Trade business resources for Michigan.

In Michigan, trade contractor licensing is administered at the state level through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes. Unlike many states, Michigan does not require a separate general contractor license statewide, but does mandate licensing for specific skilled trades such as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical (HVAC) work.

State licensing board

Michigan requires state-issued licenses for electrical contractors (and journeyman/master electricians under the Electrical Administrative Act), plumbing contractors and journeyman plumbers (under the State Plumbing Act), and mechanical contractors performing HVAC work (under the Mechanical Act). Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC/mechanical work of virtually any scope on structures triggers the licensing requirement — there is no minimum dollar threshold exemption for these trades. General contractors are not licensed at the state level, though they must pull permits and may face local registration requirements. Roofing contractors are also not separately licensed statewide in Michigan, though they must register as a builder with LARA if they engage in residential construction or improvement (including roofing) on one-to-three family dwellings under the Residential Builder and Maintenance and Alteration Contractor licensing program, which has separate classifications for builders and specialty tradespeople.

Business registration