50-State Construction Licensing Compliance Guide
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Overview

Michigan Construction Licensing

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Licenses are typically required for individuals and businesses that provide construction industry services. This guide contains information about construction industry licensing in Michigan.

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Company Licenses

Michigan Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Michigan Elevator Contractor License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Michigan Elevator Contractor License

Agency Fee:

$100

Registration Renewal

Form:

Michigan Elevator Contractor License Renewal

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Michigan Fire Alarm Contractor License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Michigan Fire Alarm Contractor License

Agency Fee:

$300

Registration Renewal

Form:

Michigan Fire Alarm Contractor License Renewal

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Triennially by December 31.

Michigan Fire Alarm/Fire Suppression Firm License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Fire Services
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

BFS Certification New Firm Packet (BFS 76-77) & BFS Certification - Application for Qualifying Person - Fire Alarm/Fire Suppression Firm (BFS-77)

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Certification Fee Schedule:
Full 3-year Cycle = $150.00
2nd year of a 3-year Cycle = $100.00
3rd year of a 3-year Cycle = $50.00

Notes:
  • Firms are certified for a standard three-year cycle, which coincides with mechanical and electrical contractor's license cycles:
    • Fire Alarm Firms = Current cycle January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2021
    • Fire Suppression Firms = Current cycle October 1, 2016 - September 30, 2019
  • Certification Fee Schedule:
    • Full 3-year Cycle = $150.00
    • 2nd year of a 3-year Cycle = $100.00
    • 3rd year of a 3-year Cycle = $50.00
  • If the firm has multiple branches in different locations, a separate certification is required for each branch office wishing to be certified. Please refer to the Certification Rules for more information.
Required Attachments:
  • A completed and Michigan notarized Application for Certification (BFS-76)
  • A completed and Michigan notarized Qualifying Person Affidavit for each qualifying person (BFS-77)
  • A notarized technical qualification resume and all supporting documentation (copies of licenses, certifications, training records, degrees, transcripts, etc.) for each qualifying person
  • The required fee based on the year in the current certification cycle

Registration Renewal

Form:

BFS Certification New Firm Packet (BFS 76-77) & BFS Certification - Application for Qualifying Person - Fire Alarm/Fire Suppression Firm (BFS-77)

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Certification Fee Schedule:
Full 3-year Cycle = $150.00
2nd year of a 3-year Cycle = $100.00
3rd year of a 3-year Cycle = $50.00

Due:

Trienially by Decemeber 31.

Notes:
  • Firms are certified for a standard three-year cycle, which coincides with mechanical and electrical contractor's license cycles:
    • Fire Alarm Firms = Current cycle January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2021
    • Fire Suppression Firms = Current cycle October 1, 2016 - September 30, 2019
  • Certification Fee Schedule:
    • Full 3-year Cycle = $150.00
    • 2nd year of a 3-year Cycle = $100.00
    • 3rd year of a 3-year Cycle = $50.00
  • If the firm has multiple branches in different locations, a separate certification is required for each branch office wishing to be certified. Please refer to the Certification Rules for more information.

Michigan Maintenance and Alteration Contractor Company License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Triennially by May 31.

Michigan Plumbing Contractor License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Triennially

Michigan Residential Builder Company License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Notes:

Firms must have a representative apply for the individual license and then apply for the firm license.

Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Triennially by May 31.

Michigan Sign Specialty Contractor License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Michigan Sign Specialty Contractor License

Agency Fee:

$200

Registration Renewal

Form:

Michigan Sign Specialty Contractor License Renewal

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Michigan Type 1 Asbestos Abatement Contractor License

Agency:Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Asbestos Program
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Contractor License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$200

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Contractor License Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$100

Michigan Type 2 Asbestos Abatement Contractor License

Agency:Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Asbestos Program
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Contractor License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$400

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Contractor License Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$300

Local Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Charter Township of Buena Vista Contractor License Registration

Agency:Charter Township of Buena Vista - Community Development Department (MI)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

Worker's Compensation Insurance as required by MCL § 418.115.

Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor License Registration

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:
  • $15 registration fee (Mechanical Contractors Only)
  • $10 registration fee (All Other Contractors)
Required Attachments:
  • State License
  • Certificate of Insurance

Registration Renewal

Form:

Contractor License Registration (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:
  • $15 renewal fee (Mechanical Contractors Only)
  • $10 renewal fee (All Other Contractors)
Due:
  • Annually by date of issuance (All licenses except Mechanical Contractors)
  • Mechanical Contractor Registration fee is charged once every three years for the term of the State License
Required Attachments:
  • State License
  • Certificate of Insurance

City of Holland Contractor Registration

Agency:City of Holland (MI)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor Registration

Filing Method:

Mail 

Required Attachments:
  • A copy of your contractor’s license(s).

Registration Renewal

Form:

Contractor Registration

Filing Method:

Mail 

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Required Attachments:
  • A copy of your contractor’s license(s)

City of Wyoming Contractor Registration

Agency:City of Wyoming (MI)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor Registration Form

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:
  • Master Plumber $15
  • Eectrical $60 
  • Fire Alarm Speciality $60
  • Mechancial $15
  • Sign Speciality $60
Required Attachments:
  • Copy of your current Contractor’s License

Registration Renewal

Form:

Contractor Registration Form

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:
  • Master Plumber $15
  • Eectrical $60 
  • Fire Alarm Speciality $60
  • Mechancial $15
  • Sign Speciality $60
Due:

Annually by the date of issuance. 

