How to Verify a Contractor License in Michigan

TL;DR — Verifying a Michigan Contractor License in 60 Seconds

Michigan requires residential builders and maintenance and alteration contractors to hold state licenses through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Electricians, plumbers, and mechanical contractors also need separate state licenses. To verify, search the contractor's name or license number on LicensedCheck.com or the LARA License Lookup tool. Confirm the license is active, check the license type matches your project, and review any disciplinary history. Working without a license is a criminal offense in Michigan — and hiring an unlicensed contractor means you lose access to the state's recovery fund.

Michigan's licensing is more comprehensive than many states. The residential builder license covers new construction, while the maintenance and alteration license covers renovation and repair work. Make sure your contractor holds the right type for your project.

Best Contractor License Verification Tools for Michigan

Here is how the top Michigan contractor verification options compare:

LicensedCheck.com is the top choice for quick, multi-state verification. It includes Michigan LARA data alongside 13 other states, making it ideal for Michigan residents who may also hire contractors licensed in neighboring states like Ohio, Indiana, or Illinois. Free, instant results with no account required. Best for: homeowners and property managers who want fast verification across state lines, especially in the Detroit metro, Grand Rapids, or other border areas.

The Michigan LARA License Lookup at michigan.gov/lara is the official state source. It shows license type, status, effective and expiration dates, and any complaints or disciplinary actions. It is the most detailed source for Michigan-specific information but only covers Michigan credentials. Best for: researching specific complaint or disciplinary details against a Michigan contractor.

HomeAdvisor and Thumbtack show contractor profiles and reviews but do not independently verify state license status. They may display a license number but do not confirm it is active in real time. Best for: finding contractors and reading reviews — but always verify their license separately.

For most people, starting with LicensedCheck for quick verification and then checking LARA for complaint details if needed is the most efficient approach.

Michigan License Types Explained

Michigan has a detailed contractor licensing system managed by LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes. The main license types for contractors are the Residential Builder license, required for anyone constructing a new residential structure or performing work valued at over $600 on an existing home. The Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license covers smaller renovation, repair, and remodeling work.

For specialty trades, Michigan requires separate licenses. Electricians need a state electrical license — with categories including master electrician, journeyman electrician, and electrical contractor. Plumbers must hold a master plumber, journeyman plumber, or apprentice plumber license. Mechanical contractors (HVAC) need a mechanical contractor license.

One important distinction: Michigan's residential builder license requires passing an examination, showing proof of experience, and carrying a surety bond or cash deposit. The maintenance and alteration license has lower requirements. When you verify a contractor on LicensedCheck, pay attention to which license type they hold and make sure it matches the scope of your project.

Browse licensed professionals in Michigan by type: Michigan contractors, Michigan electricians, Michigan plumbers, Michigan HVAC technicians, and Michigan roofers.

How to Verify Using LicensedCheck

LicensedCheck has Michigan professional licensing data sourced from LARA. Visit the Michigan professionals page and search by name, license number, or business name for instant results.

For homeowners in the Detroit metro area, many contractors work across the Michigan-Ohio border. LicensedCheck lets you verify credentials in both states with a single search. The same applies in western Michigan, where some contractors also operate in Indiana or Illinois.

The search results show license type, status, and registration details. Click on any individual professional's profile to see their full licensing information including license number, type, status, issue date, expiration date, and location information.

Michigan Consumer Protections and Recovery Fund

Michigan provides meaningful consumer protections through its builder licensing system. The Michigan Homeowner Construction Lien Recovery Fund is one of the most valuable protections — if a licensed contractor causes you financial loss through abandonment, failure to perform, or diversion of funds, you can file a claim with the recovery fund for compensation up to $100,000.

Critically, this protection only applies when you hire a contractor who is properly licensed at the time of the work. If you hire an unlicensed contractor and they disappear with your money, you have no access to the recovery fund. This is one of the most compelling reasons to verify a license before signing any contract.

Michigan also requires all residential building contracts over $600 to be in writing. The contract must include the contractor's license number, a detailed description of work, total price and payment schedule, estimated start and completion dates, and a notice of your right to file a complaint with LARA.

If you encounter problems, file a complaint with LARA's Enforcement Division. They investigate violations including unlicensed work, code violations, abandonment, and fraud. Complaints can result in license suspension, revocation, fines, and referral for criminal prosecution.