Michigan Residential Builder (Contractor) License Requirements

Official classification: Residential Builder License · Issued by the Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Residential Builders Section.

🏗️ General ContractorMI ✔ Verified 2026-06-22

In Michigan, general contractors must hold the Residential Builder License, issued by the Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Residential Builders Section, and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed general contractor in Michigan

Follow these steps to earn your Residential Builder License. Every figure is verified against the Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Residential Builders Section; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. No minimum work-hours experience requirement specified in statute; applicants must complete 60 hours of approved prelicensure education prior to application. Must maintain a Michigan place of business (P.O. Box not sufficient).
Pass the Residential Builder Examination exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (No specific state-mandated minimum is confirmed in statute; general liability is commonly required by clients and lenders.), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Not explicitly required as part of standard RB application; 'good moral character' standard applies
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Residential Builders Section — $195 (nonrefundable license fee; veteran fee waiver available) application fee, plus a Included in application fee license fee. Processing time: Not publicly disclosed by LARA; PSI exam scheduling at five Michigan testing centers, six days a week.
Keep the license active. Renew every 3 years; licenses expire May 31, completing First 6 years of licensure: 21 hours per 3-year renewal cycle (must include building codes, safety, and construction law changes); After 6 years: 3 hours per 3-year cycle.

Michigan general contractor license lookup

To confirm a general contractor is properly licensed in Michigan — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official aca-prod.accela.com database →

License types

Residential Builder — Authorizes contracting to build, repair, alter, add to, subtract from, or improve residential structures (up to 3 units) or combined residential/commercial buildings; the broadest residential contractor credential in Michigan
Maintenance & Alteration Contractor — Narrower license for specific trade work on existing residential structures; cannot build new homes from the foundation

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	No minimum work-hours experience requirement specified in statute; applicants must complete 60 hours of approved prelicensure education prior to application. Must maintain a Michigan place of business (P.O. Box not sufficient).
Application fee	$195 (nonrefundable license fee; veteran fee waiver available)
License fee	Included in application fee
Renewal fee	$150 every 3 years (online via MiPLUS; licenses expire May 31 on a triennial cycle)
Renewal period	Every 3 years; licenses expire May 31
Continuing education	First 6 years of licensure: 21 hours per 3-year renewal cycle (must include building codes, safety, and construction law changes); After 6 years: 3 hours per 3-year cycle
Bond required	No state-level surety bond is required for the Residential Builder license; some counties/municipalities require a local bond.
Liability insurance	No specific state-mandated minimum is confirmed in statute; general liability is commonly required by clients and lenders.
Property damage	Covered under general liability policy
Workers' comp	Required under Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Act if employer has 3+ employees at any time, or 1+ full-time employee (35+ hrs/week) for 13+ weeks; exemption documentation required if no employees
Background check	Not explicitly required as part of standard RB application; 'good moral character' standard applies
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	Out-of-state applicants holding a current equivalent license may submit verification to potentially waive the 60-hour prelicensure education requirement; no full reciprocity agreement with any state
Processing time	Not publicly disclosed by LARA; PSI exam scheduling at five Michigan testing centers, six days a week

Exams

Residential Builder Examination	Provider: PSI (on behalf of LARA BCC) · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by LARA · Fee: $117 (paid to PSI)

Preparing for the General Contractor exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

Michigan does NOT license general contractors for commercial-only work at the state level. Commercial work is regulated only by local municipalities. The Residential Builder license is Michigan's closest equivalent to a 'general contractor' license for residential projects.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Michigan general contractor license cost?

Application: $195 (nonrefundable license fee; veteran fee waiver available). License: Included in application fee. Renewal: $150 every 3 years (online via MiPLUS; licenses expire May 31 on a triennial cycle).

How do I look up a general contractor license in Michigan?

Search the official license database at aca-prod.accela.com. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do general contractors in Michigan need a surety bond?

No state-level surety bond is required for the Residential Builder license; some counties/municipalities require a local bond.

What experience is required for a Michigan general contractor license?

No minimum work-hours experience requirement specified in statute; applicants must complete 60 hours of approved prelicensure education prior to application. Must maintain a Michigan place of business (P.O. Box not sufficient).

Is insurance required for general contractors in Michigan?

Liability: No specific state-mandated minimum is confirmed in statute; general liability is commonly required by clients and lenders. Workers' compensation: Required under Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Act if employer has 3+ employees at any time, or 1+ full-time employee (35+ hrs/week) for 13+ weeks; exemption documentation required if no employees

How often must a Michigan general contractor license be renewed?

Every 3 years; licenses expire May 31. Continuing education: First 6 years of licensure: 21 hours per 3-year renewal cycle (must include building codes, safety, and construction law changes); After 6 years: 3 hours per 3-year cycle

Is a Michigan builders license the same as a general contractor license?

Effectively, yes — for residential work. Michigan has no separate 'general contractor' license at the state level. The Residential Builder license issued by LARA is the credential a general contractor needs to build, alter, or improve homes (up to 3 units). Commercial-only work is regulated by local municipalities, not the state.

What is a LARA builders license?

'LARA' is the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, whose Bureau of Construction Codes issues the Residential Builder license. A 'LARA builders license' is simply the common name for that state Residential Builder credential.

How do I get my builders license in Michigan?

Complete 60 hours of approved prelicensure education, pass the PSI Residential Builder examination ($117), and submit the LARA application with the $195 license fee. You must maintain a Michigan place of business (a P.O. Box is not sufficient).

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-22 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Residential Builders Section before applying. This is not legal advice.