Michigan Electrical License Renewal: A Complete Guide

The key to mastering your renewal is understanding that Michigan has two separate timelines: one for your license renewal and another for your continuing education. This unique system, managed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Electrical Division, often creates confusion. Let’s untangle it so you can focus on what you do best—powering Michigan’s homes and businesses.

Untangling the Two Timelines: License Renewal vs. Continuing Education

The most common point of confusion for electricians in Michigan is the difference between renewing your license and completing your continuing education. They are not on the same schedule.

• License Renewal: This is the process of paying a fee to keep your license active. According to the Skilled Trades Regulation Act, this is an annual requirement for individual licenses like Journeyman and Master Electrician. These licenses expire on December 31st each year but have a 60-day grace period for renewal until March 1st.
• Continuing Education (CE): This is your required training. In Michigan, CE is not required every year. Instead, it’s tied directly to the state’s adoption of a new National Electrical Code (NEC). When LARA adopts a new code, licensees have 12 months to complete a required code update course.

Failing to distinguish between these two separate obligations can put your license at risk. You must pay your renewal fee every year (or every three years for contractors), but you only need to complete the mandatory Michigan electrical continuing education in the 12-month period following a new NEC adoption.

The Current 2023 NEC Code Update Requirement

Attention all licensed electricians: Michigan has triggered a mandatory continuing education period. The state officially adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), which went into effect on February 28, 2024.

This means that as a condition of future renewal, all licensed Master Electricians, Journeyman Electricians, and Specialty Technicians must complete a state-approved NEC code update course.

The deadline for completing this mandatory CE is February 28, 2025.

This isn’t just about checking a box; this training is critical. The 2023 Michigan electrical code contains significant updates impacting safety, technology, and installation practices for everyone from a residential electrician to a commercial contractor. Failing to complete your required online electrical courses on the 2023 NEC by the deadline will jeopardize your license status.

Michigan Electrical License Renewal Requirements by Type

The “Zero Assumption” rule is critical in Michigan: requirements are not the same for every license. It’s essential to identify your specific license type to understand your obligations. The table below breaks down the renewal cycles, fees, and current CE requirements based on the Skilled Trades Regulation Act and LARA’s implementation of the 2023 NEC update. A great way to stay ahead is to use the MiPLUS portal to manage your license and find your exact expiration date.

Source for renewal cycles and fees: Michigan Compiled Laws, Section 339.5707. Source for CE requirement: MCL 339.5713 and 339.5715, with hour requirements set by LARA for the current code update cycle per the Michigan Administrative Code.

Master and Journeyman Electrician Renewal

If you hold a master electrician license Michigan or a Michigan journeyman electrician license, your renewal is an annual event. You must pay your fee ($50 for Masters, $40 for Journeymen) each year before the grace period ends on March 1. The bigger lift is the 15-hour code update course, which is mandatory for the current cycle ending in February 2025. This course is essential for understanding the nuances between different license types, like the differences between a Michigan builder’s license and an electrical license.

Electrical Contractor License Renewal

The electrical contractor license renewal is on a three-year cycle with a $300 fee. Your ability to renew this license is contingent upon the good standing of the Master Electrician who qualifies it. If their individual license lapses, so does your ability to operate as a contractor. This highlights the importance of not only managing the business license but also ensuring your qualifying professional is on top of their annual renewal and CE. For those at this level, thinking about the future is key, from analyzing the electrician job market in Michigan to planning your business strategy.

How to Renew Your License and Complete CE

The entire renewal process is now managed online through the state’s portal, making it more streamlined than ever.

1. Complete Your Continuing Education: First, find a LARA-approved provider and complete the mandatory NEC code update course required for your license type (e.g., 15 hours for Master/Journeyman, 16 hours for Fire Alarm Specialty Technician, or 8 hours for Sign Specialist). You can choose from many state-approved online electrical courses that allow you to work at your own pace. Once you complete the course, your provider will report your completion to the state.
2. Log in to the MiPLUS Portal: The Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS) is LARA’s online home for all licensing activities. You will need to register an account if you haven’t already.
3. Complete the Renewal Application: Once logged in, navigate to your license and select the option to renew. You will verify your contact information and answer a series of questions regarding your professional conduct.
4. Pay the Renewal Fee: The final step is to pay the required fee for your specific license type. After payment, your license is renewed for the next cycle. It’s wise to follow some general tips for a smooth license renewal to avoid any last-minute issues.

You can verify the status of any license in the state using the Michigan electrical license lookup tool on the LARA website. This is a handy resource for both electricians and consumers.

Don’t Get Left in the Dark

Your Michigan electrical license is your most valuable professional asset. Understanding the state’s unique dual-timeline system for renewal and continuing education is the most important step in protecting it. With the February 28, 2025, deadline for the 2023 NEC update course fast approaching, now is the time to act. Proactively managing your license renewal requirements not only ensures compliance but also reinforces your expertise and commitment to the trade. Those looking to grow their careers might even consider the steps for starting an electrical business in Michigan once they have their Master license in hand.

Don’t wait until the deadline is looming. Find a state-approved course, get your hours done, and ensure your license is secure for the year ahead. Ready to complete your mandatory 2023 NEC update? Browse our courses today to find a LARA-approved package that fits your needs.