What the Reinstatement Affirmation Form Does
The Reinstatement Affirmation Form is a document Michigan requires when you renew your mechanic license after it has lapsed or expired. It is not a form you fill out every renewal — only when your license has been inactive and you are bringing it back into good standing. The form confirms that you understand Michigan's current rules for mechanics and that you agree to follow them going forward.
Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) uses this form to verify that you are aware of any rule changes that happened while your license was inactive. It protects both you and the state by creating a record that you have acknowledged your responsibilities before the license is restored.
Key Takeaways
- You only need the Reinstatement Affirmation Form if your mechanic license has expired or lapsed — not for routine renewals of an active license.
- The form is a one-page document you sign to confirm you understand Michigan's current mechanic licensing rules and will follow them.
- You submit the form to Michigan LEO along with your renewal fee and any other required documents for reinstatement.
- Signing the form is a legal acknowledgment, so read it carefully before you submit it to make sure you agree with the terms.
When You Need to Submit This Form
You need the Reinstatement Affirmation Form only if your mechanic license has been inactive for any length of time. This includes licenses that have expired, been voluntarily surrendered, or lapsed due to non-renewal. If your license is currently active and you are renewing it on time, you do not need this form — you would use the standard renewal process instead.
The moment you decide to reinstate a lapsed license, contact Michigan LEO to request the Reinstatement Affirmation Form. Do not assume you can skip it or use an older version. LEO updates the form periodically to reflect changes in state law or licensing rules, so you need the current version that matches the date of your reinstatement.
How to Obtain the Current Form
The Reinstatement Affirmation Form is available directly from Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. You can request it by contacting the Occupational Licensing Section, which handles all mechanic license matters in the state. The easiest way is to call their office or visit their website to read the form.
When you request the form, have your license number ready if you still have it. If you do not have your old license number, LEO can look it up using your name and date of birth. Ask for the most recent version of the form — do not use a copy you may have saved from years ago, as the language or requirements may have changed.
What Information the Form Asks For
The Reinstatement Affirmation Form asks for basic identifying information: your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and your previous mechanic license number. You will also confirm your current mailing address and contact information so LEO can reach you if there are any questions about your reinstatement.
The form includes a statement of acknowledgment where you confirm that you have read and understand Michigan's current rules for mechanic licensing. You sign and date this statement, making it a legal document. Some versions of the form also ask whether you have any disciplinary history or criminal convictions since your license lapsed — answer these questions truthfully, as LEO may investigate your background during reinstatement.
Submitting the Form With Your Reinstatement Package
The Reinstatement Affirmation Form is one piece of your reinstatement package. You will also need to include your reinstatement fee (the amount varies and changes periodically, so confirm the current fee with LEO), proof of your work history or experience since the license lapsed, and any other documents LEO requests. Submit everything together to the address or online portal LEO specifies.
Keep a copy of the signed form for your records before you mail or upload it. If you submit by mail, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof LEO received your package. If LEO has an online portal for license reinstatement, you may be able to upload the form directly — ask when you request the form whether that option is available.
What Happens After You Submit
After LEO receives your completed Reinstatement Affirmation Form and all supporting documents, they will review your file. This review typically takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if LEO needs to verify information or if there are questions about your background. You will receive written notice of whether your reinstatement has been approved or denied.
If your reinstatement is approved, LEO will issue a new license and send it to the address you provided on the form. If there are problems — such as incomplete information or a disciplinary issue — LEO will contact you to explain what is needed before they can proceed. Do not assume silence means approval; follow up with LEO if you have not heard back within a month.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is submitting an outdated version of the form. Even if you have a copy from a previous reinstatement, request a fresh one from LEO. Rules change, and an old form may not meet current requirements or may be rejected outright.
Another mistake is leaving sections blank or providing incomplete information. LEO will not process an incomplete form, and it will be returned to you, delaying your reinstatement. Read every line carefully and fill in every field that applies to you. If a question does not explore, write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank — this shows you read it and made a deliberate choice.
Do not sign the form unless you genuinely agree with the statement of acknowledgment. You are making a legal commitment to follow Michigan's mechanic licensing rules. If you have questions about what the rules require, ask LEO before you sign, not after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my mechanic license online without the Reinstatement Affirmation Form?
No. If your license has lapsed, you cannot use the standard online renewal process. You must submit the Reinstatement Affirmation Form as part of a formal reinstatement request. Online renewal is only for licenses that are currently active.
What if I do not remember why my license lapsed?
LEO's records will show the reason — whether it expired, was voluntarily surrendered, or lapsed for another cause. When you contact them to request the form, ask them to explain what happened. This information may affect what documents you need to submit with your reinstatement.
Do I need to take the mechanic exam again to reinstate my license?
Not usually. The Reinstatement Affirmation Form is typically sufficient if your lapse was recent and your background is clean. However, if your license has been inactive for many years or if there are disciplinary issues, LEO may require you to retake the exam. Ask when you request the form.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee is set by Michigan LEO and changes periodically. Contact the Occupational Licensing Section directly for the current fee. The fee is separate from the cost of the Reinstatement Affirmation Form itself, which is usually free to request.
What if I moved and my address changed since my license lapsed?
Provide your current address on the Reinstatement Affirmation Form. LEO will use this address to send your new license and any correspondence. Make sure the address is correct and legible so there is no delay in receiving your reinstated license.