Michigan plumbing license lookup: how to check and get a license
Michigan plumbing license lookup: who issues plumber licenses (LARA), how to check one online, the license types, and 2,652 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors by county.
Do plumbers need a license in Michigan?
| Who licenses them | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes |
|---|---|
| License types | Master Plumber, Journey Plumber, Plumbing Contractor, Apprentice Plumber (registration) |
| When a license is required | License required for plumbing work regardless of job size |
Plumbers and plumbing contractors are licensed statewide under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act. Journey plumbers need at least 6,000 hours of supervised apprenticeship plus written and hands-on exams. Your city or township issues the plumbing permit.
How do you look up a plumber's license in Michigan?
- Ask the plumber for the license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Open the Michigan plumbing 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 plumber about it before you sign or pay a deposit, or contact LARA.
What plumbing licenses does Michigan issue?
- Master Plumber
- Journey Plumber
- Plumbing Contractor
- Apprentice Plumber (registration)
How do you get a plumbing license in Michigan?
Licenses are issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes. 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.
How many plumbers are there in Michigan?
The Census Bureau counted 2,652 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in Michigan in 2023. The counties with the most:
| Oakland County | 370 |
|---|---|
| Wayne County | 301 |
| Macomb County | 261 |
| Kent County | 203 |
| Ottawa County | 100 |
| Livingston County | 90 |
| Genesee County | 84 |
| Washtenaw County | 70 |
What do Michigan homes mean for plumbing 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 a plumber in Michigan?
- Ask for the license number and look it up yourself on the state or city license search. Licensing is set by the state in some places and by the city or county in others.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit. Water heater swaps, gas work and moving fixtures often do, and the licensed plumber pulls it.
- Get the price in writing: a flat rate for the job, or the hourly rate, the trip fee and how parts are billed.
- For emergencies, ask what the after-hours rate is before the plumber drives out.
- Ask who does the work. A licensed master can send helpers, but the license holder is responsible for the job.
Plumbers in other states
Sources: Michigan licensing agency (linked above); US Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates.