Do you need a license to work as a handyman in Fraser, MI?

In MI, handyman jobs under $600 (labor and materials combined) generally do not require a state contractor license. Jobs at or above $600 require a licensed contractor. Always confirm the current rules with your local city and county before bidding work.

What is the handyman license threshold in Fraser, MI?

The contractor license threshold in MI is $600. Handyman work priced below this amount (labor plus materials) generally does not require a contractor license.

Does Fraser require a business license for handymen?

Yes. Fraser requires a local business license to operate as a handyman, in addition to any state contractor licensing rules.

Handyman License Requirements in Fraser, MI

By Ray Duke, Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed September 2026

In Michigan, handymen can work on residential jobs under $600 (labor + materials combined) without a state contractor license, but this exemption does not cover electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work—those trades always require separate state licenses. For jobs exceeding $600, you must obtain a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license from Michigan LARA (cost: $195 application + ~$300–$450 for required coursework). Fraser, located in Macomb County, requires verification of local business licensing requirements directly with City Hall, as a general contractor business license is not clearly listed in the published fee schedule. No county-level business license is required.

The contractor license threshold in MI is $600. Jobs at or above this amount (labor + materials) require a state contractor license. Operating above this threshold without a license is a legal violation.

⚠️ 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:

Any electrical work beyond simple fixture changes (rewiring, panel work, new circuits, outlet installation)
Any plumbing work involving system alterations (drain work, water line installation, fixture installation beyond simple replacement)
HVAC system installation, repair, or alteration (including furnace, air conditioning, ductwork)
Gas line installation or repair
Any residential construction or alteration job exceeding $600 in total cost (requires Maintenance and Alteration or Residential Builder license)
Structural modifications or framing work
Roofing work (covered under M&A Contractor license)
Masonry work (covered under M&A Contractor license)
Concrete work (covered under M&A Contractor license)

State Contractor Licensing Law (MI)

The $600 threshold has been in place since at least 2016 and was not raised by failed 2016 legislation (HB 4282). No recent updates to this threshold were found. IMPORTANT: One source (SimplyWise, citing MCL 339.2403) suggests Michigan may have no explicit dollar exemption and requires licensing for all residential construction work. You should confirm current enforcement policy directly with LARA before relying on the $600 exemption. Trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas) is NEVER covered by this exemption regardless of job size.

County Requirements — Macomb County

Business license: Not required at the county level.

City Business License — Fraser

Required. General Business License or Contractor Registration (status unconfirmed)

Permit vs. Contractor License — The Legal Difference

A license is a credential issued by the state (LARA) that authorizes you to perform certain types of work as a contractor or tradesperson. A permit is a local authorization issued by the city or county that allows a specific project to proceed and ensures it complies with building codes. Even if you are exempt from needing a contractor license (jobs under $600), you may still need permits for certain work. Permits are typically required for work that affects building structure, safety systems, or utilities. Failure to obtain required permits can result in fines, forced removal of work, and liability issues.

Business Entity Registration (MI)

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

Compliance Notes for Fraser, Michigan (Macomb County)

Insurance: General liability insurance is strongly recommended and often required by customers. Verify with your insurance agent whether you need coverage for jobs under $600 or if a contractor license is required for your policy to be valid.
The $600 handyman exemption threshold is LOW compared to other states (e.g., California $1,000, many states $2,000+). Confirm current enforcement policy with LARA at (517) 241-9316 before relying on this exemption.
Trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas) is NEVER covered by the handyman exemption—these always require separate state licenses regardless of job size.
Permits are separate from licenses. Even exempt handymen may need permits for certain work. Contact Fraser City Hall at (586) 293-3100 to determine permit requirements for your specific project.
If operating from a residential address in Fraser, you may need a home-occupation permit. Confirm with City Hall.
Soil erosion and stormwater permitting for Fraser is now handled by Macomb County, not the city. Contact Macomb County at (586) 469-5120 for these permits.
Michigan has no reciprocity with other states. If you move or work in another state, you must obtain that state's licenses separately.
Unlicensed work on jobs exceeding $600 or unlicensed trade work is a violation of Michigan's Occupational Code and can result in fines, cease-and-desist orders, and civil liability.

Legal Registration Steps for Fraser

Follow these steps to operate legally as a handyman in Fraser, Michigan (Macomb County):

Step 1: Contact Fraser City Hall at (586) 293-3100 to confirm whether a general business license or home-occupation permit is required for your operation.
Step 2: Determine whether your work will exceed $600 in total cost. If yes, you must obtain a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license from LARA (see contractorLicensing section for requirements and fees).
Step 3: If you will perform electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, you must obtain the appropriate trade license from LARA regardless of job size.
Step 4: Form an LLC with the Michigan Secretary of State ($50 filing fee) and file an Annual Report by February 15 each year ($25 fee).
Step 5: Obtain general liability insurance. Verify with your insurance agent whether a contractor license is required for your policy to be valid.
Step 6: For each project, determine whether permits are required by contacting Fraser City Hall or Macomb County (for soil erosion/stormwater work).
Step 7: Verify current licensing requirements and fees directly with LARA at (517) 241-9316 before starting work.

Work You Can Do Without a Contractor License

Paint interior or exterior surfaces (residential)
Install or replace light fixtures (non-electrical rewiring)
Replace door and window hardware (locks, hinges, handles)
Patch and repair drywall (non-structural)
Install or replace toilet flappers and simple plumbing fixtures (no system alterations)

See all 9 tasks →

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all information with local authorities before making business decisions.