How to get a contractor license in Michigan
The short version: 1) Take prelicensure education 2) Apply to LARA 3) Pass the PSI exam 4) License the company. (source: Michigan LARA: Prelicensure Education Requirements (opens in a new tab), source: Michigan LARA: Residential Builder and M&A Contractor application (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.
Step by step
- Take prelicensure education Complete 60 hours of approved courses before the exam or application. (source: Michigan LARA: Prelicensure Education Requirements (opens in a new tab))
- Apply to LARA Send the application with the fee. You need a physical Michigan business address, not a P.O. box. (source: Michigan LARA: Residential Builder and M&A Contractor application (opens in a new tab))
- Pass the PSI exam PSI contacts you to schedule once you're approved. (source: Michigan LARA: Prelicensure Education Requirements (opens in a new tab))
- License the company The application is for an individual. Once licensed, you can add a company. (source: Michigan LARA: Residential Builder and M&A Contractor application (opens in a new tab))
The exam
An exam is required. Exams are run by PSI. (source: Michigan LARA: Prelicensure Education Requirements (opens in a new tab))
- PSI tests at 5 centers across Michigan, 6 days a week. (source: Michigan LARA: Prelicensure Education Requirements (opens in a new tab))
Costs and fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Individual Residential Builder application Non-refundable. Veterans may qualify for a fee waiver. | $195 (source: Michigan LARA: Residential Builder and M&A Contractor application (opens in a new tab)) |
Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.
Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.
- 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)
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