Elevator Safety

The Elevator Safety Division is responsible for implementing the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act through the registration, inspection, and certification of conveyances, and the licensing of contractors, mechanics, inspectors, inspection companies and apprentices. The Division assures that conveyances are correctly and safely installed and operated within the State of Illinois outside the City of Chicago by regulating the design, installation, construction, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration and repair of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving sidewalks, platform lifts, stairway lifts and automated people movers in accordance with all applicable statutes and rules.

Online Payments for Elevator Licenses and Invoices (link coming soon)

Notices/Reminders

Updated 2/9/2026

OSFM transitioned to GL Solutions September 29, 2025 for Elevator Safety Registrations, Certificates of Operation, Permits, Variances and Licenses; Fire Prevention Licensing and Boiler Licensing. We have experienced challenges during this software system migration.

If you are experiencing a public safety concern that will result in the shut down of an elevator due to the inability to renew a Certificate of Operation or if experiencing the inability to work due to an expired License, please communicate that concern to the GL Helpdesk so your call can be routed appropriately. All other applications will be processed in the order in which they were received, so please be aware that processing times may be longer than normal.

We thank you for your continued patience as we work to process applications in the new system.

Main Login to the Licensee Portal (Bookmark this link and navigate to login page to avoid further login issues)

Elevator Search

Licensee Registration Permit Search

GL Solutions Help Desk Phone Number: +1 (217) 635-3997.

Update on Status of Elevator Safety Administrative Rules, February 6, 2026

As of February 6, 2026, amendments to the Illinois Elevator Safety Administrative Rules, which were proposed on March 28, 2025, have been withdrawn. For more information, please click here.

Please see FAQs on Door Lock Monitoring here: Door Monitoring Systems FAQs

Notice of Proposed Elevator Safety Administrative Rules, March 28, 2025

On March 28, 2025, the proposed amendments to the Illinois Elevator Safety Administrative Rules were published. Please see the following link for more information:

Notice of Proposed Rules 2025

Notification of New Elevator Safety Administrative Rules, Effective December 28, 2023

On December 28, 2023, revisions to the Illinois Elevator Safety Rules (41 Ill. Admin. Code 1000) became effective. Notification of Revised Elevator Safety Administrative Rules, Effective 2023

On June 9th, 2022, the Elevator Safety Board made a final decision on the updated inspection form, to be used for all inspections. As of January 1st, 2023, the new updated standard inspection form will be used for all conveyance inspections under the OSFM jurisdiction.
- New Elevator Inspection Form
- Notice Letter for New Elevator Inspection Form
Effective October 24, 2021, MANDATORY 10-digit (or 1+10-digit dialing is required for all customers in Illinois 309, 618 and 708 Area Codes. All elevator companies must have any necessary changes for all elevators in 309, 618 and 708 area codes completed by October 24, 2021.
- 988 Mandatory Elevator Letter
A reminder to all licensed elevator companies performing work on conveyances without a current Certificate of Operation.
- Expired Certificate of Operation Notice
The Elevator Safety Division wants to remind everyone that Elevator Pit and Hoistway access is limited to Authorized Individuals.
- Pit and Hoistway Access
Follow-up to Supplying the Owner with a Written Inspection Report
- Notification to Licensed Inspection Companies and Inspectors

Notification of New Elevator Safety Administrative Rules, Effective May 25, 2021

On May 25,2021, revisions to the Illinois Elevator Safety Rules (41 Ill. Admin. Code 1000) reflecting prior amendments to the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act ("Act") will become effective as State law. The text of the revised Rules can be found at

Public Act 92-0873, cited as the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act, was approved by the Illinois General Assembly in order to provide for public safety and awareness in relation to conveyances located within the State of Illinois. This Act was amended as of 7/23/09 (Public Act 96-0054) and on 8/11/09 (Public Act 96-0342). This Act was once again amended on 8/11/11 (Public Act 097-0310) to allow certain conveyances located in certain churches, synagogues or other buildings, structures, or places used primarily for religious worship to renew certificates of operation every 3 years (triennial basis) rather than on an annual basis (see Certificates of Operation below). The full text of this and all other legislation can be found on the "Statutes and Rules" page listed below.

The Act requires that the design, construction, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving sidewalks, platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, and automated people conveyances be in accordance with all applicable statutes and rules. As mandated by the Act, no person shall erect, construct, wire, alter, replace, maintain, remove, dismantle, or inspect any conveyance contained within buildings or structures without possessing the proper license.

Notice to Conveyance Owners

It has come to the attention of the Elevator Safety Division that conveyance owners are not being made aware of the various options they have to meet the new code requirements. And, that some companies are submitting proposals for work that does not need to be done.

The Elevator Safety Division recommends that a conveyance owner obtain several quotes from different elevator companies for any work that is required. Then, have these proposals reviewed by your licensed elevator inspector to verify that the work and upgrades proposed are actually necessary.

Another option is to contact and employ an elevator consultant. The consultant will manage the project and ensure that only the work and upgrades necessary are performed by the company and at the best price.

Attached to this Notice is a list of all licensed elevator contractors that are licensed to perform work in this State. In addition, the Elevator Safety Division is available to answer any question you might have or assist you with information on code updates.

Certificates of Operation

Public Act 097-0310 enacted on 8/11/11 states in part:

A certificate of operation is renewable annually, except that a certificate of operation is renewable every 3 years for a conveyance :

That is located in a building owned and occupied by any church, synagogue, or other building, structure, or place used primarily for religious worship and is the only conveyance in the building
That is under the jurisdiction of the Administrator,
That is limited in use to 2 levels, and
For which the church, synagogue, or other building, structure, or place used primarily for religious worship has an annual maintenance examination that includes the applicable category tests.

For these occupancies, on-site witnessing of the category test shall be witnessed every 3 years. Records of the applicable maintenance checks and elevator category test results shall be maintained on-site by the building owner.