Michigan electricians: licenses, permits and homeowner wiring
Source: Local Help Stations (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Electrical work in Michigan follows the State Electrical Code and the electrical article of the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.
What Michigan rules say
- A business doing electrical contracting needs an electrical contractor license from the state board or the local municipality. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- Wiring must be done by a licensed individual working for a licensed electrical contractor, with listed exceptions. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- Minor repair work does not require a licensee. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- Any new wiring, alteration or addition to electrical equipment in a building needs a permit first. (source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs)
- Electrical permits go only to licensed electrical or specialty contractors, or to a homeowner working on a single family home and outbuildings they own and live in. (source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs)
- The State Electrical Code is the National Electrical Code with Michigan Part 8 amendments, and one and two family homes follow the Michigan Residential Code. (source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs)
- Because the state, a county or a city may enforce the code, LARA suggests checking its Statewide Jurisdiction List before applying. (source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs)
This page covers statewide rules only. Cities and counties can add their own permits and licenses, so check with your local building office too.
More Michigan topics
Sources
- Michigan Legislature (legislature.mi.gov): MCL 339.5737, Skilled Trades Regulation Act: electrical contracting license required (statute text) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes: Electrical Permit Information (checked November 2, 2026)
Last updated: