Michigan Residential Builder License Lookup: Verify the Builder Before the Contract
The official Michigan Residential Builder search is operated through LARA Bureau of Construction Codes’ Accela Citizen Access. A useful lookup should do more than find a name: it should connect the current state license to the person or company signing the contract, the qualifying officer when a company is involved, the M&A trade when applicable, and the permit authority serving the actual job address.
This guide turns those separate government systems into one practical workflow for homeowners, builders, remodelers and applicants.
Michigan Residential Builder Lookup: 60-Second Answer
Open the official Accela licensee search, use the builder’s license number when available, and compare the matching government record with the person or company named in your construction contract. Michigan’s homeowner guidance says a contractor offering residential work totaling $600 or more in labor and materials generally must be licensed unless a statutory exemption applies.
How to Use the Official Michigan Residential Builder License Search
The best starting input is the license number printed on the builder’s pocket card, proposal or contract. Use names only when you do not have the number or need to resolve an identity mismatch.
Copy the license number exactly
Ask the contractor to provide the Residential Builder or M&A number in writing. Do not rely only on a logo, business card or website claim.
Open LARA’s official Accela Search for Licensee
Use the button below. A public search does not require you to purchase a commercial background report or contractor-directory membership.
Search narrowly first
Use the license number where possible. If you do not have it, use the individual’s name or business name. Avoid overfilling search fields because slight address/name formatting differences can make a correct record harder to locate.
Identify the exact credential type
Determine whether the result belongs to an Individual Residential Builder, Individual Maintenance & Alteration Contractor, Residential Builder Company or M&A Company.
Match the person or company to your contract
Compare the LARA identity with the legal name on the proposal, construction agreement, invoice and payment instructions.
Check current status and expiration
A historical license number is not enough. Use the live state record immediately before signing and again if the project begins much later.
For M&A, match the licensed trade
An M&A credential authorizes only the approved trades appearing on that license. A specialty trade credential should not be treated as unrestricted authority to build an entire house.
For a company, verify the qualifying officer
A licensed builder company depends on an appropriately licensed qualifying officer. Verify the company rather than checking only the employee or salesperson you met.
Find the permit authority for the property
Use Michigan’s Statewide Jurisdiction List because building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing enforcement can be controlled by different state or local agencies.
Save the verification in the project file
Record the date you checked the license and keep the contract, permit and insurance documents together. Reopen LARA rather than assuming a saved status remains current forever.
A Michigan License Result Is Only Useful If These Details Match
| Verification item | Why it matters | Compare with | Investigate when |
|---|---|---|---|
| License number | Separates similar individuals and entities. | Pocket card, proposal, contract, advertising. | A contractor gives another person’s number. |
| Credential type | Residential Builder and M&A have different scope. | Actual construction scope. | A specialty M&A license is represented as a full builder license. |
| Individual/company name | The contracting party should connect to the state license. | Contract, check payee, invoice, insurance. | Money is requested by an unrelated person or entity. |
| Status | An old license number may exist even when it is not currently usable. | Current contract/start date. | You are told “renewal is pending” but current authority is unclear. |
| Expiration | Michigan uses three-year renewal cycles but individual expiration years differ. | Expected project timeline. | License expires before significant project work begins. |
| M&A trade | M&A authority is limited to listed trades. | Roofing, masonry, siding, concrete, etc. | The trade being sold is not on the license. |
| Company / QO relationship | The company must maintain a qualifying officer. | Company and individual builder records. | Only an employee’s individual license is shown for a company contract. |
Michigan Builder Record Match Helper
Use this only after opening LARA. This independent tool does not query or verify a government database.
The Three-Record Michigan Builder Identity Check
A common verification mistake is searching the individual builder but contracting with an LLC. For a business project, check all relevant layers.
1. Individual license
Confirms the Residential Builder or M&A credential held by the qualifying person.
2. Company builder license
Confirms that the LLC, corporation or other business contracting with you holds its own Michigan builder-company credential when required.
3. Business entity record
Separately confirm that the legal company/assumed name corresponds with Michigan business-entity records.
Residential Builder vs Maintenance & Alteration Contractor
Individual Residential Builder
The current Michigan application describes this license as allowing the person to construct a complete residential structure and perform maintenance, alteration and remodeling work subject to Michigan laws, code and separately regulated trades.
Current initial fee: $195.
Maintenance & Alteration Contractor
An M&A contractor is licensed for one or more specific trades. Verify the exact trade appearing on the government credential before treating it as authority for that scope.
Current initial fee: $195.
Trades currently listed on the July 2026 individual application
| Code | M&A trade | Practical verification |
|---|---|---|
| A | Carpentry | Confirm carpentry appears on the license. |
| B | Concrete | Confirm concrete authority for the contracted work. |
| D | Excavation | Do not infer unrelated building authority. |
| G | Insulation Work | Energy-program registration may be additional. |
| I | Masonry | Match masonry work to credential. |
| K | Siding | Confirm siding trade is shown. |
| M | Roofing | A roofing M&A credential is not a full-home builder license. |
| N | Screens & Storm Sash | Scope is specialty-specific. |
| O | Gutters | Match gutter work directly. |
| P | Tile & Marble | Confirm listed trade. |
| R | House Wrecking | Other demolition/local permit requirements may apply. |
| S | Swimming Pools | Local zoning/building rules are separate. |
| T | Basement Waterproofing | Match the specific waterproofing scope. |
Residential Builder Company + Qualifying Officer: Verify Both
The current company application tells applicants not to submit the company application until a licensed qualifying officer exists.
Search the company license
Use LARA Accela with the company legal/assumed name or license number.
Identify the qualifying officer
Confirm the appropriately licensed individual associated with the company rather than assuming the salesperson or jobsite supervisor is the QO.
Check the individual QO credential
Verify that the qualifying officer’s individual license is current.
Compare company name with Michigan entity records
The current company application requires company and assumed names to correspond with Corporations Division records.
Match the project contract
The business signing the contract and receiving payment should make sense when compared with the licensed company and entity records.
Michigan Building Permit Lookup: State BCC or Local City/Township?
Michigan’s codes are statewide, but enforcement is distributed. A county, city, village, township or LARA/BCC can control the project permit—and building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing may not all be handled by the same agency.
BLDG
Building construction / structural permit authority.
ELEC / MECH / PLBG
Electrical, mechanical and plumbing enforcement can differ from BLDG.
Municipality matters
The mailing city is not always the legal township/city enforcing the code. Verify the actual governmental unit.
Step-by-step: use Michigan’s Statewide Jurisdiction List
- Open the official Statewide Jurisdiction List PDF.
- Identify the project’s exact county.
- Find the exact city, village, township or other governmental unit.
- Read the BLDG column.
- Read ELEC, MECH and PLBG separately.
- If BCC is the enforcing agency, use the LARA state permit workflow.
- If a local governmental unit is shown, use that local building/codes office.
- Ask which inspections are required and who must request them.
- Put permit responsibility into the written construction agreement.
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint, Ann Arbor & Lansing Permit Starting Points
These shortcuts help users in major markets avoid starting with a 111-page statewide PDF. Still verify the exact municipality because a postal address using a city name may actually sit in another township or jurisdiction.
| Area | Official starting office | Current practical contact | After opening the link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department (BSEED) |
Customer service: 313-224-3202 Construction inspection: 313-596-2954 |
Open BSEED → choose permits/eLAPS → contractors should connect their license information to the permit account → upload plans through the required electronic process when applicable → do not begin work before the required permit.
Official Detroit BSEED |
| Grand Rapids | Development Center |
616-456-4100 devcenter@grcity.us 1120 Monroe Ave NW, 3rd Floor |
Open the Development Center → select the residential permit needed → register the applicable Michigan contractor license with the city if required for online access → submit permit → use the permit/address to schedule inspections.
Official Grand Rapids Development Center |
| Flint | Building & Safety Inspections |
810-766-7284 1101 S. Saginaw St., Room S106 |
Open Building & Safety → choose the current building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical permit form → verify public-office hours before visiting → submit through the city’s current process → use the same office to coordinate inspections.
Official Flint Building & Safety |
| Ann Arbor | City construction / building services |
734-794-6269 building@a2gov.org 301 E. Huron St. |
Use the city’s current development/building route, provide the exact property address and project type, and confirm which building/trade permit applications and inspections apply before work begins.
