Michigan HVAC License Requirements

Official classification: Mechanical Contractor License — HVAC Equipment Classification · Issued by the Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division.

❄️ HVACMI ✔ Verified 2026-09-30

In Michigan, HVAC contractors must hold the Mechanical Contractor License — HVAC Equipment Classification, issued by the Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division, and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Michigan

Follow these steps to earn your Mechanical Contractor License — HVAC Equipment Classification. Every figure is verified against the Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Minimum 3 years (6,000 hours) of experience in each work classification applied for (MCL 339.5807(1)). Up to 1 year (2,000 hours) may be credited for a 2-year HVAC program at a recognized trade school, community college or university, or a 2-year HVAC program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (MCL 339.5807(5)).
Pass the Mechanical Contractor — HVAC Equipment Examination and Mechanical Contractor — Other Classifications Examination exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Check the insurance rules. Liability: No specific liability-insurance minimum under Act 407 of 2016 (Michigan's mechanical-contractor rules); coverage commonly required by clients and municipalities. 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.
Clear the background check. No formal background check required by LARA BCC for Mechanical Contractor license; applicants must disclose prior criminal matters and attest to rehabilitation or non-relevance
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division — Mechanical Contractor license: $100 per year of the license period ($300 for a full 3-year period, pro-rated mid-cycle); each classification exam $100 or less (MCL 339.5813) 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. Exams are scheduled with PSI.
Keep the license active. Renewal: Every 3 years; license expires August 31 of the third year; renewal deadline October 31.

For the general path in every state, see the HVAC guide →

Michigan HVAC contractor license lookup

To confirm an HVAC 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

Mechanical Contractor — One license issued with one or more separately examined work classifications (MCL 339.5807(2)): hydronic heating and cooling and process piping; HVAC equipment; ductwork; refrigeration; limited heating service; limited refrigeration and air conditioning service; unlimited heating service; unlimited refrigeration and air conditioning service; fire suppression; and specialty.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Minimum 3 years (6,000 hours) of experience in each work classification applied for (MCL 339.5807(1)). Up to 1 year (2,000 hours) may be credited for a 2-year HVAC program at a recognized trade school, community college or university, or a 2-year HVAC program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (MCL 339.5807(5)).
Application fee	Mechanical Contractor license: $100 per year of the license period ($300 for a full 3-year period, pro-rated mid-cycle); each classification exam $100 or less (MCL 339.5813)
License fee	Included in application fee
Renewal fee	$300 every 3 years (license expires August 31; renew by October 31; late fee $100)
Renewal period	Every 3 years; license expires August 31 of the third year; renewal deadline October 31
Continuing education	None required for Michigan Mechanical Contractor license
Bond required	No state-level surety bond required by LARA for Mechanical Contractor license; municipal requirements may apply
Liability insurance	No specific liability-insurance minimum under Act 407 of 2016 (Michigan's mechanical-contractor rules); coverage commonly required by clients and municipalities.
Property damage	—
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
Background check	No formal background check required by LARA BCC for Mechanical Contractor license; applicants must disclose prior criminal matters and attest to rehabilitation or non-relevance
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	None · other states' agreements
Processing time	LARA says processing may take up to 3-5 weeks; applications are reviewed in order of receipt. Exams are scheduled with PSI.

What a Michigan hvac license costs

Application fee	Mechanical Contractor license: $100 per year of the license period ($300 for a full 3-year period, pro-rated mid-cycle); each classification exam $100 or less (MCL 339.5813).
License fee	Included in application fee.
Mechanical Contractor — HVAC Equipment Examination	$100 (paid to PSI).
Mechanical Contractor — Other Classifications Examination	$50 per classification (paid to PSI).
Surety bond	No state-level surety bond required by LARA for Mechanical Contractor license; municipal requirements may apply.
Renewal fee	$300 every 3 years (license expires August 31; renew by October 31; late fee $100).
Renewal period	Every 3 years; license expires August 31 of the third year; renewal deadline October 31.

Exams

Mechanical Contractor — HVAC Equipment Examination	Provider: PSI (on behalf of LARA BCC) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $100 (paid to PSI)
Mechanical Contractor — Other Classifications Examination	Provider: PSI (on behalf of LARA BCC) · Passing: 75% · Fee: $50 per classification (paid to PSI)

Renewing a Michigan HVAC contractor license

The Mechanical Contractor License — HVAC Equipment Classification renews on a fixed cycle set by the Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division. 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; license expires August 31 of the third year; renewal deadline October 31
Renewal fee	$300 every 3 years (license expires August 31; renew by October 31; late fee $100)
Continuing education	None required for Michigan Mechanical Contractor license
Where to renew	Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division

Local / municipal notes

EPA Section 608 Certification is required separately for any work with regulated refrigerants. Each work classification needs its own exam; ductwork, for example, is a separate classification from HVAC equipment (MCL 339.5807(2)).

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Michigan hvac license cost?

Application: Mechanical Contractor license: $100 per year of the license period ($300 for a full 3-year period, pro-rated mid-cycle); each classification exam $100 or less (MCL 339.5813). License: Included in application fee. Renewal: $300 every 3 years (license expires August 31; renew by October 31; late fee $100).

How do I look up a hvac 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 hvacs in Michigan need a surety bond?

No state-level surety bond required by LARA for Mechanical Contractor license; municipal requirements may apply

What experience is required for a Michigan hvac license?

Minimum 3 years (6,000 hours) of experience in each work classification applied for (MCL 339.5807(1)). Up to 1 year (2,000 hours) may be credited for a 2-year HVAC program at a recognized trade school, community college or university, or a 2-year HVAC program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (MCL 339.5807(5)).

Is insurance required for hvacs in Michigan?

Liability: No specific liability-insurance minimum under Act 407 of 2016 (Michigan's mechanical-contractor rules); coverage commonly required by clients and municipalities. 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.

How long does it take to get a Michigan hvac license?

Processing time: LARA says processing may take up to 3-5 weeks; applications are reviewed in order of receipt. Exams are scheduled with PSI.

Is a background check required for hvacs in Michigan?

Background check: No formal background check required by LARA BCC for Mechanical Contractor license; applicants must disclose prior criminal matters and attest to rehabilitation or non-relevance.

How often must a Michigan hvac license be renewed?

Every 3 years; license expires August 31 of the third year; renewal deadline October 31. Continuing education: None required for Michigan Mechanical Contractor license.

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, Mechanical Division before applying. This is not legal advice.