Residential Builder License Bond in Michigan

What this bond requires in Michigan

Michigan Residential Builder and Maintenance & Alteration Contractor licenses, administered by LARA Bureau of Construction Codes, do not include a state-level surety bond requirement. Applicants must complete 60 hours of prelicensure education, pass the exam, and pay the license fee; the Occupational Code (Article 24) governs licensure without imposing a bonding mandate at the state level. Individual Michigan municipalities frequently require permit or builder bonds at the local level, so contractors should verify local requirements.

Who requires it

The residential builder license bond is required by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes, Residential Builders and Maintenance and Alteration Contractor Licensing under MCL 339.2401 et seq. (Occupational Code, Article 24 - Residential Builders and M&A Contractors); Mich. Admin. Code R 338.1551 et seq..

How to file in Michigan

Complete the 60-hour LARA-approved prelicensure course, pass the Residential Builder or M&A Contractor examination administered by PSI, then submit the Individual License Application to LARA-BCC with the application fee. No surety bond is filed with LARA. Local building departments may require separate permit bonds before issuing project permits.

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FAQ

Common questions

Is a residential builder license bond required in Michigan?

No statewide surety bond required by LARA for the Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license. Local jurisdictions may require permit bonds.

How much is the bond in Michigan?

Michigan does not publish a single flat amount. See the state-specific notes for how it is determined.

Who requires the bond?

The bond is required by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes, Residential Builders and Maintenance and Alteration Contractor Licensing.

How is the bond filed?

Complete the 60-hour LARA-approved prelicensure course, pass the Residential Builder or M&A Contractor examination administered by PSI, then submit the Individual License Application to LARA-BCC with the application fee. No surety bond is filed with LARA. Local building departments may require separate permit bonds before issuing project permits.

What does the bond cover?

Surety bonds protect the obligee, not the principal. If you fail to meet the obligation the bond guarantees, the surety pays the claim and recovers from you.

Is a surety bond the same as insurance?

No. Insurance protects you. A surety bond protects whoever required the bond. You repay the surety for any claim they pay.