Official Ann Arbor Contact Directory |
| Lansing | City of Lansing permits / city service routing | 3-1-1 inside city service area |
Open the city permit portal → choose the applicable permit category → if the exact enforcing office is unclear, use Lansing 3-1-1 to route the project-address question rather than assuming the state BCC office handles it.
Official Lansing Permits |
Michigan Homeowner Checklist: License, Contract, Permits, Insurance & Payments
Michigan LARA’s own homeowner guidance goes much further than “check the license.” Use these practical controls before signing.
Before selecting the contractor
- Search the exact license in LARA Accela.
- Ask to see the pocket card.
- Check for a permanent business location and working telephone number.
- Request and contact prior customer references.
- Ask references whether problems were corrected.
- Get multiple written estimates.
- Compare actual materials/brands/grades/models—not only bottom-line price.
- Identify the building and trade permit authority before work starts.
Put these items in the written construction agreement
- Licensed company/person name, address and telephone.
- Builder and salesperson names where applicable.
- Applicable Michigan license number(s).
- Detailed project scope.
- Materials, brands, grades, styles and model numbers where relevant.
- Total contract price.
- Payment schedule.
- Start date and expected completion date.
- Who obtains required permits and variances.
- Liability-insurance expectations.
- Workers’ compensation expectations where applicable.
- Written warranty terms.
- Cleanup and debris-removal responsibility.
- How change orders / extras are approved and priced.
Three-day cancellation guidance
Michigan’s homeowner page states that where a consumer was solicited and signed the contract in the home, the consumer has three days to cancel and should send written cancellation by registered letter.
No current Homeowner Construction Lien Recovery Fund
Accela Citizen Access Help: Register, Link a License, Renew & Avoid Duplicate Applications
A portal problem is not a reason to submit a second license application. LARA publishes specific Accela help for account registration, linking licenses, renewals, address updates and permits.
Create an Accela account
- Open Accela Citizen Access.
- Use the account-registration option.
- Create the login and verify requested account details.
- Return to the dashboard after registration.
- Use LARA’s Accela FAQ if the account cannot be completed.
Link an existing builder license
- Sign into the correct Accela account.
- Use LARA’s “link a license” instructions.
- Enter the existing state license information.
- Confirm it appears in the account before attempting renewal/modification.
- If linking fails, contact BCC technical support rather than applying for a duplicate license.
Renew an individual license
- Wait until the renewal is available within the current renewal window.
- Link the license if needed.
- Use the linked account or eligible Express Pay route.
- Complete the transaction.
- Recheck public license status after processing.
Renew a company license
- Sign into Accela.
- Confirm the company license is linked.
- Verify the qualifying officer’s individual license is also being maintained.
- Use the company renewal workflow.
- Do not use Express Pay for a builder-company renewal.
Michigan 60-Hour Residential Builder Prelicense Education
A new Individual Residential Builder or M&A applicant normally completes 60 hours of approved prelicense education before the license application/testing process unless a qualifying military exemption applies.
| Required subject | Minimum hours |
|---|---|
| Business Management, Estimating & Job Costing | 6 |
| Design & Building Science | 6 |
| Contracts, Liability & Risk Management | 6 |
| Marketing & Sales | 6 |
| Project Management & Scheduling | 6 |
| Current Michigan Residential Code | 6 |
| MIOSHA Construction Safety Standards | 6 |
| Approved electives | 18 |
How to verify a course before paying
- Open LARA’s current Approved Residential Builder Prelicensure and Continuing Education PDF.
- Locate the provider/course.
- Confirm it is marked P for Prelicensure.
- Confirm the credit hours total.
- Read the delivery type.
- Check approval/expiration dates.
- Save the final completion certificate for the state application.
How to Apply for a Michigan Residential Builder License
The current individual application is BCC-2000, revised July 2026. Build the document file first; then submit through the current LARA/Accela process.
Choose Residential Builder OR M&A
The current individual application says the applicant cannot select both license types on the same application.
Complete approved 60-hour education
Retain the completion certificate unless LARA has approved a qualifying armed-forces education waiver.
Prepare state-issued photo ID
If the ID is from a state other than Michigan, review the current notarized Consent to Service of Process requirement.
Use a physical Michigan business address
The July 2026 individual application states that the business address cannot be a P.O. Box.
