Michigan contractor license lookup
Michigan licenses residential builders and maintenance & alteration contractors through LARA. Jobs under $600 are exempt. (source: MCL 339.2403 (opens in a new tab), source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab), source: Michigan LARA license lookup (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the LARA website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search LARA's license database for the builder or contractor, or call the Residential Builders' Section at 517-241-9309. (source: Michigan LARA license lookup (opens in a new tab), source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Residential Builders sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
$600 or more for a job (labor and materials) means a license is needed. (source: MCL 339.2403 (opens in a new tab), source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
Residential builders and maintenance & alteration contractors need a LARA license, unless the total price of the project is less than $600. (source: MCL 339.2403 (opens in a new tab), source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
- The $600 exemption does not apply if the job is part of a larger operation or split into smaller contracts to avoid the law. (source: MCL 339.2403 (opens in a new tab))
- Licensed electrical contractors are exempt for electrical work. (source: MCL 339.2403 (opens in a new tab))
Penalties
- First offense: misdemeanor, $5,000 to $25,000 fine, up to 1 year in jail. Later offenses: up to 2 years. Causing death or serious injury: felony, up to 4 years. (source: MCL 339.601 (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Builder | Residential Builder | Builds and remodels residential structures (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab)) |
| M&A | Maintenance & Alteration Contractor | Licensed for specific trades: basement waterproofing, carpentry, concrete, excavation, house wrecking, insulation, masonry, roofing, screen and storm sash, gutters, siding, swimming pools, tile and marble (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
We're still verifying this, check the official board: LARA website (opens in a new tab).
4. How to look up a contractor
Check a license on the LARA website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Search LARA's license database for the builder or contractor, or call the Residential Builders' Section at 517-241-9309. (source: Michigan LARA license lookup (opens in a new tab), source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
More ways to check
- The M&A trades a contractor may do are listed on the license. Ask to see the pocket card. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
- Call the Residential Builders' Section at 517-241-9309. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- Can't show a pocket license card. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
- Wants the whole job paid in advance. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
- No permanent business address or phone number. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
- Splits a job into contracts under $600. (source: MCL 339.2403 (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
Right to cancel
- For door-to-door sales you have a 3-day right to cancel. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))
7. Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages. How we verify.
- Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Michigan LARA: Prelicensure Education Requirements (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Michigan LARA: Residential Builder and M&A Contractor application (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Michigan LARA license lookup (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- MCL 339.2403 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- MCL 339.601 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
Do I need a license for small jobs in Michigan?
Projects where the total price is under $600 are exempt, unless they are part of a larger job. (source: MCL 339.2403 (opens in a new tab))
What are the penalties for unlicensed work in Michigan?
A first offense is a misdemeanor with a $5,000 to $25,000 fine and up to 1 year in jail. A second offense carries up to 2 years. Causing death or serious injury is a felony with up to 4 years. (source: MCL 339.601 (opens in a new tab))
Can I cancel a home improvement contract in Michigan?
Homeowners have 3 days to cancel. Send the contractor a registered letter. (source: Michigan LARA: Helpful Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab))