Michigan Electrical Contractor License
Michigan charges $300 to issue an electrical contractor license and $300 to renew every three years; there’s no contractor exam. You must be a master electrician or employ one full‑time. We linked directly to LARA and Michigan statutes so you can verify each requirement and fee.
The electrical contractor license cost in Michigan is $300 for the initial application/license and $300 to renew every three years. There is currently no state contractor exam. Expect 3–5 weeks for processing, and a $100 late fee applies if you renew more than 60 days late.
Requirements last verified: 2026-10-23
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Licensing Section (official page). |
| Initial license fee | $300, paid with Application for Electrical/Fire Alarm/Sign Contractor Examination and License (Form BCC-974). Veteran initial fee may be waived. (BCC‑974; LARA veterans fee waiver). |
| Renewal fee & cycle | $300 every three years; licenses expire December 31 of every third year (renew by March 1). Statute: MCL 339.5707(7). (Act 407 excerpt; renewal page shows $300: LARA renewals). |
| Late fee | $100 if renewal is more than 60 days late. (LARA renewals). |
| Exam | No state examination is required for Electrical Contractor licensure. (LARA Electrical Exam/Licensing info). |
| Experience/Master requirement | Must be a master electrician OR employ at least one full‑time Michigan‑resident master electrician in charge of code compliance. Statute: MCL 339.5711. (MCL 339.5711). |
| Minimum age | Not specified for contractor in statute; a master electrician (who qualifies/represents the contractor) must meet master requirements under MCL 339.5713. (MCL 339.5713). |
| Insurance/Bond | No state general liability or surety bond is listed for state electrical contractor licensure; local jurisdictions or project contracts may set their own insurance/bond rules. Confirm locally. (State requirements shown on LARA BCC Licensing and BCC‑974 do not list an insurance/bond mandate.) |
| Processing time | Allow approximately 3–5 weeks for application review. (LARA BCC Licensing). |
How to get an electrical contractor license in Michigan (costs and steps)
- Designate a master electrician. You must either be a licensed master or employ one full‑time who resides in Michigan and oversees code compliance. (MCL 339.5711).
- Complete Form BCC‑974. Fill out the Application for Electrical/Fire Alarm/Sign Contractor Examination and License and gather any required attachments. (BCC‑974).
- Pay the $300 initial fee. Submit payment to the State of Michigan (veterans may qualify for a waiver). (fee on BCC‑974; veterans waiver).
- Submit online or by mail. Apply via Accela or mail the completed packet to LARA BCC; keep copies. (LARA forms & online submission).
- Wait 3–5 weeks for processing. LARA reviews in order received; watch your Accela account and email for updates. (LARA BCC Licensing).
- Pull permits under your license. Once issued, obtain state‑jurisdiction permits as required. (Electrical permit information).
- Renew every three years. Budget $300 for renewal by December 31 of your cycle (renew by March 1) to avoid lapse; late renewals 60+ days incur $100. (MCL 339.5707(7); LARA renewals).
Electrical contractor license cost in Michigan: full breakdown
The core state costs are straightforward: $300 to obtain the license using Form BCC‑974, and $300 to renew every three years (renew by March 1 after the December 31 expiration in your cycle). Statute sets the cycle and renewal fee (MCL 339.5707(7)), and LARA’s renewal page confirms the $300 figure (LARA renewals).
There is no state exam cost because Michigan no longer requires a contractor exam (LARA Electrical Exam/Licensing). Plan for incidental costs like local registration, business setup, and any locally required insurance or bonding, which are not listed as state licensure requirements on LARA’s contractor application or licensing pages (LARA BCC Licensing; BCC‑974).
Who must be the master of record (and why it matters for cost)
By law, the contractor must either be a master electrician or employ a full‑time Michigan‑resident master who is actively responsible for code compliance (MCL 339.5711). Many firms budget for payroll and overhead tied to the master‑of‑record role. If you’re comparing trade startup costs, our guide to HVAC contractor license costs in Michigan highlights similar budgeting considerations on the mechanical side.
Permit fees and timelines after you’re licensed
Once licensed, you’ll secure electrical permits per project and jurisdiction. State‑jurisdiction permits and status are handled through LARA’s system; see state guidance here (Electrical permit information). If you’re expanding into mechanical scopes, review our step‑by‑step on getting a Michigan HVAC contractor license for parallel timelines and state portals.
Key facts: electrical contractor license in Michigan
No exam required
Michigan removed the state contractor exam requirement for electrical contractors, reducing up‑front costs (LARA Electrical Exam/Licensing).
Renew every three years
Licenses expire December 31 every third year and are renewable by March 1; renewal fee is $300. Statute controls the schedule and fee (MCL 339.5707(7)), and LARA reiterates the $300 renewal amount (LARA renewals).
Master electrician requirement
The contractor must be a master electrician or employ one full‑time who resides in Michigan and oversees compliance (MCL 339.5711).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an electrical contractor license in Michigan?
$300 to apply and be issued the license via Form BCC‑974 (BCC‑974). There is no state contractor exam fee because no exam is required (LARA).
What is the renewal cost and schedule?
$300 every three years. Licenses expire December 31 of the third year and must be renewed by March 1; late renewals 60+ days incur a $100 fee. (MCL 339.5707(7); LARA renewals).
Is a master electrician required for the Michigan contractor license?
Yes. You must be a master electrician or employ a full‑time Michigan‑resident master who is in charge of code compliance. (MCL 339.5711).
Do I need insurance or a bond to get licensed by the state?
LARA’s contractor application and licensing pages do not list a state insurance or surety bond requirement for issuing the electrical contractor license. Local jurisdictions or contract owners may require coverage. (LARA BCC Licensing; BCC‑974).
How long does approval take?
LARA advises allowing about 3–5 weeks for review/processing. (LARA BCC Licensing).
Ready to budget and file with confidence? License Navigator can help you confirm eligibility, assemble Form BCC‑974, and stay on top of renewal dates so you never pay avoidable late fees.
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Licensing Navigator researches business licensing requirements and organizes them into practical, state-by-state guidance. Our pages are research aids, not legal advice.