallThis article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements can change, so confirm current rules with the NC Department of Labor Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau.
