Michigan Contractor License Guide

In the state of Michigan, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is responsible for the issuance of all licenses, including – but not limited to – electrical, plumbing and specialty licenses.

There are several types of business and individual electrical licenses, among them:

For a full list of electrical license types, visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.

Note: The state of Michigan does not have reciprocity with any other state or country regarding electrical licenses.

Several licensing levels are available for plumbing, including:

For a full list of plumbing license types, visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.

Note: Reciprocity is considered on a case by case basis.

Note: Reciprocity is considered on a case by case basis.

• Electrical license: installs, maintains or extends electrical wiring systems in buildings.
  • Master
  • Journeyman
  • Fire Alarm Specialty Tech
  • Fire Alarm Contractor
  • Electrical Contractor
• Plumbing license: installs, maintains and repairs pipes, fittings and other apparatuses of water supply, sanitation and heating systems.
  • Master
  • Journeyman
  • Plumbing contractor
• Specialty contractor: types of licenses may include security guard contractors, security alarm contractor, roofing, landscaping, and more. Please visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website for more information regarding specialty contractors.

All license applications for the state of Michigan, can be found at the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.

• Electrical License applications can be found here.
• Plumbing License applications can be found here.
• Specialty Contractor License applications can be found here.

Please note that some municipalities may ask for slightly different requirements and documents than the ones listed below. For detailed information, you should visit your municipal website.

Electrical License:

• You must meet a minimum age requirement of either 18, 20 or 22 years of age, depending on the type of electrical license being applied for. For more information visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.
• Minimum work experience criteria must also be met, depending on the type of electrical license for which you are applying. For more information regarding work experience requirements, visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.
• Provide proof of graduation from a recognized training or educational program in the relevant field of study.
• If you have been honorably discharged from the armed forces, you may be exempt from the initial licensing fee. Attach a copy of your DD-214 and DD-215 to your application.

Note: Requirements and documents may vary slightly, depending on the electrical license you are applying for. Do not use or submit this form, if you reside in the City of Grand Rapids or the City of Detroit, as electrical licenses are issued locally in these cities. Visit your municipality’s website for more information.

Plumbing License:

• Depending on the type of plumbing license you are applying for, you must meet a certain age requirement. In most instances, you must be at least 18 years of age.
• You must meet a certain amount of work experience on-the-job, depending on the type of plumbing license you are applying for. For more information regarding work experience requirements, visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.
• If you have been honorably discharged from the armed forces, you may be exempt from the initial licensing fee. Attach a copy of your DD-214 and DD-215 to your application.
• Depending on the type of license you are applying for, you may need to provide a detailed statement with all the addresses and description of each place you have resided and done business during the past 5 years.
• If you are applying for an electrical contractor license, you will need to provide the name of the business owner, member of management of an LLC, or president of a corporation and the name of the person who is applying, if the two differ.
• If you are applying for a plumbing contractor license, state the name, address and license number of the master plumber who represents you.

Note: Requirements and documents may vary slightly, depending on the plumbing license you are applying for.

Specialty Contractor License:

Depending on the type of specialty license you are applying for, the requirements and required documents will differ. Please visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website for more detailed information.

• You must have a high school diploma
• State your experience in the relevant job field.
• State whether you have been convicted or plead guilty to a misdemeanor or felony.
• You are required to meet a certain amount of work experience criteria. For more information, visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.
• If you have been honorably discharged from the armed forces, you may be exempt from the initial licensing fee. Attach a copy of your DD-214 and DD-215 to your application.
• You may be required to provide professional references in the field which you are applying for.

How to fill out your application:

In the state of Michigan you can apply for a license in one of two ways. You can apply and pay online at the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website or your could mail your application and fees to the address stated below.

Licensing/Application Fees:

Note: Payments can be made by check or money order payable to State of Michigan - BBC.

Note: Payments can be made by check or money order payable to State of Michigan - BBC.

• Electrical license:
  • Master - $50 electrical license fee
  • Journeyman - $40 electrical license fee
  • Fire Alarm Specialty Tech - $50 electrical license fee
  • Fire Alarm Contractor - $300 electrical license fee, if paid prior to Sept. 30. $200 if paid after Sept. 30, $100 examination fee
  • Electrical Contractor - $300 electrical license fee, if paid prior to Sept. 30. $200 if paid after Sept. 30, $100 examination fee
• Plumber license:
  • Journey - $40 plumbing license fee
  • Master - $300 plumbing license fee
  • Plumbing contractor - $300 plumbing license fee
• Specialty contractor license: fees and examination requirements will vary depending on the type of specialty license you are applying for. For more information, visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.

Mailing Address:

Electrical and Plumbing Licenses:

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory
Affairs Bureau of Construction Codes
Licensing Division
P.O. Box 30255
Lansing, MI 48909

Specialty Contractor License:

Mailing addresses will differ depending on the type of specialty contractor license for which you are applying. For more information, visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.

Once you have sent your application to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, PSI will contact you regarding your exam details. You can choose a convenient time and place to take yourexam. The examination fee should be directly paid to PSI at that time. For more information, visit the PSI website.

Note: If you have a disability and require assistance during your examination, attach a professional note stating the circumstances.

For certain specialty contractor licenses – such as security alarm technicians and security guards – you must obtain an original contractor license bond. The surety bond must be the original document signed by the applicant with the power of attorney attached.

Your insurance provider can fill out the license bond form here.