Make Elevators Great Again: Fee Schedule and General Information

The Make Elevators Great Again Act (House Bill 559), ratified by the N.C. General Assembly in June 2025, made changes to the inspection fee structures in the Elevator Safety Act, the Amusement Device Safety Act, and the Passenger Tramway Safety Act. These updates ensure inspection fees reflect the actual costs associated with performing inspections, while allowing the bureau to improve turnaround times and service quality.

The new inspection fees are effective as of July 8, 2025.

No. The Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau will not apply the new fees retroactively. Any inspections that took place before July 8, 2025, or ALNs paid prior to that date, will be charged under the previous fee schedule. Any applications or resubmissions received on or after July 8 will be subject to the updated fees.

Starting July 1, 2026, inspection fees will adjust annually based on changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Notice of all future fee adjustments will be posted on the NCDOL website and published in the North Carolina Register at least 60 days in advance.

A $1,000 expedited fee applies to elevator inspection requests (initial or reinspection) made fewer than five (5) business days in advance of the requested inspection date. This also applies to inspections requested outside of normal business hours, on weekends, or on state government holidays.

A $1,000 expedited fee applies to inspection requests received fewer than ten (10) calendar days before the first planned date of operation. This includes resubmissions.

If an ALN is canceled, the inspection fee will be credited to your account. However, the $25 ALN application fee is non-refundable.

Permit applications fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. You may revise a previously submitted permit by submitting a new permit application for the same job, and in that case, receive credit for fees already paid.

You must submit:

1. A certified copy of the associated contract
2. All relevant plans and drawings
3. A completed and signed application form

Here.

Yes. A separate permit application (and fee) is required for each individual elevator, escalator, or regulated device. If you have one contract for multiple units, you must itemize the contract cost for each unit to ensure the proper fee is applied to each.

Only the new installation or alteration work is subject to the 1% permit fee. If other terms are included in the contract, such as allowances or general maintenance, you must clearly break out those costs. NCDOL will require a sworn affidavit and/or documentation to verify the breakdown. Any changes to the scope of work require a revised permit application. The revised contract to must be submitted along with it. The permit application fee will be recalculated, and credit will be given for any fees already paid pertaining to the permit being revised.

If it is not subject to inspection by NCDOL or falls under another authority (e.g., local code enforcement), you may exclude it—but only with advance approval from NCDOL. A sworn affidavit will be required to confirm the scope and value.

You must withdraw the existing permit and reapply with the revised permit application – including the updated scope of work, revised plans and drawings, and copy of the new contract. A new permit fee will apply, but credit will be given for fees previously paid on the original permit.

Yes, please use the following weblink: https://www.labor.nc.gov/contact/online-payments

Please contact the Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau’s main office at (919) 707-7927 or dol.elevatormail@labor.nc.gov.