Elevator Certificate of Inspection (state, building owner): Boston restaurant guide

MA Office of Public Safety and Inspections — Board of Elevator Regulations

What it is

Every elevator, dumbwaiter and lift in Massachusetts must have a current state inspection certificate; the building owner applies for the annual inspection through the state portal. If your restaurant depends on an elevator or lift (basement storage, upper-floor dining, mixed-use building), confirm it's current.

When a restaurant needs it

Your space or building relies on an elevator, lift or dumbwaiter — typically multi-story or mixed-use buildings and basements served by a lift.

How to apply

The owner (or the elevator contractor) applies for the annual inspection in the state's elevator portal; a state inspector tests the unit and the certificate is posted in the car.

Documents you’ll need

Elevator inspection application
Elevator contractor information
Prior certificate

Fee

Varies — see the Board of Elevator Regulations fee regulation (an annual test application fee is set in 801 CMR; confirm the current amount with OPSI)

Processing time

Varies; apply well before the current certificate expires

Renewal

Annual inspection (five-year weight tests also required)

Who files

The building owner or its elevator contractor files.

Good to know

This is normally the landlord's obligation — put it in the lease. An expired certificate can take a lift out of service and strand your basement storage plan.

Official source

MA Board of Elevator Regulations

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.