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Michigan licensing

Do I need a subdivision license in Michigan?

No. Michigan does not require a state-level subdivision license.

State Laws

Michigan licensing laws

8 verticals covered for Michigan

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Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified August 3, 2026

This guide covers 8 regulated activities in Michigan: Michigan Subdivision Bond Requirements, Michigan Contractor License Bond Requirements, Michigan Charitable Solicitation Registration, Michigan Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing, Michigan Notary Bond Requirements, Michigan Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements, Michigan Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements, and Michigan Debt Collection Laws & Regulations. For each one, the summary below names the state agency in charge. It shows whether a license or registration is required. It also shows whether Michigan calls for a surety bond before you can operate.

Oversight in Michigan runs through Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in Michigan, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Michigan Attorney General, Charitable Trust Section, Michigan DIFS, and Michigan Secretary of State. 6 of the 8 need a surety bond before you can operate. The bond protects the state and your customers if you break the rules tied to your license.

States change their statutes and fee schedules often. Treat the details below as a starting point. Confirm the current rule with the regulator before you file. When you are ready, Cornerstone Licensing can prepare and submit the Michigan filings for you. We track every renewal date and keep your license in good standing year after year.

subdivision

Michigan Subdivision Bond Requirements

How subdivision (site improvement / plat) bonds work in Michigan: the enabling statute local governments rely on, how the bond amount is sized from the engineer's estimate, and what developers post to get a plat approved.

Application process

The bond is posted with the city or county that approves the plat, not a state agency. The local government (the obligee) sizes the security from the project engineer's estimate of the improvements still to be built (streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, water and sewer), and the developer files the executed bond with the development or subdivision improvement agreement. Many Michigan jurisdictions reduce the required amount as phases are inspected and accepted.

Renewals

The bond stays in force until the local government inspects and accepts the improvements and releases the security; it is not renewed on a fixed license cycle.

Amounts are set locally under MCL 560.182, so two projects in different Michigan jurisdictions can face different security terms for the same scope of work. Confirm the exact security form and amount with the approving city or county before ordering the bond.

Key statutes

  • Land Division Act, improvement security (MCL 560.182) . Land Division Act provision under which a city or village may require a deposit, certified check, irrevocable letter of credit, or surety bond covering required subdivision improvements.

contractor license

Michigan Contractor License Bond Requirements

Whether Michigan requires a contractor license bond, what the state's contractor licensing rules actually require, and which bonds Michigan contractors still need: project bid, performance, and payment bonds plus any city or county license bonds.

Application process

There is no statewide contractor license bond to file in Michigan. Michigan licenses residential builders by exam with no bond; commercial GC licensing is local where it exists. Contractors still encounter surety bonds at the project level (bid, performance, and payment bonds on public and many private jobs) and through city or county contractor licensing programs that require their own bonds.

Renewals

With no statewide license bond, there is nothing to renew at the state level in Michigan. Keep any local license or permit bonds and project bonds current under their own terms.

Cities and counties in Michigan can require their own contractor license or permit bonds even though the state does not. Confirm current requirements with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and the local jurisdiction before bidding.

Key statutes

  • Residential builder licensing (MCL 339.2401 et seq.) . Michigan's occupational code licenses residential builders without a bond requirement; commercial general contracting is not state licensed.

charitable registration

Michigan Charitable Solicitation Registration

A guide to charitable solicitation registration in Michigan: who must register with the Michigan Attorney General, Charitable Trust Section before asking Michigan residents for donations, common exemptions, renewal timing, and the professional fundraiser and charitable gaming rules that run alongside it.

Application process

Charitable organizations register with the Michigan Attorney General, Charitable Trust Section before soliciting contributions in Michigan, whether the ask happens in person, by mail, by phone, or online to Michigan residents. A typical filing includes the state registration form (or the multistate Unified Registration Statement where accepted), the IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation and bylaws, a list of officers and directors, the most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statements, and disclosure of any professional fundraiser contracts.

Common exemptions cover religious organizations, educational institutions, and small organizations under a revenue threshold, but exemption is rarely automatic; many states require an exemption filing. Registration fees are typically tiered to annual contributions; confirm the current schedule with the Michigan Attorney General, Charitable Trust Section.

Renewals

Charitable registrations in Michigan renew annually, generally keyed to the organization's fiscal year end, with updated financial reporting (IRS Form 990 or audited financials above the statutory revenue threshold) and the renewal fee. Late renewals can incur penalties and suspend the organization's authority to solicit.

Professional fundraisers, professional solicitors, and fundraising counsel must register separately in Michigan before working with charities, and paid solicitors typically post a surety bond. Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo, casino nights) is licensed separately where Michigan permits it. Nonprofits registering in multiple states also need a registered agent in each state where they are incorporated or qualified to do business.

Key statutes

  • Michigan charitable solicitation law (MI charitable solicitation statute) . Requires charitable organizations to register with Michigan Attorney General, Charitable Trust Section before soliciting contributions in Michigan, subject to statutory exemptions.

money transmitter

Michigan Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing

Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Michigan. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Michigan.

Michigan money transmitter requirements at a glance

Michigan money transmitter licensing requirements
Surety bond $25,000
Minimum net worth $100,000
Renewal cadence Annual
FinCEN MSB registration Required

Application process

To obtain a money transmitter license in Michigan, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Michigan DIFS, provide a surety bond of $25,000-$500,000, demonstrate minimum net worth of $100,000, provide audited financial statements, implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program, and pass background checks for all control persons. Many states now accept applications through NMLS. The application process typically takes 3-12 months depending on the state and complexity of the applicant's business model.

