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Residential Builder contractor

Michigan General Contractor License

A Michigan Residential Builder requires 21 continuing-education hours every 3 years, a $195 state renewal fee, and a $25,000 license bond. Michigan currently enforces the 2015 Michigan Residential Code. Requirements, approved courses, bond and renewal steps for 2026.

At a glance MI · IBC/IRC
CE hours
21 / 3-yr
Renewal fee
$195
Bond
$25,000
Code
2015 Michigan Residential Code

Source: MI LARA · compiled 2026-05-23

Need your 21 CE hours? RedVector (Vector Solutions) carries the largest approved-course catalog for Michigan.

See approved courses

Informational only — not legal advice, and not affiliated with any licensing board. Confirm every figure with the official board before you act. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclaimer.

Continuing education

Hours required
21
Renewal cycle
3 yr
Provider approval
Required
Subject breakdown
  • Building codes
  • Business
  • MIOSHA safety

CE courses for Michigan residential builders

General Contractor continuing-education providers offering courses for Michigan. Confirm a provider appears on MI LARA’s approved-provider list before you buy.

Affiliate disclosure: the links below are affiliate links — clicking may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Our editor’s pick is the provider with the largest continuing-education catalog among those approved for your state; the rest are listed alphabetically. Affiliate status doesn’t change which providers appear or their order.

Editor's pick largest approved catalog for MI

RedVector (Vector Solutions)

Broad catalog across all four trades

Online self-paced · from $19 · 250+ courses

View courses →

Still need to pass the licensing exam? @HomePrep →

Bond & insurance

Contractor bond
$25,000

Bond required. Annual premiums typically run $100–$2,000 depending on credit and bond amount.

Get a bond quote
Insurance
$500,000

General-liability minimum. Workers’ compensation insurance is required.

These limits often apply to the licensed contractor/business, not an individual contractor working as an employee — confirm which applies to your situation with MI LARA.

Compare GL & workers’-comp quotes

Reciprocity

Michigan does not publish direct reciprocity for this license. Out-of-state holders typically apply for endorsement and may need to pass the state exam. The reciprocity map shows which states do honor each other.

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Check your renewal deadline

    Log in to the MI LARA portal and confirm your expiration date and license number before doing anything else.

  2. 2

    Complete continuing education

    Complete your 21 required CE hours every 3 years with a board-approved provider (provider approval is required in this state). Keep your completion certificates.

  3. 3

    Gather bond & insurance proof

    Have current proof of your license bond and general-liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage ready to upload.

  4. 4

    Submit and pay

    Submit the renewal through the MI LARA portal and pay the $195 fee. Renewing online is faster than mailing a paper form.

  5. 5

    Save your confirmation

    Download the confirmation and your updated license. If you missed the deadline, look for the late/reinstatement path rather than re-applying from scratch.

Frequently asked questions

How many CE hours do I need for Michigan Residential Builder renewal?
21 hours every 3 years. Subjects: Building codes; Business; MIOSHA safety.
What does Michigan Residential Builder renewal cost?
The state filing fee is $195. Approved CE courses are an additional cost that varies by provider (commonly around $15–$100).
Does Michigan accept reciprocity for this license?
Michigan does not publish reciprocity for this license. Out-of-state holders typically apply for endorsement and may sit for an exam.
Which code is Michigan currently enforcing?
Michigan is currently on the 2015 Michigan Residential Code. Make sure your CE courses cover the current code year.
Does Michigan require a bond for this license?
Yes. Michigan requires a $25,000 license bond at this tier. Annual premiums typically run a few percent of the bond amount depending on your credit.

Don’t lose your license to a missed deadline

Michigan Residential Builders renew every 3 years. Set a reminder so you have time to finish your 21 CE hours before you’re due.

Used to set your reminder. With the email option we’ll time it 90, 30 and 7 days before.

Add it to your calendar

Download a calendar file with alerts 90, 30 and 7 days before. Works with Apple, Google and Outlook. Nothing leaves your device.

…or have us email you

No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We’ll send the year’s code & CE-rule changes for general contractors too.

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