HVAC contractor license cost: Michigan

In Michigan, the HVAC contractor license cost in Michigan starts with a $300 state license application fee per license/classification, plus PSI exam fees ($100 for HVAC Equipment; most others $50). Renewal is $300 every 3 years, and each city registration is up to $15. (LARA BCC-11) (PSI CIB) (MCL 339.5813, 339.5817)

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-05

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Licensing Section. Source
Initial license fee	$300 for an initial Mechanical Contractor license/classification; fee is nonrefundable and paid to the State with the application. LARA BCC-11
PSI exam fees (per classification)	$100 for HVAC Equipment (includes ductwork, gas piping & venting); $50 for Hydronic, Ductwork, Refrigeration, Heating/AC Service (limited & unlimited), Fire Suppression, Solar, Solid Fuel & Vented Decorative Gas Appliances, LP Distribution Piping, Fuel Gas Piping/Venting. PSI CIB, eff. 8/20/2026
Adding classifications mid‑cycle	Year 1: $300; Year 2: $200; Year 3: $100 (state fee), plus applicable PSI exam fee(s). LARA BCC-11
Experience	Minimum 3 years or 6,000 hours in each work classification sought (or equivalent acceptable to the board); up to 1 year/2,000 hours credit for a qualifying 2‑year HVAC program. Employer statements under penalty of perjury required. MCL 339.5807 BCC-11
Exam provider	PSI Services LLC; you pay PSI after LARA approval. PSI typically contacts you within 10 business days of approval. LARA PSI page
Municipal registration	Up to $15 per municipality; required before pulling permits in that city/township. MCL 339.5817
Renewal	Every 3 years; licenses expire August 31. Renewal due by October 31. Statutory fee is $100 per year ($300 per cycle). No pro‑rated renewal. MCL 339.5813
Minimum age	No specific age stated in Article 8; eligibility is based on documented experience and passing the exam(s). MCL 339.5807
Insurance/bond	No state bond/insurance is specified for obtaining the mechanical contractor license; local permitting authorities may impose additional requirements. MCL 339.5801–5819
Military/veterans	Initial license, application, registration, or examination fees may be waived for eligible veterans/military families. LARA Veterans—Mechanical Contractor

How to get a Michigan HVAC (Mechanical) contractor license

1. Confirm your classifications (e.g., HVAC Equipment, Ductwork). Review what each covers before you apply. LARA Mechanical Classifications
2. Document experience for each classification: at least 3 years/6,000 hours (or approved equivalent), with employer statements under penalty of perjury. MCL 339.5807
3. Apply to LARA using form BCC‑11 and pay the $300 state license fee (initial). BCC‑11
4. Schedule PSI exams after approval; pay PSI exam fees ($100 HVAC Equipment; $50 most others). PSI CIB
5. Pass each required exam for the classifications you want on your license. LARA PSI page
6. Register locally with each enforcing agency where you’ll work (up to $15 per city/township) to pull permits. MCL 339.5817
7. Renew every 3 years (license expires Aug 31; renewal due by Oct 31); budget $300 for the 3‑year cycle. MCL 339.5813

Michigan HVAC contractor license cost breakdown (2026)

Michigan licenses HVAC contractors under the Mechanical Contractor credential with specific classifications. Your upfront out‑of‑pocket depends on which exams you need and whether you add classifications now or later.

• State application/license: $300 initial per license/classification; if you add a classification later, fees drop as your cycle ages ($300 year 1, $200 year 2, $100 year 3). BCC‑11
• PSI exam fees: $100 for HVAC Equipment; $50 for other listed classifications (Hydronic, Ductwork, Refrigeration, Heating/AC Service, Fire Suppression, Solar, Solid Fuel & Vented Decorative Gas Appliances, LP Distribution, Fuel Gas Piping/Venting). PSI CIB
• Municipal registration: up to $15 per municipality to register your state license so you can pull permits. MCL 339.5817
• Renewal: $300 per 3‑year cycle (statutory $100/year), license expires August 31; renew by October 31 (no pro‑rated renewals). MCL 339.5813
• Military/veterans: Many initial fees can be waived for eligible applicants. LARA Veterans

What the Michigan HVAC (mechanical) license covers

Michigan issues a Mechanical Contractor license with one or more classifications, including HVAC Equipment, Hydronic, Ductwork, Refrigeration, Heating/AC Service (limited/unlimited), Fire Suppression, Solar, Solid Fuel & Vented Decorative Gas Appliances, LP Distribution, and Fuel Gas Piping/Venting. You must pass the exam for each classification you request. LARA Mechanical Permit Info PSI CIB

Costs you should still budget for

• Study materials and any prep courses (not mandated, but helpful for PSI exams).
• Local permit fees (project‑specific) once registered with each municipality. LARA Permits
• General liability/auto/workers’ comp insurance if required by your clients or programs; the state license itself does not impose a bond/insurance requirement. MCL 339.5801–5819

Michigan HVAC contractor license requirements at a glance

You need 3 years/6,000 hours of verified experience in each classification, or an approved equivalent (e.g., up to 1 year credit for a qualifying 2‑year HVAC program). After LARA approves your application and $300 fee, schedule and pass PSI exams; then register in each municipality (≤$15) before you pull permits. MCL 339.5807, 339.5813, 339.5817 BCC‑11

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get an HVAC contractor (mechanical) license in Michigan?

Plan on $300 for the state license application (per license/classification) plus PSI exam fees—$100 for HVAC Equipment and $50 for most other classifications. If you add classifications later, state fees are $300/$200/$100 depending on the year of your 3‑year cycle. BCC‑11 PSI CIB

What is the renewal cost and schedule for a Michigan HVAC contractor license?

Renewal is every 3 years, with licenses expiring August 31. The statutory fee equals $100 per year—$300 due for the 3‑year cycle—due by October 31. Michigan does not pro‑rate renewal fees. MCL 339.5813

Do I need a bond or insurance to obtain the Michigan mechanical contractor license?

State law (Article 8) does not impose a bond or insurance requirement to obtain the license. However, you must register with each enforcing agency (≤$15) and meet any project‑level or client insurance expectations. MCL 339.5817; 339.5801–5819

How many hours of experience are required for the HVAC classification?

Michigan requires at least 3 years or 6,000 hours of experience in each classification you want on the license (e.g., HVAC Equipment). A qualifying 2‑year HVAC program can count for up to 1 year/2,000 hours. Employer statements under penalty of perjury are required. MCL 339.5807

Are PSI exam fees paid to the state?

No. After LARA approves your application, PSI notifies you to pay and schedule directly. Michigan’s PSI page notes you’ll hear from PSI within 10 business days of approval. LARA PSI page

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