General Contractor License Requirements in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes (LARA/BCC) |
| License Type | Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor |
| Experience Required | Residential Builder: 3 years verifiable experience in residential construction within the past 10 years. Maintenance & Alteration Contractor: 1 year verifiable experience. Alternatively, complete 60 hours of LARA-approved prelicensure education (minimum 6 hours per subject area). |
| Education Substitute | 60 hours of approved prelicensure education covering: business management, estimating & job costing, design & building science, contracts & liability, marketing & sales, project management, Michigan Residential Code, and construction safety standards |
| Exam Required | Yes — Business and Law Exam + Practice and Trade Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 21 hours every 3 years (21 hours if licensed < 6 years; 3 hours if licensed 6+ years) |
| Processing Time | 2-3 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $195 |
| Exam Fee | $117 |
| M&A Contractor application | $185 |
| Late renewal surcharge | $20 |
| Est. Initial Total | $517 |
Renewal: $185 every 3 years
Exam Requirements
Business and Law Exam
50 questions75 minutesPass: 70% minimum on each section (36/50 Business & Law)
Michigan contractor lawBusiness practicesContractsLiability
Practice and Trade Exam
110 questions180 minutesPass: 70% minimum on each section (36/50 Business & Law)
Michigan Residential CodeBuilding practicesSafety regulationsConstruction methods
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Maintenance & Alteration Contractor
1 year verifiable residential construction experience (within past 10 years), OR 60 hours prelicensure education
Exam: Required
Residential Builder
3 years verifiable residential construction experience (within past 10 years), OR 60 hours prelicensure education
Exam: Required
Notes
- License covers residential construction, alteration, repair, and remodeling of 1- and 2-family dwellings over $600
- Renewal deadline: May 31, 2026 for current cycle
- Schedule PSI exam at www.psiexams.com or call (800) 733-9267
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan requires a statewide general contractor license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Michigan?
The estimated initial cost is $312, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: LARA/BCC