Do not put an LLC on the individual application
The individual application is for the person. After the individual license is issued, a separate company application can be filed if an LLC/corporation will operate as the licensed company.
Submit the application and current fee
The current initial Individual Residential Builder or Individual M&A application fee is $195. A qualifying veteran initial-fee waiver may apply.
Wait for LARA authorization to test
Residential Builder/M&A applicants do not simply register with PSI first. LARA reviews the application and sends approved eligibility to PSI.
Schedule and pass PSI
Complete the required testing within the state’s one-year application period.
Confirm issuance in Accela
Passing an examination is not the same as independently verifying that the government has issued a current builder credential. Check the official record after processing.
| Current individual transaction | Fee | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Builder initial | $195 | Nonrefundable application fee. |
| M&A initial | $195 | Select current trade(s). |
| Residential Builder relicensure | $185 | Current BCC-2000 describes relicensure for an individual credential expired more than three years; original license number is required. |
| M&A relicensure | $185 | Current requirements/testing apply. |
Michigan Builder Application Readiness Helper
Check only items actually prepared. This independent checklist does not submit or preapprove a LARA application.
Michigan Residential Builder PSI Exam: Exact Sequence, Fee, Score & Test Centers
After LARA says you are approved to test
- Allow the eligibility information to reach PSI.
- LARA’s current exam page says PSI should contact approved candidates within about 10 business days.
- Open the official Michigan PSI test-taker portal.
- Create/sign into the candidate account.
- Select the Residential Builder exam you were authorized to take.
- Pay the current listed $117 combined-builder exam fee.
- Select an available Michigan testing center.
- Make the registration name match your acceptable government-issued identification.
- Take the exam.
- Keep the score report and monitor LARA processing.
Currently listed Michigan PSI centers
| Area | Address listed in the current LARA-linked PSI handbook | Travel rule |
|---|---|---|
| Dearborn | 3200 Greenfield Rd., Suite 253, Dearborn, MI 48120 | Confirm in live scheduler before travel. |
| Holt / Lansing | 4202 Charlar Drive, Suite 1, Holt, MI 48842 | Confirm in live scheduler. |
| Southfield — Northland | 16250 Northland Dr., Suite 361, Southfield, MI 48075 | Confirm in live scheduler. |
| Southfield — Lahser | 26400 Lahser Rd., Suite 150, Southfield, MI 48033 | Confirm in live scheduler. |
| Grand Rapids | 4595 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 | Confirm in live scheduler. |
| Gaylord | 440 W. Main St., Suite D, Gaylord, MI 49735 | Confirm in live scheduler. |
| Marquette | 1229 W. Washington St., Marquette, MI 49855 | Confirm in live scheduler. |
M&A testing fees
| Testing combination | Current PSI fee |
|---|---|
| One portion | $70 |
| Two portions | $99 |
| Three portions | $114 |
PSI candidate support: 855-579-4635.
Michigan Residential Builder Renewal, Late Fees & Continuing Competency
Residential Builder and M&A credentials generally renew every three years by May 31, but not every license is on the same three-year cohort. Always read the expiration on the live license record.
| Renewal item | Current guidance | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal availability | Up to 90 days before expiration. | Log into/link Accela before the deadline. |
| Normal renewal fee | $150. | Complete current state renewal. |
| Late fee | $20 after expiration. | Do not delay renewal simply because late processing exists. |
| More than 60 days late | Late fee increases to $35. | Follow current Accela/LARA instructions. |
| Individual renewal | Eligible Express Pay or linked Accela account. | Use the current individual workflow. |
| Company renewal | Accela login required; company cannot use Express Pay. | Also maintain the qualifying officer’s individual license. |
Continuing competency hours
First or second renewal cycle
21 hours under current LARA guidance.
Third or later renewal cycle
3 hours under current LARA guidance.
Current core topic requirements include education addressing building codes/laws, safety, and changes in construction/business-management laws.
Michigan Residential Builder PDFs & Forms: What to Do After Opening Each File
Individual Application
Use for: initial Individual Residential Builder / Individual M&A or applicable individual relicensure.
Company Application
Use for: Residential Builder Company or M&A Company.
Approved Courses
Use for: verifying 60-hour prelicense and approved continuing-education courses.
Candidate Handbook
Use for: current exam fee, scheduling, identification, exam structure, test centers and exam rules.