Lansing Building Wrecker’s/Mover’s License

Agency:Lansing City Clerk's Office (MI)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Insurance Requirements:

$100,000 for injury or death to any one person, $300,000 if more than one person, and $100,000 property damage. The City of Lansing must be shown as an additional insured.

Bond Requirements:

$10,000 Indemnity bond

Notes:

No person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of demolishing or moving buildings or other structures within the City of Lansing without first obtaining a license from the City authorizing the holder thereof to carry on or engage in such business.

Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Building Wrecker or Building Mover Printable Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$175

Required Attachments:
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof of bond

Registration Renewal

Form:

Building Wrecker or Building Mover Printable Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually

Required Attachments:
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof of bond

Individual Licenses

Michigan Individual Construction and Contracting Licenses

Michigan Asbestos Abatement Contrator/Supervisor Accreditation

Agency:Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Asbestos Program
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Accreditation Application

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Accreditation Application

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Michigan Asbestos Abatement Inspector Accreditation

Agency:Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Asbestos Program
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Accreditation Application

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Accreditation Application

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Michigan Asbestos Abatement Management Planner Accreditation

Agency:Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Asbestos Program
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Accreditation Application

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Accreditation Application

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Michigan Asbestos Abatement Project Designer Accreditation

Agency:Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Asbestos Program
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Accreditation Application

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Accreditation Application

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Michigan Asbestos Abatement Worker Accreditation

Agency:Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Asbestos Program
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Accreditation Application

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Abatement Accreditation Application

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Michigan Boiler Installer License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Boiler Installer's or Repairer's Examination

Agency Fee:

$100 exam fee + $80 license fee

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$80

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Notes:

A renewal notice is sent prior to expiration-no form on website.

Michigan Boiler Operator License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Boiler Operator or Stationary Engineer Examination and Registration

Agency Fee:

$50 applicaiton fee + $80 if applying for either Low Pressure OR High Pressure status and additional $80 if applying for BOTH High and Low Pressure status.

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$80

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Notes:

A renewal notice is sent prior to expiration-no form on website.

Michigan Boiler Repairer License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Boiler Installer's or Repairer's Examination

Agency Fee:

$100 exam fee + $80 license fee

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$80

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Notes:

A renewal notice is sent prior to expiration-no form on website.

Michigan Electrical Contractor License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Triennially by December 31.

Michigan Electrical Journeyman License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Notes:

A renewal notice is sent prior to expiration-no form on website.

Michigan Elevator Journeyperson License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Elevator Examinations

Agency Fee:

$100 Exam fee and $40 license fee

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Notes:

A renewal notice is sent prior to expiration-no form on website.

Michigan Fire Alarm Specialty Technician License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Notes:

A renewal notice is sent prior to expiration-no form on website.

Michigan Journeyman Plumber License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Annually by April 30.

Notes:

A renewal notice is sent prior to expiration-no form on website.

Michigan Lead Inspector Certification / License

Agency:Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - Healthy Homes Section
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No
Qualifying Individual Requirements:
  • 1-year related experience + bachelor’s degree; OR
  • 2-years’ related experience + associates degree; OR
  • 3-years’ related experience + high school diploma

Initial Registration

Form:

Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor Registration Application 

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Determined by date applied. Option 1 : March - August $475. Option 2 September - February  $325 

Notes:

If applying for reciprocity, verify out of state training meets Michigan requirements outlined in Act 333.5468 and Rules 325.99301 – 325.99304 by contacting the Department at 517-335-9390 or HHSInfo@Michigan.gov.

Before you Apply:

The Michigan Lead Abatement Act requires individuals engaging in lead-based paint activities be certified through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) prior to conducting work.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Lead Inspector/Assessor Renewal Application 

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$300 renewal fee + $125 exam fee = $425

Due:

Annually by March 30. 

Michigan Maintenance and Alteration Contractor Individual License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Triennially by May 31.

Michigan Master Electrician License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Notes:

A renewal notice is sent prior to expiration-no form on website.

Michigan Master Plumber License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Triennially by April 30.

Notes:

A renewal notice is sent prior to expiration-no form on website.

Michigan Mechanical Contractor License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Mechanical Contractor Examination & Licensing

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$300

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$300

Due:

Triennially by August 31.

Michigan Plumbing Apprentice Registration

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Registration for Plumbing Apprentice

Agency Fee:

$15

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$15

Due:

Annually by April 30.

Notes:

A renewal notice is sent prior to expiration-no form on website.

Michigan Residential Builder Individual License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Due:

Triennially by May 31.

Michigan Sign Specialist License

Agency:Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes - Licensing Division
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Notes:

A renewal notice is sent prior to expiration-no form on website.

Local Construction and Contracting Individual Licenses

Branch County Electrical Contractor's License Registration

Agency:Branch County Building Department (MI)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Electrical Contractor’s License Registration

Agency Fee:

$15

Required Attachments:
  • A copy of your state license
  • Certificate of liability insurance

Registration Renewal

Form:

Electrical Contractor’s License Registration (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$15

Due:

Registrations are valid for the remainder of the contractor's state license cycle.

Required Attachments:
  • A copy of your state license
  • Certificate of liability insurance

Branch County Mechanical Contractor's License Registration

Agency:Branch County Building Department (MI)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Not Set
Exam Required?Not Set
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?Not Set

Initial Registration

Form:

Mechanical Contractor’s License Registration

Agency Fee:

$15

Required Attachments:
  • A copy of your state license
  • Certificate of liability insurance

Registration Renewal

Form:

Mechanical Contractor’s License Registration (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

$15

Due:

Registrations are valid for the remainder of the contractor's state license cycle.

Required Attachments:
  • A copy of your state license
  • Certificate of liability insurance

Explore Licensing in Other States

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