Handyman License Requirements in Clinton Charter Township, MI

In Michigan, most "handyman" work is legal without a state contractor license ONLY if you stay under the state’s small-job exemption threshold and you do not perform regulated trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, etc.). In Clinton Charter Township (Macomb County), you should also expect local requirements such as permits for many common repairs/replacements and potential local business registration requirements depending on how/where you operate.

⚠️ What Requires a Contractor License

The following work requires a state-issued contractor license in MI. Performing this work without a license exposes you to fines, stop-work orders, and civil liability:

• Residential Builder or Residential M&A Contractor registration for residential repair/alteration work at/above $600 total contract price (labor + materials), unless a narrow exemption applies
• Electrical contracting/installation/alteration work requiring a Michigan electrical license and permit (e.g., new circuits, panel work, most wiring)
• Plumbing installation/alteration work requiring a Michigan plumbing license and permit (e.g., moving supply/drain lines, water heater replacement where regulated, adding fixtures)
• Mechanical/HVAC work requiring Michigan mechanical licensure/permits (furnace/AC replacement, ductwork changes, gas piping work handled under mechanical/plumbing rules as applicable)
• Structural work that triggers building permits (framing changes, load-bearing walls, decks, additions) and may require a licensed builder/registered M&A depending on scope/value
• Roofing, siding, window/door replacement, and similar exterior alterations often require permits and—depending on contract value and representation—state builder/M&A credential

State Contractor Licensing Law (MI)

This is not a blanket exemption for regulated trades. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, and other specialty work may still require a separate state trade license and permits even if the job is under $600. Also, marketing yourself as a "builder" or taking contracts at/above the threshold triggers licensing/registration requirements.

County Requirements — Macomb County

Business license: Not required at the county level.

Special Jurisdictions & Zones

The following special jurisdictions may have separate licensing requirements:

• Selfridge Air National Guard Base (Harrison Township, MI) — Even if Michigan licensing applies off-base, federal facilities can impose additional contractor qualification and insurance requirements.

City Business License — Clinton Charter Township

Required. Clinton Charter Township Business Registration/License (as applicable)

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A license/registration is your legal authorization to operate in a regulated occupation (builder/M&A, electrician, plumber, mechanical contractor). A permit is project-specific approval from the local enforcing agency to perform work at a particular address, with inspections. Even if you are exempt from a state contractor credential for a small job, the project can still require permits and inspections.

Business Entity Registration (MI)

To operate legally you must register your business. LLC filing fee in MI: $50 (one-time).

Compliance Notes for Clinton Charter Township, Michigan

• Insurance: Michigan does not impose a universal handyman insurance mandate, but general liability insurance is strongly expected by customers and often required for permits, commercial jobs, and any on-base/federal work. Workers’ compensation is generally required if you have employees.
• Advertising/compliance: If you are required to be licensed/registered (builder/M&A), you generally must include your license/registration information in advertising/contract documents per program rules—verify exact requirements with LARA.
• Common mistake: Treating the $600 threshold as allowing electrical/plumbing/HVAC work—regulated trades still require proper state licensure and permits.
• Permitting is local: Even in the same county, permit rules and fees differ by enforcing agency (township vs. city vs. county-authorized enforcing agency). Always confirm with the jurisdiction where the job site is located.

Legal Registration Steps for Clinton Charter Township

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Clinton Charter Township, Michigan:

1. Step 1: Choose your business structure and file your Michigan LLC ($50) if desired; file assumed name (DBA) if operating under a trade name.
2. Step 2: If you will take jobs at/above $600, apply for the appropriate Michigan Residential M&A registration or Residential Builder license through LARA and schedule the exam if required.
3. Step 3: Contact Clinton Charter Township to confirm whether a local contractor registration/business license or home occupation approval is required for your specific setup; then comply with building permit requirements for each job.
4. Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you have employees) and set up Michigan tax accounts if you sell taxable items or have employees.
5. Step 5: If you plan to work on Selfridge ANGB or other federal property, complete SAM.gov registration (free) and ask the facility about contractor access/credentialing requirements before bidding.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

• Jobs under $600 (labor + materials) that are not regulated trades, such as: interior painting and touch-ups
• Minor drywall patching/repair and small non-structural trim repairs
• Hanging shelves, pictures, curtain rods, and other non-structural mounting
• Replacing door hardware (knobs/handles/hinges) and basic adjustments (not reframing structural openings)
• Caulking and weatherstripping; minor window screen repair

Research generated by AI. Verify all information with local authorities before making business decisions.