Michigan Electrical Contractor License

To get a electrical contractor license in Michigan, apply to LARA’s Bureau of Construction Codes, designate a Michigan‑resident Master Electrician as your qualifier, and pay the $300 fee. Michigan no longer requires a contractor exam; renew every three years by December 31 while maintaining your Master‑of‑Record. LARA BCC‑974 Renewals

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-30

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes (Electrical Section). Apply/renew via Accela online or Form BCC‑974. LARA Forms
Qualifying individual	You must hold a Master Electrician license or employ at least one full‑time Michigan‑resident Master Electrician designated as the Master of Record (only one contractor association at a time). LARA MCL 339.5711
Fees (initial)	$300 application/license fee (non‑refundable). Veterans: initial fee waived with DD‑214/215. BCC‑974 LARA Veterans
Experience (via Master)	Master Electrician must be 22+, hold Journeyman for ≥2 years, and document ≥12,000 hours over ≥6 years; pass master exam (75%). LARA MCL 339.5713
Exam	No examination for the Electrical Contractor license. Master and Journeyman exams are required at those levels (PSI; 75% to pass). LARA
Minimum age	Journeyman 20+; Master 22+. The contractor may be an individual or business; the designated Master must meet age/experience above. LARA
Insurance/bond	No state‑mandated liability insurance or license bond to obtain the Electrical Contractor license. Public works contracts >$50,000 require performance and payment bonds under Act 213 of 1963. Local permits may impose insurance/bonds. MCL 129.201 et seq. LARA Permits
Renewal	Every 3 years by 12/31; $300 renewal; $50 late fee; no code‑update CE required for contractor license. License is placed on hold if Master of Record lapses. LARA Renewals

How to get a electrical contractor license in Michigan

1. Confirm your qualifying Master. Either you personally hold a Michigan Master Electrician license, or you employ a full‑time Michigan‑resident Master who will be your Master of Record. Review statutory criteria. MCL 339.5711 MCL 339.5713
2. Gather required documentation. Prepare the signed BCC‑974 application (wet signatures), any Master/Journeyman license numbers, and (if applicable) veteran documentation for fee waiver. BCC‑974
3. Apply online or by mail. Submit via Accela Citizen Access or mail to LARA/BCC Licensing Section with the $300 non‑refundable fee payable to the State of Michigan. LARA Forms & Online
4. Designate your Master of Record. Your qualifying Master must sign the association attestation; remember a Master can be linked to only one contractor license at a time and must reside in Michigan. LARA
5. Receive approval, then pull permits. Once issued, use your contractor license (with active Master of Record) to obtain electrical permits where the state or local unit has jurisdiction. LARA Permits
6. Maintain and renew. Keep the Master license active and renew the contractor license every three years by December 31; pay the $300 renewal fee (late fee $50). No contractor CE is required. LARA Renewals

Michigan electrical contractor license: key details and pro tips

Michigan removed the contractor exam—focus on meeting the Master‑of‑Record requirement and submitting a complete BCC‑974. If you operate in Detroit, note it issues local electrical licenses; contact the city directly. LARA

Costs you should budget for

Beyond the $300 state application and $300 triannual renewal, add business registration, insurance your clients or municipalities may require, and bonds for public jobs over $50,000 under Michigan’s Little Miller Act. LARA Renewals MCL 129.201–129.212. For a deeper cost breakdown, see our Michigan electrical contractor license cost guide.

Permit pulling and jurisdictions

Permits are issued either by LARA (state jurisdiction) or your local unit; verify who administers code enforcement before bidding. Apply for permits online via Accela. LARA Permit Information

Related Michigan trade licenses

If you also service HVAC controls or equipment, confirm where mechanical licensing applies and compare costs in our HVAC contractor license cost: Michigan explainer, or walk through the process in Get Michigan HVAC contractor license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Michigan electrical contractor test?

No. LARA states there is no examination for the Electrical Contractor license. Exams still apply to Journeyman and Master licenses (administered by PSI; 75% to pass). LARA

Who can be my Master of Record?

A Michigan‑resident Master Electrician who is your full‑time employee or you personally if you hold the Master license. A Master may be associated with only one contractor at a time. MCL 339.5711 LARA

What are the exact Master Electrician requirements?

Minimum age 22; at least 12,000 hours of experience over six or more years; hold an Electrical Journeyman license for at least two years; and pass the master exam with 75% or higher. MCL 339.5713 LARA

Do I need insurance or a bond to get licensed?

No state bond or liability insurance is listed as a condition to issue or renew the Electrical Contractor license. However, public projects over $50,000 require performance and payment bonds, and many municipalities require insurance at permitting. MCL 129.201–129.212 LARA Permits

When and how do I renew?

Renew every three years by December 31. Fee: $300; late fee: $50. No code‑update CE is required for the contractor license, but your Master must keep their own license current. Renew online via Accela or MiPLUS links on LARA’s site. LARA Renewals

Ready to move from research to results? License Navigator can guide you through forms, qualifiers, and renewals so you secure your Michigan electrical contractor license quickly and compliantly.