When do I need a license?
All contractors offering to do work which totals $600 or more in labor and materials must be licensed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
These licenses require a 60-hour prelicensure course before applying to take the state licensing exam.
What differentiates a Residential Builder license and a Residential Maintenance & Alteration contractor license?
A Residential Builder license allows a contractor to build a complete residential structure and to do remodeling work on a residential structure. The builder may contract to build but must subcontract plumbing, electrical, and mechanical (HVAC: heating, ventilation, air conditioning).
A Residential Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) contractor is licensed to perform only specific trades and services. The trades, or crafts for which an M&A contractor is qualified to practice are listed on the license.
How do I get a license for the first time?
Receiving your Michigan Builders License can be done in three easy steps. Once you complete your required 60-hours of pre-licensure education, you can schedule your exam through LARA.
Step 1
Complete the 60-hours of required pre-license education.
Step 2
Mail your application and proof of course completion to the State of Michigan. Click to download the application.
Step 3
When your application is approved by LARA register to take the Michigan builders exam.
Apply Online
Go to:
https://aca-prod.accela.com/LARA/Welcome.aspx?TabName=Home&TabList=Home
- Click on “+New” at the top / then “BCC Licenses”
- Click on “Help” top right for FAQs/Instructions
For further assistance, customer support team at 517-241-9316 or email LARA-BCC-Licensing@Michigan.gov.
LARA Licensing Section Webpage
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/forms/licensing