General Contractor License in Michigan - Exam Required

What the Michigan General Contractor Record Shows

Michigan requires general contractor contractors to hold a Residential Builder License before performing licensed work. Of 36 US states that license general contractor work, Michigan's regime applies a partial screen, combining some but not all of the exam, bond, and insurance requirements seen in peer states. Licensing is administered through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), which issues the credential, maintains the public license roster, and adjudicates consumer complaints.

The specific entry requirements for general contractor contractors in Michigan are: a qualifying exam, 3 years of documented work experience, no surety bond, liability insurance with at least $200K in coverage, and no continuing-education mandate. License fees in this classification run $100-$300. Additional notes from the licensing board: Mandatory exam. Residential builder vs maintenance contractor.

For homeowners in Michigan, verification is straightforward: use Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)'s official license lookup to confirm the license number is active, matches the contractor's legal business name, and has no disciplinary history attached. Ask for a copy of the license and the certificate of insurance before signing a contract, and request the surety bond provider if bonding is required. If defective work or non-performance occurs, the state complaint process is the formal path to recovery, file promptly, document everything, and retain copies of contracts, invoices, and correspondence.