Roofing Contractor License Requirements in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes (LARA/BCC) |
| License Type | Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor |
| Experience Required | Roofing falls under the Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license (1 year experience) or Residential Builder license (3 years experience). Alternatively, complete 60 hours of prelicensure education instead of experience. |
| Education Substitute | 60 hours of approved prelicensure education in lieu of experience requirement |
| 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 | $185 |
| Exam Fee | $117 |
| Est. Initial Total | $302 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Residential Builder application (full scope) | $195 |
| Late renewal surcharge | $20 |
Renewal: $185 every 3 years
Exam Requirements
Business and Law Exam
Practice and Trade Exam
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in Michigan
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Michigan. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→Notes
- Michigan does not have a separate roofing-specific license. Roofers must hold a Residential Builder (full scope) or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor (limited scope) license.
- The M&A Contractor license is the most common path for roofing-only companies
- License covers residential work over $600
- Renewal deadline: May 31, 2026 for current cycle
You're licensed in Michigan as a roofing contractor — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes issues the Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor; the business that invoices Michigan customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Michigan does not require a surety bond for this license — No state-level surety bond required. Some municipalities require local contractor bonds.
Carry general liability insurance.
Michigan does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. No state-mandated GL minimum, but roofing is high-risk work and $500,000+ GL coverage is strongly recommended. Workers comp required if you have employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Register locally.
Some municipalities require additional local contractor registration or bonds. Check with your local building department.
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck roofing contractor businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 3 years at $185. Continuing education: 21 hours every 3 years (21 hours if licensed < 6 years; 3 hours if licensed 6+ years)
Other licenses in Michigan
- General Contractor license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $312 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
- Electrician license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $140 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
- Plumber license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $140 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
- HVAC Technician license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $325 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a roofing contractor license in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan requires a statewide roofing contractor license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes.
How much does a roofing contractor license cost in Michigan?
The estimated initial cost is $302, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a roofing contractor license in Michigan?
Roofing falls under the Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license (1 year experience) or Residential Builder license (3 years experience). Alternatively, complete 60 hours of prelicensure education instead of experience. Education substitute: 60 hours of approved prelicensure education in lieu of experience requirement
What exams are required for a roofing contractor license in Michigan?
You must pass the Business and Law Exam and Practice and Trade Exam exams. A passing score of 70% minimum on each section is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get a roofing contractor license in Michigan?
Processing time is typically 2-3 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for roofing contractors in Michigan?
Yes, 21 hours per every 3 years (21 hours if licensed < 6 years; 3 hours if licensed 6+ years) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for roofing contractors in Michigan— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: LARA/BCC