Michigan Contractor Licensing

Trade-by-trade licensing requirements for Michigan, sourced directly from the state regulatory board and verified by the CLR Editorial Review Desk. We currently publish 14 published trade guides, with direct links to each underlying board, statute, or candidate bulletin.

Published guides: 14
Exam-backed: 13
Bond-backed: 0
Local / municipal: 6
Avg initial fee: $160

How licensing works in Michigan

Michigan is not a one-size-fits-all licensing market. Across the 14 guides currently live on this state hub, 13 require a formal trade examination and 0 require a surety bond before the credential can issue. 6 of the published entries rely on city, county, or municipal registration rather than a single statewide credential, so contractors need to confirm the local building department or business-license office before bidding work.

The point of this state page is to give you a fast read on the regulatory model before you dive into a specific trade. Start with the trades grid below if you already know your specialty. If you are comparing jurisdictions, use the cost calculator for first-year cost and the reciprocity matrix for license portability.

Main boards and agencies

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Bureau of Construction Codes

LARA Bureau of Construction Codes administers Michigan licensing for residential builders, electricians, plumbers, and mechanical contractors through its trade-specific boards, adopts the Michigan building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes, and conducts disciplinary proceedings.
Open agency site
Michigan LARA — Electrical Administrative Board

The Electrical Administrative Board licenses apprentice, journeyman, master, sign specialist, and fire alarm specialty technicians, and electrical contractors statewide. The board adopts the Michigan Electrical Code based on the NEC.
Open agency site
Michigan LARA — State Plumbing Board

The State Plumbing Board licenses apprentice, journeyman, and master plumbers and plumbing contractors statewide. The board adopts the Michigan Plumbing Code based on the IPC.
Open agency site
Michigan LARA — Board of Mechanical Rules

The Board of Mechanical Rules licenses mechanical contractors by classification (HVAC equipment, ductwork, refrigeration, hydronic heating, fuel gas piping, boilers, and others) and adopts the Michigan Mechanical Code.
Open agency site
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Bureau of Construction Codes (Licensing Section, Residential Builders)

The LARA Bureau of Construction Codes licenses and regulates residential builders and residential maintenance & alteration (M&A) contractors under Article 24 of the Occupational Code (PA 299 of 1980). Swimming pool construction on residential structures is a specific trade classification (Swimming Pools, code "S") issued under the M&A Contractor license and also covered by a Residential Builder license. The Bureau administers prelicensure education standards, authorizes candidates to test through PSI, and processes initial licensure and three-year renewals.
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Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

LARA is Michigan's state licensing authority but operates no home inspector program; it does not license, register, or regulate residential home inspectors. Its Bureau of Construction Codes separately registers governmental building/code officials under Act 230 of 1972, a distinct enforcement role.
Open agency site

Licensed trades

Compare Michigan against other states

Every trade above also has a national comparison hub showing how Michigan's exam, bond, fee, and experience requirements stack up against the other 50 jurisdictions.

Best starting points in Michigan

Budget

Estimate first-year cost

Compare filing fees, bond premiums, insurance assumptions, and renewal cost before you apply.

Mobility

Check reciprocity pathways

See whether this state accepts NASCLA or uses bilateral reciprocity for the trade you hold now.

Research

Search related guides

Jump directly to linked state and trade pages if you are comparing multiple jurisdictions side by side.