For Michigan builders, continuing competency and license renewal come with firm deadlines. Missing them can mean a lapsed license, lost work time, and reinstatement fees.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the 2026 rules, must-know dates, and what you should do now to stay on track.
Key Michigan Builder Renewal Dates
- License Renewal Deadline: May 31, 2026
All Michigan residential builder and maintenance & alteration contractor licenses must be renewed by May 31, 2026.
If you miss this deadline, your license will lapse. A lapsed license can:
· Prevent you from pulling permits
· Stop you from legally advertising as a licensed builder
· Require reinstatement fees and additional paperwork
- Online Renewal Opens: Early to Mid-March 2026
LARA typically opens the online renewal system in early to mid-March.
This is when you can submit your renewal through the state’s Accela portal.
Important rule: You must complete your continuing competency before you renew.
- Continuing Competency Can Be Completed Now
Here’s the good news! You do not have to wait until spring to take your continuing competency. Many builders complete their hours months in advance to:
· Avoid interfering with upcoming projects
· Secure preferred class times
· Lock in pricing
· Eliminate last-minute stress
- 2026 Continuing Competency Rules
Your required hours depend on how long you’ve been licensed.
Builders Licensed Less Than 6 Years
You must complete 21 total hours during the 3-year cycle, including:
· 1 hour - Building Codes & Laws
· 1 hour - Safety
· 1 hour - Business & Construction Law Changes
· 18 hours - Approved elective topics
Builders Licensed 6 Years or More
You must complete 3 total hours, covering:
· Building Codes & Laws
· MIOSHA Safety
· Business & Construction Law Updates
These hours are designed to deliver focused updates on changes that directly impact jobsites and business operations.
- Approved Providers Rule
All continuing competency must be completed through a LARA-approved provider. At renewal, you will attest that you completed the required education.
Keeping your completion certificates is recommended for your records.
- What Happens If You Miss a Date?
Missing the May 31, 2026, deadline can result in:
· A lapsed builder license
· Inability to pull permits
· Delays in starting or continuing projects
· Reinstatement fees and extra processing time
This can directly impact cash flow and scheduling.
- 2026 Renewal Fees & Late Fees (What to Expect)
Understanding the fees helps builders avoid surprises and unnecessary costs.
Standard Renewal Fee
· $150 - Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor renewal
· This fee is paid online through LARA’s Accela portal at the time you renew.
Late Renewal Fee
· If you miss the May 31, 2026, deadline but renew within the allowed late period:
· $170 total (includes renewal + late fee)
Late renewals add an additional fee, and you may still risk delays in processing.
Relicensure (If License Lapses)
· If you miss the late renewal window and your license fully lapses:
· $185 or more – Relicensure application fee
· Additional paperwork and processing time required
· Possible delays before you can legally work again
At this point, you may be unable to pull permits or advertise as licensed until your re-license is approved.
- Why Missing Deadlines Costs More Than Fees
Beyond the renewal and late fees, a lapsed license can cost you:
· Lost jobs due to permit delays
· Project scheduling issues
· Cash flow interruptions
· Extra administrative time to reinstate
For many builders, the indirect business costs far outweigh the renewal fee itself.
- Builder Action Plan for 2026
To avoid problems, successful builders follow a simple plan:
· Confirm how many hours you need
· Complete continuing competency early
· Budget the $150 renewal fee
· Watch for the renewal portal opening in March
· Submit renewal before May 31
· Keep proof of your continuing competency course completion
What Courses are Available?
As a Licensed Michigan Proprietary School, Michigan Builders License offers several high-quality online courses designed for Michigan Builders at every level, which you can explore here. You can take the Michigan Builders License’s continuing competency courses in person or online. Plus, our courses are taught by Sid Woryn, the most experienced instructor in Michigan.
Bottom Line
The 2026 renewal cycle is deadline-driven. Knowing the rules and acting early helps you avoid interruptions, protect your license, and keep your business moving.
Completing your continuing competency ahead of time puts you in control, saves you money, and prevents scrambling at the last minute.
Sources & Official References
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Residential Builders
Apply for / Renew a License or Permit – State of Michigan (Accela Portal)
Michigan Residential Builders Continuing Competency PDF (LARA)
License Fees & Late Renewal Fees – LARA
