Michigan

Michigan does not license general contractors at the state level. Instead, the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) licenses individual trades — electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, and manufactured housing. Highway work requires separate MDOT prequalification.

Always verify statutes, fees, and application details with the live regulator before making bidding, licensing, or legal decisions.

At a glance

The fastest way to orient yourself in Michigan is to know these key signals.

Signal	Value
General contractor license	Not required at the state level
Trade licenses required	Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, manufactured housing
Public works trigger	Contracts over $100,000 require a Certificate of Awardability
Highway prequalification trigger	All state highway bidders must prequalify with MDOT
CPA-audited financials (highway)	Required when contract exceeds $2,000,000
Reciprocity model	No reciprocal agreements with other states

Frequently asked questions

Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.

Contractors
Regulators

What state licenses are required for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or boiler contractors in Michigan?

Michigan licenses each trade separately through the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) within LARA. Electrical contractors must employ or hold a master electrician license. Mechanical contractors need 6,000 hours over 3 years. Plumbing contractors must employ or hold a master plumber license. Boiler installers, repairers, and inspectors need 5 years of experience plus an exam. See Requirements.

Does Michigan require a license for residential remodeling or commercial construction?

Michigan does not license general commercial contractors at the state level. However, residential builders and maintenance/alteration contractors must be licensed through BCC. On all projects, trade-specific work (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) must be performed by state-licensed individuals. See Construction work regulated.

What are the prequalification requirements for bidding on Michigan highway contracts?

File a confidential experience questionnaire and financial statement with MDOT. Ratings under $10,000,000 are valid for 16 months; ratings of $10,000,000 or above are valid for 28 months. CPA-audited financials are required for contracts over $2,000,000. No fees for highway prequalification. See Requirements.

Where do I go to get licensed in Michigan?

All trade licenses go through the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) within LARA, but each trade has its own section with separate contact information. MDOT handles highway prequalification. The Department of Civil Rights issues Certificates of Awardability for public works over $100,000. See Who regulates construction.

How much does it cost to get a trade license in Michigan?

PSI administers most exams under contract with BCC. Specific fee amounts are not detailed in the source material, but exam fees and licensing fees vary by trade. Veterans with honorable discharge may have the initial licensing fee waived. See Requirements.

Can I use my out-of-state license in Michigan?

Michigan has no reciprocal agreements with any other state. Out-of-state licenses may be reviewed case-by-case to determine exam eligibility. Veterans who meet requirements via out-of-state licensure may qualify for an exam waiver. See Reciprocal agreements.

What is a Certificate of Awardability?

Public works contracts over $100,000 require a Certificate of Awardability from the Department of Civil Rights. This is an equal opportunity compliance certificate, not a construction qualification. It is separate from both trade licensing and highway prequalification. See Construction work regulated.

What experience is required for an electrical contractor license?

The electrical contractor must employ or hold a Michigan master electrician license. Master electricians need 12,000 hours over 6+ years under a master electrician, plus 2 years holding a journeyman license. Journeymen need 8,000 hours over 4+ years. Apprentices must register within 30 days of employment. See Requirements.

Does Michigan require licensing for residential construction?

Yes. Residential builders and maintenance/alteration contractors must be licensed through BCC’s Licensing Section. The qualifying individual must pass an exam. Separate trade licenses are still required for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work on residential projects. See Construction work regulated.

Does Michigan require a license for fire alarm work?

Yes. Fire alarm contractors must employ or hold a Michigan fire alarm specialty technician license. Fire alarm technicians must hold CFAT II or NICET II (or higher) certification and pass an exam. Apprentice technicians must register within 30 days. See Requirements.

How does Michigan's licensing model compare to single-board states?

Michigan uses a trade-license model with no general contractor board. All trade licenses flow through a single bureau (BCC) within LARA, creating administrative efficiency despite the lack of a general contractor category. This contrasts with states like Alabama that split regulation across many independent boards. See Who regulates construction.

How does Michigan regulate residential vs. commercial construction?

Michigan licenses residential builders and maintenance/alteration contractors through BCC, but does not license general commercial contractors. Both residential and commercial projects require state-licensed trade workers (electrical, mechanical, plumbing). The practical difference is that commercial general contracting has no state credential requirement. See Construction work regulated.

What financial statements are required for MDOT prequalification?

CPA-audited financials are required when the contract exceeds $2,000,000. Ratings under $10,000,000 are valid for 16 months; ratings of $10,000,000 or above are valid for 28 months. No fees apply for highway prequalification. See Requirements.

What specialty trade licenses does Michigan issue?

