What you need to do to reinstate a Michigan builders license
To reinstate a Michigan builders license, you must contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Construction Code Administration Division. The process depends on why your license lapsed — whether it expired because you did not renew it, or whether it was suspended or revoked by the state for a violation or complaint.
If your license expired because you missed the renewal important date, reinstatement is usually straightforward: you pay a reinstatement fee, submit proof that you meet current continuing education requirements, and provide updated documentation. If your license was suspended or revoked, you must first resolve the underlying issue — such as paying a fine, completing a corrective action plan, or addressing a complaint — before LARA will consider reinstatement.
The timeline varies. Reinstatement after expiration typically takes two to four weeks once LARA receives your complete process. Reinstatement after suspension or revocation can take much longer, sometimes several months, because LARA must review your case file and confirm that the reason for suspension has been resolved.
Key Takeaways
- Contact LARA's Construction Code Administration Division to find out whether your license expired, was suspended, or was revoked — the path forward is different for each.
- For expired licenses, you must complete the continuing education hours required in Michigan since your license lapsed, then submit a reinstatement process with the fee.
- For suspended or revoked licenses, you must first resolve the violation, fine, or complaint that caused the suspension before LARA will process reinstatement.
- Reinstatement fees and continuing education requirements vary by license type (residential builder, commercial builder, maintenance and alteration contractor, or specialty contractor).
- You cannot legally perform work under a lapsed, suspended, or revoked license, and doing so can result in fines and civil liability.
Determine the status of your license
Before you begin the reinstatement process, you must know exactly why your license is no longer active. LARA maintains a public license lookup tool on its website where you can search your name and license number. The lookup will show whether your license is active, expired, suspended, or revoked.
If the lookup does not give you a clear answer, call the Construction Code Administration Division directly at the phone number listed on LARA's website. Have your license number and date of birth ready. A staff member can tell you the exact status and, if your license was suspended or revoked, explain what action caused it and what you must do to resolve it.
Do not assume your license straightforward expired. If LARA suspended or revoked it, you will need documentation showing that the underlying issue has been resolved before you can reinstate. Skipping this step will delay your process and may result in a denial if you submit incomplete paperwork.
Reinstatement after license expiration
If your license expired because you did not renew it by the important date, reinstatement requires three things: proof of continuing education, a completed reinstatement process, and the reinstatement fee.
Continuing education is mandatory in Michigan for all builders licenses. The number of hours required depends on your license type and how long your license has been expired. For residential builders and commercial builders, the requirement is typically 16 hours per two-year renewal cycle. For maintenance and alteration contractors and specialty contractors, the requirement is 8 hours per two-year cycle. If your license has been expired for more than one renewal cycle, you may owe education hours for multiple cycles — contact LARA to confirm the exact amount.
Courses must be taken through an LARA-approved provider. LARA publishes a list of approved continuing education providers on its website. When you complete a course, the provider will issue you a certificate of completion. Keep this certificate — you will need to submit it with your reinstatement process.
The reinstatement fee varies by license type. As of the most recent fee schedule, reinstatement fees range from approximately $100 to $300, but you should confirm the current amount with LARA because fees change. Submit your process, certificates of completion, and fee payment to the address or online portal specified by LARA.
Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
If LARA suspended or revoked your license, you cannot reinstate it until you have resolved the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include failure to pay a fine, failure to complete a corrective action plan, complaints about workmanship or safety violations, or operating without proper insurance.
Contact LARA and ask for a written explanation of what caused the suspension or revocation and what steps you must take to resolve it. This might include paying a fine, submitting proof of corrective work, obtaining a letter from a complainant stating the issue has been resolved, or completing additional training or inspection. Follow those steps exactly and keep documentation of each one.
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, submit a reinstatement request to LARA along with proof that the issue is resolved. LARA will review your case file and decide whether to reinstate your license. This review can take several weeks to several months. During this time, you cannot legally perform any work under your license.
Documents and fees you will need
| Reinstatement Type | Documents Required | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Expired license | Certificates of continuing education completion; reinstatement process form; proof of current liability insurance (if required for your license type) | $100–$300 (varies by license type) |
| Suspended or revoked license | Written proof that the violation or complaint has been resolved; reinstatement process form; any corrective documentation LARA requested; certificates of continuing education (if required) | $100–$300 plus any fines owed |
Contact LARA before you submit your process to confirm the exact fee for your license type and the current address or online portal where applications are accepted. Fees and procedures can change, and submitting payment to the wrong address will delay your reinstatement.
Keep copies of every document you submit. LARA may request additional information after receiving your process, and having copies on hand will speed up your response.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement process
LARA will send you a confirmation that your process was received. For expired licenses with complete documentation, reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks. For suspended or revoked licenses, the timeline is longer because LARA must review your case file and verify that the underlying issue has been resolved.
Once your license is reinstated, LARA will issue you a new license certificate or update your status in the online lookup system. You will receive written notice of reinstatement. At that point, you can legally perform work under your license again.
If LARA denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written explanation of the reason. You have the right to request a hearing or to appeal the decision. The appeal process is outlined in the denial letter.
Common mistakes that delay reinstatement
The most common mistake is submitting an process without completing all required continuing education hours. LARA will reject the process and send it back to you. Check with LARA about the exact number of hours you owe before you enroll in courses.
Another frequent error is submitting continuing education certificates from a provider that is not on LARA's approved list. Only courses from approved providers count toward your requirement. Verify the provider's status before you enroll.
For suspended or revoked licenses, many applicants submit a reinstatement request without first resolving the underlying violation or complaint. LARA will deny the request. Contact LARA first, get a clear list of what must be resolved, complete those steps, and then submit your reinstatement process with proof of resolution.
Finally, do not perform any work under a lapsed, suspended, or revoked license while your reinstatement is pending. Doing so is illegal and can result in fines, civil liability, and permanent revocation of your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I work after my license expires before I have to reinstate it?
You cannot work at all after your license expires. Operating without an active license is illegal in Michigan and can result in fines and civil liability. If you need to continue working, you must reinstate your license before you take on any new jobs. If you have ongoing projects, notify your clients when ready and explain the delay.
Can I reinstate my license if I owe a fine to LARA?
No. You must pay any outstanding fines before LARA will process your reinstatement. Contact LARA to find out the amount owed and the payment method. Once the fine is paid, you can submit your reinstatement process.
Do I need to take continuing education if my license was suspended?
It depends on how long your license was suspended and what LARA requires for reinstatement. Contact LARA and ask whether you owe continuing education hours. If you do, you must complete them before or as part of your reinstatement process.
What if I cannot find an approved continuing education provider near me?
Many approved providers offer online courses that you can take from anywhere. LARA's list of approved providers includes their contact information and whether they offer online options. If you have trouble finding a course, call LARA and ask for recommendations.
Can I reinstate my license if it was revoked for a serious violation?
Revocation is more serious than suspension, but reinstatement may still be possible depending on the violation and how long ago it occurred. Contact LARA and ask whether your license is may be able to access for reinstatement. If it is, LARA will explain what you must do to resolve the violation and what the timeline will be.