Michigan electrical license lookup: how to check and get a license
Michigan electrical license lookup: who issues electrician licenses (LARA), how to check one online, the license types, and 1,950 electrical contractors by county.
Do electricians need a license in Michigan?
| Who licenses them | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes; City of Detroit issues its own electrical licenses |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Electrician, Electrical Journeyman, Electrical Contractor, Electrical Apprentice (registration), Fire Alarm Specialty Technician, Sign Specialist |
LARA licenses electricians and electrical contractors statewide, but the City of Detroit issues its own electrical licenses and registrations. Michigan has no licensing reciprocity with other states, so an out-of-state license alone isn't valid here.
How do you look up an electrician's license in Michigan?
- Ask the electrician for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Michigan electrical license lookup run by LARA.
- Search by license number first. A name search can return several people or companies with similar names.
- Check that the status is active or current, that the license type covers your job, and that the name matches the company on your contract.
- If something doesn't match, ask the electrician about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact LARA.
What electrical licenses does Michigan issue?
- Master Electrician
- Electrical Journeyman
- Electrical Contractor
- Electrical Apprentice (registration)
- Fire Alarm Specialty Technician
- Sign Specialist
How do you get a electrical license in Michigan?
Licenses are issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes; City of Detroit issues its own electrical licenses. Requirements such as experience, exams, insurance and fees change, so read the current rules on the official LARA source before you apply. Already licensed? List your business on Expert Helper to get matched with customers.
Which Michigan city is the job in?
How many electricians are there in Michigan?
The Census Bureau counted 1,950 electrical contractors with employees in Michigan in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Oakland County | 274 |
|---|---|
| Macomb County | 211 |
| Wayne County | 185 |
| Kent County | 132 |
| Ottawa County | 88 |
| Genesee County | 64 |
| Livingston County | 62 |
| Kalamazoo County | 47 |
What do Michigan homes mean for electrical work?
The median home in Michigan was built in 1972, 27% of households rent and 77% of homes are single-family houses. 75% of homes heat with utility gas and 12% with electricity, and 1% with fuel oil.
How do you choose an electrician in Michigan?
- Check the license on the state or city license search, and ask whether the person doing the work is licensed or working under someone's license.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit and an inspection, and who files it. A licensed electrician files the permit.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Electrical mistakes show up later, so you want the company insured.
- For panel upgrades, ask whether the utility needs to be scheduled to cut and restore power, and who arranges it.
- Get a written estimate that lists the circuits, fixtures and materials.
Electricians in other states
Sources: Michigan licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.