BCC issues licenses for: electrical (master, journeyman, apprentice, contractor), fire alarm (contractor, technician, apprentice), signs (contractor, specialist), mechanical/HVAC (10 classifications), plumbing (master, journey, apprentice, contractor), boiler (installer, repairer, inspector), elevator (contractor, journeyman), manufactured housing (retailer, community, installer/servicer), and residential building. See Types of licenses.

What are the fees and insurance requirements across trades?

All OCILB applicants must carry $500,000 in contractor liability coverage. Manufactured housing retailers need a $10,000 bond per office location. MDOT highway prequalification has no fees. Exam fees vary by trade and are administered by PSI. See Requirements.

What license classifications does Michigan use for mechanical work?

Michigan offers 10 mechanical classifications: Limited Heating Service, Unlimited Heating Service, Limited Refrigeration and A/C Service, Unlimited Refrigeration and A/C Service, Hydronic Heating and Cooling, Process Piping, HVAC Equipment, Duct Work, Refrigeration, and Fire Suppression Specialty. See Requirements.

Does Michigan have any reciprocity agreements?

No. Michigan does not have reciprocal agreements with any other state for any trade. Out-of-state licenses may be reviewed case-by-case for exam eligibility. Veterans with honorable discharge may qualify for fee waivers and exam waivers. See Reciprocal agreements.

What exam requirements exist across Michigan's trades?

Exams are required for master and journeyman electricians, all mechanical classifications, journey and master plumbers, plumbing contractors, boiler licenses, elevator contractors and journeymen, and residential builders. PSI administers most exams under contract with BCC. See Requirements.

What are the renewal cycles for Michigan licenses?

The source material does not specify uniform renewal cycles. MDOT prequalification ratings are valid for 16 months (under $10,000,000) or 28 months ($10,000,000 or above). Contact BCC for specific trade renewal schedules. See Requirements.

How does Michigan compare to other Midwest states in regulatory complexity?

Michigan has moderate complexity — it regulates more trades than minimal states like Kansas or Missouri, but channels everything through a single bureau (BCC). This is less fragmented than Ohio’s five-agency model and more structured than Illinois’s three-lane approach. See the Midwest region guide.

Start with your goal

Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.

Is licensure triggered?

Start with threshold and work-lane rules, then confirm which trade license applies.

Find the right regulator

Use the regulator directory to route your question to the correct Michigan section within LARA or MDOT.

Application and renewal details

Exams, fees, bonds, experience hours, and renewal cycles for each trade.

Reciprocity direction

Michigan has no formal reciprocity but may review out-of-state credentials for exam eligibility.

Special considerations

Different roles need different things from a Michigan page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.

Contractors
Regulators

Michigan does not require a state general contractor license. Focus on which trade credentials your project needs.

There is no statewide general contractor license — regulation is trade-by-trade.
Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, and manufactured housing each require separate state licenses.
Public works contracts over $100,000 require a Certificate of Awardability from the Department of Civil Rights.
Highway bidders must prequalify with MDOT; contracts over $2,000,000 require CPA-audited financials.
Veterans with honorable discharge may have the initial licensing fee waived and, if licensed in another state, may have the exam requirement waived.

Readiness checklist

Four things you need to confirm before you can treat Michigan as “ready” for a bid or an application. If any of these are unclear, you are not ready yet.

Identify the trade lane

Michigan does not license general contractors at the state level. Determine which specific trade credential — electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, manufactured housing, or residential builder — your project requires.

Check the public works gate

If bidding on public works, confirm whether the contract exceeds $100,000 (Certificate of Awardability required). For highway work, confirm MDOT prequalification. Contracts over $2,000,000 need CPA-audited financials.

Route to the correct BCC section

All trade licenses go through the Bureau of Construction Codes, but each trade has its own section with separate phone, email, and exam requirements.

Confirm the requirement set

Confirm experience hours, exams, fees, bond or insurance, and renewal cycle for the exact trade before filing. PSI administers most exams under contract with BCC.

If you can identify the trade lane, check the public works gate, route to the correct BCC section, and confirm the requirement set, you have the minimum package needed for a Michigan readiness check.

Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.

New state evaluation if you are screening Michigan for the first time.
Multi-state bid readiness if you need to compare Michigan with nearby jurisdictions.
Licensing thresholds or prequalification patterns for cross-state context.

Construction work regulated

Michigan does not have a single dollar threshold that triggers a general contractor license. Instead, regulation is organized by trade, with specific experience and exam requirements for each. Public works and highway work have separate gates.

