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 2026-09-30

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.
Check the insurance rules. Liability: 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' 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.
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) application fee, plus a Included in application fee license fee. Processing time: LARA says processing may take up to 3-5 weeks; applications are reviewed in order of receipt. The PSI exam is given at testing centers across Michigan, six days a week.
Keep the license active. Renewal: Every 3 years; licenses expire May 31. Continuing education: First two 3-year license cycles: at least 21 hours per cycle, including at least 3 hours in each calendar year and hours on building codes, safety and changes in construction and business law. After two cycles: 3 hours per cycle (1 hour each of codes, safety and legal issues) (MCL 339.2404b(2)).

For the general path in every state, see the General Contractor guide →

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)
License fee	Included in application fee
Renewal fee	$150 every 3 years, online through LARA (Accela or Express Pay); licenses expire May 31 on a triennial cycle. Late fee $20, rising to $35 after 60 days.
Renewal period	Every 3 years; licenses expire May 31
Continuing education	First two 3-year license cycles: at least 21 hours per cycle, including at least 3 hours in each calendar year and hours on building codes, safety and changes in construction and business law. After two cycles: 3 hours per cycle (1 hour each of codes, safety and legal issues) (MCL 339.2404b(2)).
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	None. Michigan has no reciprocity agreement for this license, and MCL 339.2404b gives out-of-state licensees no exemption from the 60-hour prelicensure course; its exemptions cover prior Michigan licensees and qualifying honorably discharged veterans. · other states' agreements
Processing time	LARA says processing may take up to 3-5 weeks; applications are reviewed in order of receipt. The PSI exam is given at testing centers across Michigan, six days a week.

What a Michigan general contractor license costs

Application fee	$195 (nonrefundable license fee).
License fee	Included in application fee.
Residential Builder Examination	$117 (paid to PSI).
Surety bond	No state-level surety bond is required for the Residential Builder license; some counties/municipalities require a local bond.
Renewal fee	$150 every 3 years, online through LARA (Accela or Express Pay); licenses expire May 31 on a triennial cycle. Late fee $20, rising to $35 after 60 days.
Renewal period	Every 3 years; licenses expire May 31.

Exams

Residential Builder Examination	Provider: PSI (on behalf of LARA BCC) · Passing: 116 correct out of 160 questions (PSI candidate bulletin, updated 8/3/2026) · Fee: $117 (paid to PSI)

Renewing a Michigan general contractor license

The Residential Builder License renews on a fixed cycle set by the Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Residential Builders Section. Finish the continuing-education requirement before you file — boards generally will not process a renewal without it. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	Every 3 years; licenses expire May 31
Renewal fee	$150 every 3 years, online through LARA (Accela or Express Pay); licenses expire May 31 on a triennial cycle. Late fee $20, rising to $35 after 60 days.
Continuing education	First two 3-year license cycles: at least 21 hours per cycle, including at least 3 hours in each calendar year and hours on building codes, safety and changes in construction and business law. After two cycles: 3 hours per cycle (1 hour each of codes, safety and legal issues) (MCL 339.2404b(2)).
Where to renew	Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Residential Builders Section

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). License: Included in application fee. Renewal: $150 every 3 years, online through LARA (Accela or Express Pay); licenses expire May 31 on a triennial cycle. Late fee $20, rising to $35 after 60 days.

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. Property damage: Covered under general liability policy. 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 long does it take to get a Michigan general contractor license?

Processing time: LARA says processing may take up to 3-5 weeks; applications are reviewed in order of receipt. The PSI exam is given at testing centers across Michigan, six days a week.

Is a background check required for general contractors in Michigan?

Background check: Not explicitly required as part of standard RB application; 'good moral character' standard applies.

How often must a Michigan general contractor license be renewed?

Every 3 years; licenses expire May 31. Continuing education: First two 3-year license cycles: at least 21 hours per cycle, including at least 3 hours in each calendar year and hours on building codes, safety and changes in construction and business law. After two cycles: 3 hours per cycle (1 hour each of codes, safety and legal issues) (MCL 339.2404b(2)).

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 2026-09-30 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Residential Builders Section before applying. This is not legal advice.