Get Michigan HVAC contractor license
Michigan licenses HVAC work under the statewide Mechanical Contractor license. You’ll document 3 years/6,000 hours per classification, pass PSI exams (75%+), and pay $100/year in a 3‑year cycle. After LARA issues your license, register with municipalities to pull permits and keep track of the August 31 triennial renewal.
To get a HVAC contractor license in Michigan, apply for the state Mechanical Contractor license with the HVAC Equipment classification, prove 3 years/6,000 hours experience (credit up to 1 year for a 2‑year HVAC program), pass PSI exams, and pay the $100/year license fee; licenses renew every third year (Aug 31). MCL 339.5807; LARA PSI; MCL 339.5813.
Requirements last verified: 2026-10-15
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Board of Mechanical Rules. LARA BCC Licensing. |
| License type for HVAC | Mechanical Contractor license with HVAC Equipment classification (and any other needed classifications such as Ductwork or Refrigeration). LARA Mechanical Classifications. |
| Experience | Minimum 3 years or 6,000 hours in EACH classification sought; up to 1 year/2,000 hours credit for a completed 2‑year HVAC program (trade school/college or USDOL‑approved). Document on BCC‑3012 with employer affidavits under penalty of perjury. MCL 339.5807; LARA Forms (BCC‑3012). |
| Exam | PSI computer‑based exams per classification; minimum passing score 75%. Exam fees are paid to PSI; statute caps each work‑classification exam fee at $100 or less. LARA PSI; R 339.5114; MCL 339.5813. |
| Fees | License fee is $100 per year; initial license computed pro‑rata in the 3‑year cycle; full‑cycle total $300. Exam fees are paid to PSI. MCL 339.5813; LARA PSI. |
| Minimum age | No explicit minimum age in the mechanical‑contractor statute; eligibility hinges on meeting experience and moral‑character requirements. MCL 339.5807. |
| Insurance/Bond | No state bond or liability insurance required to obtain the license; you must register your license with the local enforcing agency to pull permits, and municipalities may have their own registration fees or bonding rules. MCL 339.5817. |
| Renewal | Expires August 31 every third year; renew by October 31. Late fee $100 after 60 days. MCL 339.5813; LARA Renewals. |
| Application forms | Apply with BCC‑11 (Application for Mechanical Contractor Examination & Licensing) and attach BCC‑3012 experience sheets; apply/pay online via Accela or by mail. BCC‑11; LARA Forms. |
How to get a HVAC contractor license in Michigan
- Confirm your eligibility. Verify you have 3 years/6,000 hours in each classification you want (HVAC Equipment, Ductwork, Refrigeration, etc.). A 2‑year HVAC program can credit up to 1 year/2,000 hours. MCL 339.5807.
- Gather employer affidavits. Use the BCC‑3012 MC Experience Sheet; each present/former mechanical‑contractor employer must sign under penalty of perjury describing dates, duties, and hours. LARA Forms (BCC‑3012).
- Submit your application (BCC‑11). Apply and pay online via Accela or mail the completed BCC‑11 with supporting documents. BCC‑11; LARA Forms.
- Schedule PSI exams. After LARA approves you, PSI will contact you within about 10 business days to pay and schedule your classification exams. LARA PSI.
- Pass the exams. A minimum score of 75% is required. Bring only allowed references as stated in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin. R 339.5114; LARA PSI.
- Pay license fees and receive your license. Michigan charges $100 per year; initial licenses are prorated within the 3‑year cycle. MCL 339.5813.
- Register locally to pull permits. Before starting work, register your license with each municipality’s enforcing agency. Local registration may include separate fees/bonds. MCL 339.5817.
- Maintain your license and renew. All mechanical contractor licenses expire on August 31 every third year; renew by October 31 to avoid penalties. Late fee $100 after 60 days. MCL 339.5813; LARA Renewals.
Michigan HVAC contractor license: classifications you may need
HVAC work is licensed under Michigan’s Mechanical Contractor credential. Depending on your scope, you may add classifications such as HVAC Equipment, Ductwork, Refrigeration, Hydronic Heating/Cooling & Process Piping, Limited/Unlimited Heating Service, Limited/Unlimited Refrigeration & A/C Service, Fire Suppression, or Specialty. LARA Mechanical Classifications.
Costs and exam details
Michigan sets the license fee at $100 per year (prorated for initial issuance) with a 3‑year cycle. Each work‑classification exam fee is “$100 or less,” paid directly to PSI. Minimum passing score is 75%. MCL 339.5813; R 339.5114; LARA PSI. For a deeper dive on price components and budgeting, see our analysis of the HVAC contractor license cost in Michigan.
Forms and documentation that speed approvals
Use BCC‑11 to apply and BCC‑3012 to document experience; apply online via Accela for the fastest processing. PSI will contact you within about 10 business days after LARA approval to let you pay and schedule. BCC‑11; LARA Forms; LARA PSI.
Municipal registration and permits
Once licensed, you must register your Mechanical Contractor license with each municipality where you perform work to pull mechanical permits. Local agencies may charge registration fees or require bonds independent of the state license. MCL 339.5817.
Renewing a Michigan HVAC contractor license
All Mechanical Contractor licenses expire August 31 every third year; renew by October 31. If you miss renewal by 60+ days, a $100 late fee applies; after 3 years, re‑apply and re‑test. MCL 339.5813; LARA Renewals.
Comparing Michigan license paths
If you’re researching multiple Michigan credentials, our guide to the Michigan Private Investigator License process shows how requirements can differ across state‑regulated occupations (e.g., background checks, insurance) compared with the mechanical‑contractor path above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate “HVAC license” in Michigan?
No. HVAC is licensed under the Mechanical Contractor license with classifications like HVAC Equipment, Ductwork, and Refrigeration. You must hold the proper classifications to pull permits for that work. LARA Mechanical Classifications.
How many hours do I need for the HVAC Equipment classification?
Michigan requires at least 3 years or 6,000 hours of experience in EACH classification you seek. A completed 2‑year HVAC program can credit up to 1 year/2,000 hours toward that requirement. MCL 339.5807.
What score do I need to pass the Mechanical Contractor exam?
A 75% minimum passing score is required. Exams are delivered by PSI after LARA approves your application. R 339.5114; LARA PSI.
What does the Michigan HVAC contractor license cost?
The license fee is $100 per year ($300 for a full 3‑year cycle, prorated for initial issuance). Each classification exam fee is set by PSI and capped by statute at $100 or less per classification. MCL 339.5813; LARA PSI.
Do I need insurance or a surety bond to get licensed?
No state‑level bond or liability insurance is required to obtain the Mechanical Contractor license, but municipalities can impose their own registration or bonding to issue permits. Always check local rules where you work. MCL 339.5817.
When do Michigan mechanical contractor licenses expire and renew?
They expire August 31 every third year; renew by October 31. A $100 late fee applies after 60 days. MCL 339.5813; LARA Renewals.
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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.