Michigan Contractor License Requirements
2026 guide to everything you need to know about contractor licensing in Michigan.
10,560
Contractors in MI
477
Verified licenses
11 yrs
Avg. experience
10
Cities covered
Michigan licensing board
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
License types in Michigan
Residential Builder
Required for residential construction and remodeling
Residential Maintenance and Alteration Contractor
For smaller repair and maintenance projects
Electrical Contractor
Separate state license
Plumbing Contractor
Separate state license
Bond requirements
No state-level surety bond is required for general contractors.
No surety bond; must contribute to the Homeowner Construction Lien Recovery Fund
Insurance requirements
General liability insurance
Required. General liability required; minimums set by statute
Workers' compensation
Required when you have employees.
Penalties for unlicensed work
Misdemeanor; fines up to $5,000; up to 1 year imprisonment; liens unenforceable
How to verify a license in Michigan
1. Use the free verification tool
Search a database of 10,560 contractors in Michigan by name, license number, or business name.
Verify a contractor now2. Check the official state board
Visit the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for real-time license verification and disciplinary actions.
Visit Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)Frequently asked questions
Does Michigan require a contractor license?+
Yes, Michigan requires contractors to obtain a state license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). 4 license types are available depending on the scope of work.
What are the bond requirements for contractors in Michigan?+
No surety bond; must contribute to the Homeowner Construction Lien Recovery Fund
What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting in Michigan?+
Misdemeanor; fines up to $5,000; up to 1 year imprisonment; liens unenforceable
Is insurance required for contractors in Michigan?+
Yes, Michigan requires contractors to carry insurance. General liability required; minimums set by statute
How do I verify a contractor's license in Michigan?+
You can verify a contractor's license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website at https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/sections/builders. You can also use our free license verification tool at vemra.ai/licensing/verify to search our database of 10,560 contractor profiles in Michigan.
How many licensed contractors are there in Michigan?+
Our database includes 10,560 contractor profiles in Michigan, with 477 verified license numbers on file. The average contractor in Michigan has 11 years of experience.