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General Contractor License in Michigan

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your General Contractor license in MI. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$450

Processing Time

6-8 Weeks

Exam Required

Contractor Business & Law Exam

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your General Contractor license in Michigan.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved General Contractor training program in Michigan.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 6 required documents for your MI application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the Contractor Business & Law Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Michigan licensing board and pay the $450 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 6-8 weeks in MI. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a General Contractor in Michigan starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the MI licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the Contractor Business & Law Exam. After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the Michigan state board.

Requirements

Michigan has specific requirements for General Contractor licensure that applicants must fulfill. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid government-issued identification. Educational requirements include completing an accredited program relevant to oversee and manage construction projects. A clean background check is mandatory in MI, and you must demonstrate good moral character. The Contractor Business & Law Exam must be passed with a minimum score set by the Michigan board.

Fees & Costs

The cost of becoming a licensed General Contractor in Michigan starts at $450 for the application fee. MI requires this fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Factor in additional expenses such as exam fees, background check costs, and any required continuing education. Late renewal penalties in Michigan can add up to $150 to your costs.

License Fee Calculator — General Contractor in Michigan

Base License Fee$450
Estimated Total$450

Renewal Process

License renewal for General Contractor professionals in Michigan occurs on a 2-year cycle. MI charges a renewal fee of $300 and mandates continuing education as part of the renewal process. It is recommended to begin the renewal process in Michigan at least 60 days before your license expires to ensure uninterrupted practice.

License Expiry Calculator — General Contractor in MI

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Michigan requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Working as a General Contractor in Michigan offers numerous opportunities for career growth and professional development. MI has a robust job market for licensed professionals in this field. The state board actively works to streamline the licensing process while maintaining rigorous standards. Michigan also participates in interstate licensing compacts, which may facilitate practice across state lines for qualified General Contractor professionals.

Document Checklist — General Contractor

0 of 6 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Michigan General Contractor License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) PartialAK requires additional exam or paperwork for MI license holders.
Alabama (AL) FullAL accepts MI General Contractor license via reciprocity agreement.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for MI license holders.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts MI General Contractor license via reciprocity agreement.
Colorado (CO) PartialCO requires additional exam or paperwork for MI license holders.
Delaware (DE) NoneDE does not recognize MI General Contractor license. Full re-application required.
California (CA) FullCA accepts MI General Contractor license via reciprocity agreement.
Florida (FL) NoneFL does not recognize MI General Contractor license. Full re-application required.

Where to File Locally in Michigan

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Lansing

611 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48933

(517) 241-0199

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Detroit

2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

(313) 224-3400

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Grand Rapids

300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

(616) 456-3000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Ann Arbor

301 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 794-6000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Flint

1101 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502

(810) 766-7346

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Michigan Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Michigan state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.