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 2026-06-22

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

Michigan licenses HVAC contractors at the city level rather than statewide, so the path runs through your local permitting office. Here are the general steps — the verified specifics are detailed further down the page.

Start with your city, not the state. Michigan has no statewide HVAC contractor license — registration, bonds and insurance are set by each municipality, so confirm the rules with your local permitting office first.
Carry the insurance your city requires. No specific liability-insurance minimum under Act 407 of 2016 (Michigan's mechanical-contractor rules); coverage commonly required by clients and municipalities.
Post any local bond. No state-level surety bond required by LARA for Mechanical Contractor license; municipal requirements may apply
Register and pay the local fees. Mechanic Trainee registration: $20; Mechanical Contractor license: $300 per license period (pro-rated if applying outside renewal window)
Renew on your city's schedule. Every 3 years; license expires August 31 of the third year; renewal deadline October 31.

License types

Mechanic Trainee — Entry-level registration; must be 18+ with high school diploma or GED; works under licensed Mechanical Contractor
Mechanical Contractor — HVAC Equipment — Licensed to contract for HVAC equipment installation, ductwork, gas piping, and venting
Mechanical Contractor — Refrigeration — Covers refrigeration systems; separate classification exam required
Mechanical Contractor — Unlimited Heating / Limited Heating — Covers hydronic and combustion heating systems; tiered by capacity

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Minimum 3 years (6,000 hours) of verifiable experience in each applied-for classification under a licensed contractor. Up to 1 year (2,000 hours) credit granted for completion of a 2-year HVAC program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Application fee	Mechanic Trainee registration: $20; Mechanical Contractor license: $300 per license period (pro-rated if applying outside renewal window)
License fee	Included in application fee
Renewal fee	$300 every 3 years (by October 31; license expires August 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
Processing time	Not publicly disclosed by LARA BCC; exam scheduling at PSI testing centers throughout Michigan

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)

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

Local / municipal notes

EPA Section 608 Certification required separately for any work involving regulated refrigerants. Each work classification (HVAC equipment, refrigeration, heating, etc.) requires a separate exam and adds to the license scope. HVAC equipment classification specifically covers ductwork, gas piping, and venting.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Michigan hvac license cost?

Application: Mechanic Trainee registration: $20; Mechanical Contractor license: $300 per license period (pro-rated if applying outside renewal window). License: Included in application fee. Renewal: $300 every 3 years (by October 31; license expires August 31; late fee: $100).

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 verifiable experience in each applied-for classification under a licensed contractor. Up to 1 year (2,000 hours) credit granted for completion of a 2-year HVAC program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.

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 often must a Michigan hvac license be renewed?

Every 3 years; license expires August 31 of the third year; renewal deadline October 31.

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