Use for: deciding whether the individual requires 21 hours or 3 hours for the upcoming renewal cycle.
Statement of Complaint
Use for: documented construction/licensing complaints within BCC jurisdiction.
Use for: identifying building/electrical/mechanical/plumbing enforcing agencies.
Michigan Residential Builder Complaint: Deadline, Evidence & Correct Agency
The current Statement of Complaint is BCC-ES-100, revised April 2026. Calculate jurisdiction and deadline before assembling a large evidence file.
Residential-building complaint timing
Maintenance / alteration project
BCC says a residential building complaint generally must reach the Department within 18 months after the applicable latest completion, occupancy or purchase event.
Project requiring an occupancy permit
The current form identifies the applicable latest temporary certificate of occupancy, final certificate of occupancy or closing event for the deadline calculation.
Before opening the complaint form
- Identify whether BCC or a local enforcing agency has jurisdiction.
- Calculate the filing deadline.
- Save the builder’s current LARA license record.
- Copy the full signed contract.
- Include all estimates/quotes/change orders.
- Include proof of payments.
- Obtain permit and inspection records.
- Include written correspondence and responses.
- Make notes of verbal responses, including dates.
- Use clear dated photographs.
- Include relevant court documents if litigation already occurred.
- Do not submit sensitive personal identifiers unless specifically required.
Email complaint
LARA-BCC-Compliance@michigan.gov
Keep a complete copy of the signed complaint and every attachment.
Mail complaint
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Bureau of Construction Codes — Enforcement Section
P.O. Box 30254
Lansing, MI 48909
Enforcement phone: 517-241-9309.
How to Check Michigan Builder Final Decisions Without Confusing Them With Complaints
A complaint is an allegation; a final administrative order is a regulatory outcome. When researching discipline, keep those concepts separate.
- Open the official Residential Builders’ and Maintenance & Alteration Contractors’ Board page.
- Locate final decisions/orders or the relevant board-meeting material.
- Search the builder/company name or license number.
- Read the order date and actual disposition.
- Do not treat an old order as the current license status.
- Return to Accela and verify today’s credential status separately.
Michigan Builder Benefits, Veteran Waivers & Home Improvement Incentives
These programs do not replace a Residential Builder license. They can, however, reduce licensing cost for eligible veterans, create contractor opportunities or help homeowners fund qualifying work.
Veteran initial-license fee waiver
Michigan’s current builder application provides an initial-license fee waiver for a qualifying veteran who submits acceptable separation documentation showing the required character of service.
After opening the military page
- Read the veteran eligibility.
- Prepare the required DD-214/DD-215 or accepted documentation.
- Attach it to the current license application.
- Do not pay the standard initial fee when LARA confirms the statutory waiver applies.
Military 60-hour education waiver
Qualifying construction experience gained in the Armed Forces can support a full or partial prelicense-education waiver.
- Prepare military service documentation.
- Prepare the required signed statement/affidavit from a commanding officer, supervisor or military superior with direct knowledge of the construction competency.
- Submit it through the current LARA application process.
Michigan Home Energy Rebates (MiHER)
Michigan’s EGLE Home Energy Rebate programs can help eligible households pay for approved energy-efficiency and electrification improvements.
- Eligible rebate work must be performed by an approved MiHER Registered Contractor.
- Qualifying measures can include insulation, air sealing, heat pumps, water heating, electrical improvements and other approved measures.
- Income level and program caps determine the benefit.
- New construction is not eligible for MiHER home rebates.
- Funding/application availability changes by district and program conditions.
Resident support: 855-510-7080.
MiHER contractor incentives
Michigan separately publishes incentives for participating MiHER contractors, including incentives tied to qualifying disadvantaged-community projects and certain electrification measures.
MiHER regional funding context
EGLE publishes regional program allocations. These figures are program funding allocations—not guaranteed awards to any homeowner or contractor.
| Michigan district | Published regional allocation |
|---|---|
| Bay City | $16,640,898.55 |
| Cadillac | $12,953,710.79 |
| Detroit | $26,138,495.59 |
| Lansing | $18,094,487.96 |
| Gaylord | $12,899,664.53 |
| Grand Rapids | $16,824,749.70 |
| Jackson | $14,317,273.53 |
| Kalamazoo | $16,372,499.75 |
| Marquette | $13,209,077.19 |
| Warren | $18,931,747.69 |
Weatherization Assistance Program
Michigan’s federally funded Weatherization Assistance Program helps qualifying low-income households with energy-conservation and related health/safety improvements. Local Community Action Agencies administer services around Michigan.
