How to get a general contractor license in Michigan
Edited by John Voll. Last verified .
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section licenses general contractors in Michigan. A residential builder or maintenance and alteration contractor license is required for work totaling $600 or more in labor and materials.
Who licenses general contractor work in Michigan
| Credential | State license |
|---|---|
| Board | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section official statement |
| Official lookup | Search general contractor licenses |
| When a license is needed | A residential builder or maintenance and alteration contractor license is required for work totaling $600 or more in labor and materials. source |
| License types | Residential Builder, Maintenance & Alteration Contractor, Residential Builder Salesperson |
How to get licensed
- Apply to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs as a Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor or Residential Builder Salesperson.
- State exam required for the residential builder license, given by PSI. source
- Experience: 60 hours of approved prelicensure education before the exam or application (no work experience requirement found on an official source). source
- Pay the application processing fee of $15: $15. source
- Licenses run on a 3-year license cycle. source
General contractor requirements in Michigan
| Exam | State exam required for the residential builder license, given by PSI. source |
|---|---|
| Experience | 60 hours of approved prelicensure education before the exam or application (no work experience requirement found on an official source). source |
| Bond | Not found on an official source. |
| Insurance | Not found on an official source. |
| Renewal | Licenses run on a 3-year license cycle. source |
| Reciprocity | Not found on an official source. |
| Fees |
|
Hiring a general contractor?
See every official lookup in Michigan, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.
Questions
- Do you need a general contractor license in Michigan?
- Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section licenses general contractors in Michigan. A residential builder or maintenance and alteration contractor license is required for work totaling $600 or more in labor and materials.
- How do I check a general contractor license in Michigan?
- The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section keeps the record for general contractors in Michigan. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
- How much does a general contractor license cost in Michigan?
- Application processing fee of $15. License fee of $50 per year of the license cycle. License fee of $60 per year for the first license cycle after the builder enforcement fund amendment (applies once per licensee). Examination fee of $50 for the complete builder or maintenance and alteration contractor exam, as set in statute (LARA says exam fees are now paid to PSI when scheduling; PSI's current charge was not verified).
- How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in Michigan?
- 60 hours of approved prelicensure education before the exam or application (no work experience requirement found on an official source).
- How often does a general contractor license renew in Michigan?
- Licenses run on a 3-year license cycle.
Other trades in Michigan
- Electrical license in Michigan
- Plumbing license in Michigan
- HVAC license in Michigan
- Roofing license in Michigan
- All Michigan trades
General contractor license in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/sections/licensing-section/residential-builders
- https://aca-prod.accela.com/MILARA/GeneralProperty/PropertyLookUp.aspx?isLicensee=Y&TabName=APO
- https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/sections/licensing-section/residential-builders/lic-info/helpful-information-for-homeowners
- https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-339-2404
- https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/sections/licensing-section/residential-builders/forms/prelicensure-education-requirements-for-residential-builder-and-maintenance-alteration-contractor-a
- https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-338-2239
This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.