Work lane	What triggers regulation
Electrical work	All electrical work requires a licensed electrician (state level)
Mechanical / HVAC work	All mechanical work requires a licensed mechanical contractor (state level)
Plumbing work	All plumbing work requires a licensed plumber (state level)
Boiler installation and repair	Requires state boiler installer, repairer, or inspector license
Elevator construction and service	Requires state elevator contractor or journeyman license
Manufactured housing	Retailers, installers, and community operators must be licensed
Residential building	Residential builders and maintenance/alteration contractors must be licensed
Public works	Contracts over $100,000 require Certificate of Awardability
State highway work	Requires MDOT prequalification; $2,000,000+ requires CPA-audited financials

Fire alarm contractors, sign contractors, and sign specialists also require state licensing through BCC. These fall under the electrical licensing family.

Common determination scenarios

If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.

Commercial building project

Michigan does not require a state general contractor license for commercial work. However, each trade on the project (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) must be performed by state-licensed individuals. If the project is public works over $100,000, you also need a Certificate of Awardability.

Residential construction or remodeling

Residential builders and maintenance/alteration contractors must be licensed through BCC. The qualifying individual must pass an exam. Separate trade licenses are still required for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.

Highway or DOT project

File a confidential experience questionnaire and financial statement with MDOT. Prequalification ratings are valid for 16 months (under $10,000,000 rating) or 28 months ($10,000,000 or above). No fees for highway prequalification.

Electrical work

The electrical contractor must employ or hold a Michigan master electrician license. Master electricians need 12,000 hours over 6+ years plus 2 years as a journeyman. Journeymen need 8,000 hours over 4+ years.

Out-of-state credential

Michigan has no reciprocal agreements. However, out-of-state licenses may be reviewed to determine exam eligibility. Veterans with honorable discharge may qualify for fee waivers and exam waivers if licensed in another state.

Who regulates construction

Michigan routes all trade licensing through the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) within LARA, with separate sections for each trade. Highway prequalification goes through MDOT. Each entry below includes the section’s contact information.

Highway prequalification — Michigan Department of Transportation

Contractor Services Division / Prequalification Unit B470, P.O. Box 30050, Lansing, MI 48909Phone: (517) 335-4281 | Fax: (517) 373-3707Email: mdotprequal@michigan.gov

All trade licensing — Bureau of Construction Codes (LARA)

P.O. Box 30254, Lansing, MI 48909Phone: (517) 241-9313Website: michigan.gov/bcc

Electrical Section — BCC

P.O. Box 30254, Lansing, MI 48909Phone: (517) 241-9320Email: bccelec@michigan.gov

Mechanical Section — BCC

P.O. Box 30254, Lansing, MI 48909Phone: (517) 241-9325Email: bccmech@michigan.gov

Plumbing Section — BCC

P.O. Box 30254, Lansing, MI 48909Phone: (517) 241-9330Email: bccplbg@michigan.gov

Boiler Section — BCC

P.O. Box 30254, Lansing, MI 48909Phone: (517) 241-9334Email: bccblr@michigan.gov

Elevator Safety Section — BCC

P.O. Box 30254, Lansing, MI 48909Phone: (517) 241-9337Email: elevsafety@michigan.gov

Licensing Section — BCC (residential builders, fire alarm, signs)

P.O. Box 30254, Lansing, MI 48909Phone: (517) 241-9316Email: LARA-BCC-licensing@michigan.gov

Corporations Division — LARA (Certificates of Authority)

P.O. Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909Phone: (517) 241-6470 | Fax: (517) 241-0538Website: michigan.gov/corporations

Requirements

Each Michigan trade has its own experience, exam, and fee structure. All exams are administered by PSI under contract with BCC unless otherwise noted. Expand the trade that applies to your situation.

Electrical

Requirement	Detail
Master electrician experience	12,000 hours over 6+ years under a master electrician, plus 2 years holding a journeyman license
Journeyman electrician experience	8,000 hours over 4+ years under a licensed individual
Apprentice electrician	Must register within 30 days of employment; must be in a US DOL-approved apprenticeship program
Electrical contractor	Must employ or hold a Michigan master electrician license
Exam	Required for master, journeyman, and contractor

License type	Exam	Experience
Master Electrician	Yes	12,000 hours / 6+ years + 2 years as journeyman
Journeyman Electrician	Yes	8,000 hours / 4+ years
Apprentice Electrician	No	Register within 30 days; DOL-approved program
Electrical Contractor	No	Must employ or hold master license

Fire Alarm and Signs

Requirement	Detail
Fire alarm contractor	Must employ or hold a Michigan fire alarm specialty technician license
Fire alarm technician	Must hold CFAT II or NICET II (or higher) certification; exam required
Fire alarm apprentice technician	Must register within 30 days of employment; must have a sponsoring technician
Sign contractor	Must employ or hold a Michigan sign specialist license
Sign specialist	4,000 hours over 2+ years; exam required

Mechanical (HVAC, Refrigeration, Process Piping)

Requirement	Detail
Experience	6,000 hours / 3 years in the specific type of work
Exam	Written exam required for each classification
Adding classifications	May add after initial license; service and ductwork classifications may be added after holding HVAC or Refrigeration for 3+ years
Character	Applicant must be of good moral character

Classifications include: Limited Heating Service, Unlimited Heating Service, Limited Refrigeration & A/C Service, Unlimited Refrigeration & A/C Service, Hydronic Heating and Cooling, Process Piping, HVAC Equipment, Duct Work, Refrigeration, Fire Suppression Specialty.