State Emergency Relief — energy-related home repairs
Michigan MDHHS also identifies qualifying energy-related home repairs under State Emergency Relief. Current state guidance lists a $4,000 lifetime household limit for state energy-related home repairs, subject to program eligibility and current policy.
Michigan Builder Licensing Phone Numbers, Emails, Address & Google Map
| Your question | Office | Current contact | Have this ready |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Builder / M&A licensing | BCC Licensing Section |
517-241-9316 LARA-BCC-Licensing@michigan.gov |
License/application number, exact credential type, applicant/legal name. |
| Complaint / licensing enforcement | BCC Enforcement |
517-241-9309 LARA-BCC-Compliance@michigan.gov |
License number, job address, dates, complaint evidence. |
| State building permit | BCC Permit / Building Trades |
517-241-9313 bccpermits@michigan.gov |
Exact property municipality and permit/project type. |
| PSI exam scheduling | PSI | 855-579-4635 | Candidate identity and LARA testing authorization. |
| Accela technical issue | BCC online-service support | LARA-BCC-Service@Michigan.gov | Account email, license number and screenshot/error details without exposing unnecessary sensitive data. |
BCC / Residential Builders Board government location
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Bureau of Construction Codes
Ottawa Building
611 W. Ottawa Street
Lansing, MI 48933
Licensing mail
Mail with payment
Bureau of Construction Codes
Licensing Section
P.O. Box 30255
Lansing, MI 48909
Mail without payment
Bureau of Construction Codes
Licensing Section
P.O. Box 30254
Lansing, MI 48909
LARA currently lists Licensing Section phone availability as 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.
Michigan Residential Builder License Lookup FAQs
Where is the official Michigan Residential Builder license lookup?
The official Residential Builder and Maintenance & Alteration license search is LARA Bureau of Construction Codes’ Accela Citizen Access Search for Licensee. Search by license number when possible and compare the government record with the person or company named in the construction contract.
Does Michigan use MiPLUS for Residential Builder licensing?
The normal Residential Builder/M&A licensing platform is Accela Citizen Access. LARA states that Residential Builders transitioned to Accela in August 2019. MiPLUS is used for many other Michigan professions, which is why generic search results can send builder applicants to the wrong starting portal.
At what project amount does a Michigan residential contractor generally need a license?
Michigan LARA’s homeowner guidance states that contractors offering residential work totaling $600 or more in labor and materials generally must be licensed, subject to statutory exemptions. A larger project should not be divided into smaller contracts merely to evade licensing requirements.
What is the difference between a Residential Builder and an M&A Contractor?
An Individual Residential Builder can construct a complete residential structure and perform maintenance and alteration work within applicable law. An M&A Contractor is limited to the specific approved trades shown on the license.
Do I need to verify a builder company separately?
Yes when the company is the contracting entity. Michigan has separate Residential Builder Company and M&A Company credentials, and a builder company must maintain an appropriately licensed qualifying officer.
How many hours of prelicense education does Michigan require?
A new Individual Residential Builder or M&A applicant normally completes 60 hours of LARA-approved prelicense education before licensing/testing unless LARA approves an applicable armed-forces education waiver.
How much is the Michigan Residential Builder application fee?
The current July 2026 BCC-2000 application lists a $195 initial fee for an Individual Residential Builder and a $195 initial fee for an Individual M&A Contractor. Qualified veterans may receive the applicable initial-license fee waiver.
Can an LLC be entered on the individual builder application?
No. The current individual application is for the individual licensee. Michigan provides a separate company-license application after an appropriately licensed qualifying officer exists.
How long is Michigan builder application processing?
LARA’s current Licensing Section warns that processing can take up to approximately 3–5 weeks and that applications are reviewed in the order received. An incomplete or deficient submission can take longer.
Do I schedule PSI before applying to LARA?
No for an Individual Residential Builder or M&A applicant. Submit the state licensing application first. After LARA approves the candidate to test, the Department sends eligibility information to PSI.
