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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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
- 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.
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.
Navigation
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
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 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
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
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
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
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)
All trade licensing — Bureau of Construction Codes (LARA)
Electrical Section — BCC
Electrical Section — BCC
Mechanical Section — BCC
Mechanical Section — BCC
Plumbing Section — BCC
Plumbing Section — BCC
Boiler Section — BCC
Boiler Section — BCC
Elevator Safety Section — BCC
Elevator Safety Section — BCC
Licensing Section — BCC (residential builders, fire alarm, signs)
Licensing Section — BCC (residential builders, fire alarm, signs)
Corporations Division — LARA (Certificates of Authority)
Corporations Division — LARA (Certificates of Authority)
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
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
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)
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 |
Plumbing
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
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 |
Elevator
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
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
- 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
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
- Plumbing Contractor
- Master Plumber
- Journey Plumber
- Apprentice Registration
Boiler and Elevator
Boiler and Elevator
- Boiler Installer
- Boiler Repairer
- Boiler Inspector
- Elevator Contractor
- Elevator Journeyman
Residential and Manufactured Housing
Residential and Manufactured Housing
- Residential Builder
- Maintenance and Alteration Contractor
- Manufactured Home Retailer
- Manufactured Home Community License
- Manufactured Home Installer / Servicer
See also
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.