ReadyDocs
READYDOCSCOMPLIANCESTATESMICHIGAN
STATE FILE · MICAPITAL · LANSINGADMITTED · 1837REVIEWED · Jul 10, 2026
Public Compliance Directory · State Hub

Michigan.

Michigan licenses residential builders and maintenance/alteration contractors through LARA, while commercial general contracting and local permits route through municipalities.

County guides
4
Indexed cities
4
State code
MI
Last reviewed
Jul 10, 2026
FAST FACTS

Michigan at a glance

Quick-reference card
Licensing authorityMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
ReciprocityLimited - verify LARA
Workers' compensationRequired with employees; verify exemptions
Bond ruleUsually local/project specific
Renewal cycle3 years for residential builder cycle
Continuing educationRequired for residential builders based on license age
Browse counties→Source register↓
State of
MI
· ACTIVE FILE ·
ARTICLE I · STATE AUTHORITY
LICENSING & LOCAL CONTROL
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Article I · State Baseline

Licensing sets the baseline. Local offices control the job.

Cities, townships, and counties control building permits, inspections, zoning, and local registrations.

Michigan licenses residential builders and maintenance/alteration contractors through LARA, while commercial general contracting and local permits route through municipalities.

Use LARA for residential builder or trade credential status, then confirm local permit and inspection routing.

Insurance and risk

Workers' compensation and liability proof should be verified by employer status, license type, and local permit office.

Official source · Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes — Residential Builders ↗Reviewed · Jul 10, 2026
ARTICLE II · OPERATING FILE
WHAT TO CONFIRM
STATE · COUNTY · CITY
Article II · Operating File

Three checks before work starts.

Use the state authority as the baseline, then confirm the local process before filing.

LICENSE

State authority

Michigan licenses residential builders and maintenance/alteration contractors through LARA, while commercial general contracting and local permits route through municipalities.

AgencyMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
ReciprocityLimited - verify LARA
Renewal3 years for residential builder cycle
PERMITS

Local filing path

Cities, townships, and counties control building permits, inspections, zoning, and local registrations.

Before workUse LARA for residential builder or trade credential status, then confirm local permit and inspection routing.
JurisdictionConfirm city or county
RISK

Insurance and bonds

Workers' compensation and liability proof should be verified by employer status, license type, and local permit office.

Workers' compRequired with employees; verify exemptions
BondUsually local/project specific
EducationRequired for residential builders based on license age
ARTICLE III · INDEXED COUNTIES
COUNTIES IN MICHIGAN
4 GUIDES
Article III · Browse by County

4 compliance guides in Michigan.

Choose a county to find indexed cities, permit offices, and trade-specific requirements.

Ingham CountyOn file
1 files
Kalamazoo CountyOn file
1 files
Kent CountyOn file
1 files
Washtenaw CountyOn file
1 files
Showing 4 counties →
ARTICLE IV · SOURCES
OFFICIAL SOURCE REGISTER
3 PRIMARY AUTHORITIES
Article IV · Sources & Citations

Primary authorities, not secondary summaries.

These official sources were reviewed together on Jul 10, 2026. Confirm with the authority before filing.

Licensing

Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes — Residential Builders

Licensing, renewal, board rules, and professional-scope requirements.

michigan.govOpen official source ↗
REVIEWED
Jul 10, 2026
Workers' compensation

Michigan Workers' Disability Compensation Agency

Employer coverage, thresholds, exemptions, and claims administration.

michigan.govOpen official source ↗
REVIEWED
Jul 10, 2026
Article V · Neighboring States

Working across state lines?

Open the neighboring state file to confirm licensing, reciprocity, and local registration.

IN
Indiana
Open file
OH
Ohio
Open file
WI
Wisconsin
Open file

Open the file. Choose the county.

Michigan compliance guides are public. Start with the county where the work will happen.

Browse counties→Back to top↑