District of Columbia Elevator Contractor Bond: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides information for insurance agents to help contractors on District of Columbia (Washington D.C) Elevator Contractor bond
At a Glance:
- Lowest Cost: $175 for the required two-year period or $9 per month
- Bond Amount: $4,000
- Who Needs It: All elevator contractors operating in the District of Columbia
- Purpose: To ensure the public will receive compensation for any damages should the elevator contractor fail to comply with licensing law
- Who Regulates Elevator Contractors in the District of Columbia: The District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
Background
Code of the District of Columbia 47-2853.95 requires all elevator contractors operating in the District to obtain a license with the DCRA. The District of Columbia legislature enacted licensing laws and regulations to ensure that elevator contractors engage in ethical business practices.
In order to provide financial security for the enforcement of the license law, elevator contractors must purchase and maintain a $4,000 elevator contractor surety bond to be eligible for licensure. The bond must expire on November 30th of each odd year (2021, 2023, 2025, etc).
What is the Purpose of the District of Columbia Elevator Contractor Bond?
The District of Columbia requires contractors to purchase the Elevator Contractor Bond as part of the application process for the Elevator Contractor License. The bond ensures that the public will receive compensation for financial harm if the contractor fails to comply with the licensing regulations. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the contractor breaks licensing laws.
How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a District of Columbia Elevator Contractor Bond?
BondExchange makes obtaining a Washington D.C. Elevator Contractor Bond easy. Simply login to your account and use our keyword search to find the “contractor” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Gain access now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone (800) 438-1162, email, or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.
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Is a Credit Check Required for the District of Columbia Elevator Contractor Bond?
Credit checks are not required for the DC Elevator Contractor bond.
How Much Does the D.C. Elevator Contractor Bond Cost?
The $4,000 DC Elevator Contractor surety bond costs either $175 for the required two-year period or $9 per month.
How Does the District of Columbia Define “Elevator Contractor”?
Code of the District of Columbia 47-2853.95 defines an Elevator Contractor as “any sole proprietor, firm, or corporation who, for compensation, engages in erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or performing tests of elevators, platform lifts, stairway chair lifts, man lifts, conveyors, escalators, dumbwaiters, material lifts, automated people movers, and other related conveyances.”
BondExchange now offers monthly pay-as-you-go subscriptions for surety bonds. Your customers are able to purchase their bonds on a monthly basis and cancel them anytime. Learn more here.
How Does an Elevator Tradesperson Apply for a License in Washington D.C.?
Elevator Tradespersons in D.C. must navigate several steps to secure their license. Below are the general guidelines, but contractors should call the DCRA at (866) 270-9817 for details on the process.
License Period – All District of Columbia elevator tradespersons licenses expires on November 30 of every odd-numbered year (2021, 2023, 2025, etc) regardless of the date of issuance and must be renewed before the expiration date.
Step 1 – Determine the License Type
Washington D.C. requires elevator tradespersons to obtain a specific license corresponding to the tradesperson’s classification. Below are the different types of the D.C. Elevator Tradesperson License:
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- Elevator Contractor – The business entity that performs elevator service work
- Elevator Mechanic – Individual(s) employed by the elevator contractor who performs the actual elevator service work
- Elevator Inspector – Performs inspections of elevators and other related conveyances
Step 2 – Obtain a Business License
All businesses operating in the District of Columbia must obtain a Basic Business License. Contractors can apply for a basic business license here.
Step 3 – Purchase a Surety Bond
Elevator contractors must purchase and maintain a $4,000 Elevator Contractor surety bond.
The bond must expire on November 30th of each odd-numbered year (2021, 2023, etc).
Step 4 – Employ an Elevator Mechanic
Elevator Contractors must have at least one licensed elevator mechanic in the company’s employ.
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- 4.a Qualifications – Elevator mechanics must meet at least one of the following criteria to be eligible for an elevator mechanic license:
- Has completed an approved elevator mechanic apprenticeship program
- Has worked as an elevator mechanic for two years for a licensed employer and without direct supervision
- Is already licensed in a state with similar license standards at D.C.
- 4.b Exam – Elevator mechanics who do not meet these qualifications will be required to pass an open book exam administered by the DCRA at the following address:
- 4.a Qualifications – Elevator mechanics must meet at least one of the following criteria to be eligible for an elevator mechanic license:
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Examination Unit, 1100 4th Street SW, Suite E500
Washington, DC 20024
Applicants can schedule a date to take their exam here.
Step 5 – Complete the Application
All elevator contractor license applications should be submitted online through the DCRA’s licensing portal located here. Applicants will need to provide the following documentation with their application:
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- A 2” x 2” passport-style photograph
- Government-issued identification (a drivers license or passport will suffice)
Step 6 – Pay Fee
All elevator contractors will need to pay a $260 application fee when submitting their license application
How Does a D.C. Elevator Contractor Renew Their License?
Elevator Contractors operating in the District of Columbia can renew their license online through the DCRA’s licensing portal located here. All District of Columbia elevator contractor licenses expire on November 30 of every odd-numbered year (2021, 2023, 2025, etc) regardless of the date of issuance and must be renewed before the expiration date.
How Do Elevator Contractors Apply for a Permit in Washington D.C.?
Elevator contractors will need to obtain an elevator permit for each job they are contracted for. Below are the general guidelines for obtaining an elevator permit, but contractors should call the DCRA at (866) 270-9817 for details on the process.
Step 1 – Determine the Permit Type
The District of Columbia requires elevator contractors to obtain specific permits corresponding to the nature of each specific job. Below are the different types of the D.C. Elevator Contractor Permit:
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- Elevator New – Installation of a new elevator
- Elevator Repair – Repairs made to an existing elevator
- Elevator Alteration – Replacement of an existing elevator
Step 2 – Complete the Permit Application
The DC elevator permit application can be completed online through the DCRA’s permit portal.
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- 2.a Building Permit – Applications for the “Elevator New” permit must be accompanied by the building permit for the building the elevator will be installed in
- 2.b Designs – Applications for the “Elevator Alteration” permit must be accompanied by architectural drawings showcasing the changes being made to the elevator
- 2.c Licenses – Applicants will need to submit a copy of their elevator contractor license with their permit application. In some instances, contractors will need a master electrician license to perform certain jobs. Contractors can view our Master Electrician Bond page for details on how to obtain this license.
How Do DC Elevator Contractors File Their Bond With The DCRA?
Elevator contractors should scan the completed bond form and submit it online through the DCRA’s licensing portal. The elevator contractor bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and the contractor. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:
- The legal name of entity/individual(s) buying the bond
- Surety company’s name
- Date the bond is signed
- Date the bond goes into effect
- Date the bond expires
- Two witness signatures for the licensee
How Can DC Elevator Contractors Avoid Bond Claims?
To avoid claims on the Elevator Contractor Bond, contractors must follow all license and permit regulations in the state, including some of the most important issues below that, tend to cause claims:
- Do not engage, or allow representatives of the business to engage, in any acts of fraud
- Repair all property damage caused through the course of work
What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Elevator Contractors in DC?
DC does not require elevator contractors to obtain any form of liability insurance. Most reputable elevator contractors will seek to obtain liability insurance anyway. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue any form of insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.
How Can Insurance Agents Prospect for DC Elevator Contractors?
The District of Columbia conveniently provides a public database to search for active elevator contractors in the state. The database can be accessed here. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources.
What other Contractor License Bonds are Required in Washington DC?
Contractors in DC will need to obtain specific bonds correlating with their license type. Below are all the different contractor licensing bonds required by the District of Columbia:
