You can reinstate a lapsed Michigan mechanical license through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website without visiting an office in person
Michigan's online reinstatement process lets you restore an expired mechanical license by submitting your renewal fee and any required documentation through LARA's licensing portal. The process takes about 10 business days once LARA receives your complete submission. You will need your license number, Social Security number, and a payment method — either a debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
Reinstatement is different from renewal. Renewal happens before your license expires. Reinstatement happens after it has expired and you want to restore it. Michigan allows reinstatement for licenses expired less than five years, though the exact window depends on your license type and when it lapsed.
Key Takeaways
- Go to the LARA online licensing portal at michigan.gov/lara and log in with your existing account or create a new one if you have never used it before.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and proof of any continuing education hours required since your license expired.
- The reinstatement fee varies by license type and renewal period; check the LARA fee schedule before you start so you know the exact amount.
- After you submit your reinstatement request and payment, LARA typically processes it within 10 business days and sends confirmation by email.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the mechanical contractor exam rather than reinstate; contact LARA to confirm your specific situation.
Log into the LARA licensing portal or create an account
Start at michigan.gov/lara and look for the "Online Licensing Services" or "License Lookup" link on the homepage. This takes you to the LARA portal where all Michigan professional licenses are managed. If you have used this portal before — for example, to renew a license or check a license status — log in with your existing username and password.
If you have never created a portal account, select "Create Account" and follow the prompts. You will need an email address, a password, and your Social Security number. LARA uses this account to match you to your license record. After you create the account, log in when ready so you can proceed to the reinstatement form.
Find your license record and start the reinstatement request
Once logged in, the portal shows your license history. Find the mechanical license you want to reinstate — it will show as "Expired" or "Lapsed" with the expiration date. Click on that license record to open it.
Look for a button or link labeled "Reinstate License" or "Request Reinstatement." The exact wording varies slightly depending when the license expired and what type of mechanical license it is, but the option will be visible on the license detail page. Click it to begin the reinstatement form. Do not click "Renew" — that option is only for licenses that have not yet expired.
Complete the reinstatement form and upload required documents
The form asks for basic information: your name, address, phone number, and whether anything on your license record has changed since it expired. Answer these questions accurately. If you moved, changed your name, or have a new phone number, update it now so your reinstated license has current information.
The form will ask whether you have completed any continuing education hours since your license expired. Michigan's mechanical contractor license requires a certain number of continuing education hours during each renewal period. If your license has been expired for more than one renewal cycle, you may owe multiple periods of education hours. The form will tell you how many hours are required and when they must have been completed by. If you have completed them, upload proof — usually a certificate or letter from the education provider showing the course name, date completed, and number of hours. If you have not completed them, you cannot reinstate online; you will need to contact LARA to discuss your options.
Review the reinstatement fee and submit payment
Before you submit, the form shows the reinstatement fee. This fee is not the same as a renewal fee and varies depending on your license type and how long it has been expired. Check the amount carefully. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Enter your payment information and review the entire form one more time for accuracy before you click "Submit."
After you submit, the portal shows a confirmation number and tells you that your request has been received. Write down or take a screenshot of this confirmation number — you will need it if you have to contact LARA about your reinstatement status.
Wait for LARA to process your request and receive your reinstated license
LARA typically processes reinstatement requests within 10 business days. You will receive an email at the address on file when your reinstatement is approved. That email will include your new license number (usually the same as your old one) and instructions for downloading or printing your license. Some licenses are issued as digital documents you can display on your phone; others must be printed.
If LARA needs more information — for example, if your continuing education documentation is unclear or incomplete — they will email you and ask you to submit additional materials. Check your email regularly during the 10-day window. If you do not hear back within 15 business days, log back into the portal and check your license status, or call the LARA licensing unit at the phone number listed on the website.
What to do if your license expired more than five years ago
Michigan does not allow reinstatement for mechanical licenses that have been expired for more than five years. If your license falls into this category, the reinstatement option will not appear in the portal. Instead, you will need to retake the mechanical contractor exam and submit a new process as if you were obtaining a license for the first time.
Contact LARA directly to confirm whether your license is within the reinstatement window. You can find the phone number and mailing address on the LARA website under "Contact Us." Have your old license number ready when you call. LARA staff can tell you whether you can reinstate or whether you need to retest and reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forgot my username or password for the LARA portal?
On the login page, click "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" and follow the prompts. LARA will send a reset link to the email address on file. If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder. If you still cannot reset your password, call LARA's licensing unit for help.
Can I reinstate my license if I owe continuing education hours from before it expired?
No. You must complete all continuing education hours required up to the expiration date before you reinstate. If you are missing hours, contact LARA to ask whether you can complete them retroactively or whether you need to reapply as a new applicant.
How long does it take to receive my reinstated license after approval?
Once LARA approves your reinstatement, you can read or print your license when ready from the portal. Physical licenses by mail take an additional 5 to 10 business days. Most contractors use the digital version right away and do not wait for a printed copy.
What if the portal says my license cannot be reinstated?
This usually means your license expired more than five years ago or there is a disciplinary hold on your record. Contact LARA directly with your license number to find out why reinstatement is not an option and what steps you need to take instead.
Do I need to notify my employer or clients that I am reinstating my license?
That depends on your work situation and any contracts you have. Once your license is reinstated, you are legally permitted to work as a mechanical contractor in Michigan. However, some employers or clients may have their own policies about license status. Check with them separately.