Plumbing

Requirement	Detail
Master plumber experience	4,000 hours / 2+ years as a licensed journey plumber
Journey plumber experience	6,000 hours / 3+ years as a registered apprentice
Apprentice registration	Must be at least 15 years old; register within 30 days of employment
Plumbing contractor	Must employ or hold a Michigan master plumber license; exam required
Exam	Required for journey, master, and contractor

License type	Minimum age	Experience
Apprentice	15	Register within 30 days
Journey Plumber	18	6,000 hours / 3+ years as apprentice
Master Plumber	18	4,000 hours / 2+ years as journey plumber
Plumbing Contractor	—	Must employ or hold master plumber license

Boiler

Requirement	Detail
Experience	5 years in all phases of boiler installation, repair, or inspection in the class applied for
Exam	Required for all boiler licenses

License types: Boiler Installer, Boiler Repairer, Boiler Inspector.

Elevator

Requirement	Detail
Elevator contractor	5+ years as elevator constructor or journeyman (sworn affidavit); exam required
Elevator journeyman	3+ years continuous employment in elevator construction, service, or maintenance; exam required

Manufactured Housing

Requirement	Detail
Retailer	Application plus licensing fee; $10,000 bond per office location
Community license	Required for tracts with 3+ manufactured homes; annual inspection; water/sewer certifications required
Installer / servicer	Application and fee

Reciprocal agreements

Michigan does not have reciprocal agreements with any other state. Out-of-state licenses may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether an applicant is eligible to sit for a Michigan exam.

No automatic credential transfer exists. If you hold an out-of-state license, contact the BCC Licensing Section to ask whether your credentials qualify you for exam eligibility.

Board	Reciprocal states	Coverage
Bureau of Construction Codes (all trades)	None	No reciprocity

Veterans with honorable discharge (DD-214 or DD-215) may have their initial licensing fee waived. Veterans who meet requirements via out-of-state licensure may also qualify for an exam waiver.

Types of licenses

Michigan offers trade-specific licenses through the Bureau of Construction Codes. There is no state general contractor license category.

Electrical

Electrical Contractor
Master Electrician
Journeyman Electrician
Apprentice Electrician
Fire Alarm Contractor
Fire Alarm Specialty Technician
Fire Alarm Specialty Apprentice Technician
Sign Contractor
Sign Specialist

Mechanical

Limited Heating Service
Unlimited Heating Service
Limited Refrigeration & A/C Service
Unlimited Refrigeration & A/C Service
Hydronic Heating and Cooling
Process Piping
HVAC Equipment
Duct Work
Refrigeration
Fire Suppression Specialty

Plumbing

Plumbing Contractor
Master Plumber
Journey Plumber
Apprentice Registration

Boiler and Elevator

Boiler Installer
Boiler Repairer
Boiler Inspector
Elevator Contractor
Elevator Journeyman

Residential and Manufactured Housing

Residential Builder
Maintenance and Alteration Contractor
Manufactured Home Retailer
Manufactured Home Community License
Manufactured Home Installer / Servicer

Midwest region guide

Browse all Midwest jurisdictions for comparison.

Contractors guide

Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.

Regulators guide

Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.

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Territories and DC

At a glance

Frequently asked questions

Start with your goal

Is licensure triggered?

Find the right regulator

Application and renewal details

Reciprocity direction

Special considerations

Readiness checklist

Navigation

Construction work regulated

Common determination scenarios

Who regulates construction

Requirements

Reciprocal agreements

Types of licenses

See also

Midwest region guide

Contractors guide

Regulators guide

​At a glance

​Frequently asked questions

​Start with your goal

Is licensure triggered?

Find the right regulator

Application and renewal details

Reciprocity direction

​Special considerations

​Readiness checklist

​Navigation

​Construction work regulated

​Common determination scenarios

​Who regulates construction

​Requirements

​Reciprocal agreements

​Types of licenses

​See also

Midwest region guide

Contractors guide

Regulators guide

At a glance

Frequently asked questions

Start with your goal

Special considerations

Readiness checklist

Navigation

Construction work regulated

Common determination scenarios

Who regulates construction

Requirements

Reciprocal agreements

Types of licenses

See also