How much is the Michigan Residential Builder PSI exam?
The PSI handbook currently linked by LARA lists the combined Residential Builder Practice/Trade and Business/Law examination at $117 for the initial attempt and retest.
What is the Michigan Residential Builder exam format?
The current LARA-linked PSI handbook lists 160 questions, a raw passing score of 116 and a 240-minute time limit for the combined Residential Builder examination. The handbook describes the builder examination as closed book.
Can I take the Michigan Residential Builder exam online from home?
BCC’s current PSI page specifically identifies remote online testing for Plumbing Contractor and Master Plumber examinations. Residential Builder applicants should use the testing-center scheduling options PSI makes available rather than assuming remote testing is authorized.
How often does a Michigan Residential Builder license renew?
Michigan Residential Builder and M&A credentials generally renew every three years by May 31, but individual licenses do not all expire in the same year. Check the live LARA record for the exact expiration date.
How much is Michigan builder renewal?
The current renewal fee is $150. LARA lists a $20 late fee after expiration and a $35 late fee after the renewal becomes more than 60 days late.
How much continuing education does a Michigan builder need?
Current LARA guidance requires 21 hours during the first or second renewal cycle and 3 hours for the third or later renewal cycle, subject to the detailed continuing-competency rules applicable to that individual license.
Does a Michigan builder license automatically cover building permits?
No. The state builder license and project permits are separate. Use Michigan’s Statewide Jurisdiction List to determine whether BCC, a county, city, village or township handles building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits for the property.
How long do I have to file a Michigan Residential Builder complaint?
The current April 2026 BCC complaint form generally requires a residential-building complaint to reach the Department within 18 months after the applicable latest completion, occupancy or purchase event. When a project requires an occupancy permit, the relevant event can include the latest temporary certificate of occupancy, final certificate of occupancy or closing.
Can BCC make a builder refund my money?
No. BCC’s complaint instructions state that the Bureau does not act as a civil court, cannot order a refund or cancel a contract and cannot provide legal advice. Regulatory enforcement and private civil remedies are separate.
Does Michigan still have a Homeowner Construction Lien Recovery Fund?
No. Michigan LARA states that the Homeowner Construction Lien Recovery Fund was abolished in August 2010.
Can a veteran get Michigan builder licensing benefits?
Yes in qualifying circumstances. Michigan provides an initial-license fee waiver for eligible veterans and can approve full or partial 60-hour prelicense education credit based on qualifying Armed Forces construction experience and required supporting documentation.
Are there Michigan rebates for home improvement projects?
Michigan EGLE administers Home Energy Rebate programs for qualifying existing-home efficiency and electrification projects, subject to eligibility, program caps and current funding availability. Eligible rebate work must be performed by an approved MiHER Registered Contractor, and new construction is not eligible.
Official Michigan Sources Used to Build This Guide
- LARA Bureau of Construction Codes Residential Builders licensing page.
- LARA Accela Citizen Access public licensee search.
- Current BCC-2000 Individual Residential Builder/M&A application, July 2026.
- Current BCC-2030 Residential Builder/M&A Company application.
- LARA 2026–2029 approved prelicense/continuing-education course list.
- LARA PSI Examinations instructions.
- PSI Residential Builder/M&A examination handbook currently linked by LARA.
- LARA License/Registration Renewals guidance.
- LARA Continuing Competency requirements.
- BCC-ES-100 Statement of Complaint, April 2026.
- BCC Enforcement Section.
- BCC Building Permit Information.
- Michigan Statewide Jurisdiction List.
- LARA homeowner hiring guidance.
- LARA military/veteran Residential Builder resources.
- Detroit BSEED.
- Grand Rapids Development Center.
- Flint Building & Safety Inspections.
- Ann Arbor official city contacts.
- Lansing permit portal.
- Michigan EGLE Home Energy Rebates.
- Michigan MDHHS Weatherization and State Emergency Relief resources.
For a Michigan Builder, Verify the License and the Project
Homeowner: search the live LARA record, match the person/company, verify M&A scope or qualifying officer where applicable, identify the permit authority, and put permits, insurance, materials, payments and change orders in writing.
Applicant: complete the approved 60-hour education, submit the current BCC-2000 application, wait for LARA authorization, schedule PSI, complete the examination within the application window and confirm issuance through Accela.