Renewals

Money transmitter licenses in Michigan generally require annual renewal. Renewal typically requires submission of audited financial statements, updated surety bond, quarterly or annual transaction reports, BSA/AML filing documentation, and payment of renewal fees. Some states require call report filings on a quarterly basis throughout the year.

Money transmitters operating in Michigan are also generally expected to register with FinCEN as a money services business (MSB) and implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program. This includes appointing a filings officer, developing written policies and procedures, conducting employee training, filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Michigan may have specific requirements for cryptocurrency and virtual currency businesses.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5311) . Federal BSA/AML requirements for money services businesses

notary

Michigan Notary Bond Requirements

Michigan requires a $10,000 notary bond under Mich. Comp. Laws § 55.273, filed with the Michigan Secretary of State. Commission runs six to seven years depending on birthday alignment.

Application process

Apply for or renew your notary public commission with the Michigan Secretary of State and file a $10,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the notary public commission term and renews on the same cycle (about every 6 years).

Commission runs six to seven years depending on birthday alignment.

Key statutes

  • Michigan notary bond statute (Mich. Comp. Laws § 55.273) . Statutory basis for the Michigan notary bond requirement.

mortgage

Michigan Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements

Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Michigan. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Michigan.

Application process

Mortgage companies generally apply through the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) for Michigan mortgage licensing. Requirements include a completed MU1 form, surety bond, audited financial statements, business plan, background checks (FBI criminal and credit) for all control persons, and net worth requirements. Individual MLOs are generally required to complete pre-licensing education (20 hours minimum including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, plus Michigan-specific hours), pass the SAFE MLO test, and submit an MU4 form through NMLS.

Renewals

Mortgage licenses in Michigan are renewed annually through NMLS. Company renewals require updated financial statements, bond confirmation, and payment of renewal fees. MLOs are generally required to complete continuing education (8 hours minimum annually, including Michigan-specific requirements) and pay renewal fees through NMLS. The renewal period typically runs November 1 through December 31.

All mortgage companies and MLOs operating in Michigan are generally required to be registered through NMLS. Michigan participates in the CSBS multi-state licensing process. Additional requirements may include maintaining a physical office, appointing a qualified individual, and filings with both state and federal regulations including TILA, RESPA, and the Dodd-Frank Act.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • SAFE Act (12 U.S.C. § 5101) . Federal framework for MLO licensing through NMLS

auto dealer

Michigan Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements

Michigan requires a $25,000 motor vehicle dealer bond under Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.248, filed with the Michigan Secretary of State. Salvage classes C, E, and F are bond-exempt.

Application process

Apply for or renew your motor vehicle dealer license with the Michigan Secretary of State and file a $25,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the motor vehicle dealer license term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Salvage classes C, E, and F are bond-exempt.

Key statutes

  • Michigan Vehicle Code dealer bond provision (Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.248) . Statutory basis for the Michigan motor vehicle dealer bond requirement.

debt collection

Michigan Debt Collection Laws & Regulations

Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Michigan. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Michigan.

Application process

To obtain a debt collection license in Michigan, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Michigan DIFS, provide a surety bond of $10,000, pass background checks for all control persons, and meet net worth or financial requirements. The application review typically takes 30-90 days.

Renewals

Debt collection licenses in Michigan generally require annual renewal. Renewal generally involves submission of a renewal application, payment of renewal fees, updated surety bond confirmation, and any required annual reports. Late renewals may incur additional penalties.

Third-party debt collectors operating in Michigan are also generally expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Michigan may impose additional requirements beyond federal standards, including restrictions on communication methods, required disclosures, and limitations on fees that may be collected.

Key statutes

  • Michigan Collection Practices Act (MCL § 339.901) . Licensing and regulatory requirements

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State Laws

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Licenses in Michigan

Michigan licenses by industry

Every regulated vertical we track in Michigan, with the full law summary and the direct application path for each license type.

Bonds and insurance in Michigan

Where Michigan conditions a license on a posted surety bond, these pages carry the statutory bond amount and filing steps.

Michigan regulator contacts

The state agencies that issue and oversee the licenses above.

  • Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in Michigan subdivision licensing
  • Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) contractor license licensing
  • Michigan Attorney General, Charitable Trust Section charitable registration licensing
  • Michigan DIFS money transmitter, mortgage, debt collection licensing
  • Michigan Secretary of State notary, auto dealer licensing

Planning tools and data

Scope a Michigan expansion before you file.

Registered agent coverage in Michigan

Every registered entity in Michigan needs an agent of record. Requirements, live pricing, and same-day ordering.

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Regulatory Watch

Stay Ahead of the Rules

Recent rule changes, deadline announcements, and state agency updates we are tracking for you.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS MTMA Adoption Tracker Updated, 31 States Enacted in Full or Part

    CSBS updated its Money Transmission Modernization Act tracker in August 2026 and reported that 31 states had enacted the law in full or in part. The update is not a single state rule, but it is a meaningful cross-state licensing development for money transmitters.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS Comment Letter on Federal Reserve Payment System Risk and Account Access Proposal

    On July 24, 2026, CSBS posted a comment letter on proposed revisions to the Federal Reserve Policy on Payment System Risk and the guidelines for account and services requests. This is a policy advocacy item rather than a binding regulatory change.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Remote Work Status Details Due for 2027 Renewal Readiness

    NMLS directed companies to complete MLO remote work status details by August 31, 2026 to prepare for the 2027 renewal cycle. This was an active operational requirement during the review period.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS 2026 Disclosure Question Updates Require Completion Before 2027 Renewal Activity

    NMLS implemented revised MU4 and MU2 disclosure questions earlier in 2026, and the system urged affected users to complete updates by August 31, 2026. The change remained active during the July 21 to August 4 period and could affect filing workflows.

  • Watch CSBS / NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Modernization Phase Three Scheduled for August 2026

    CSBS indicated that NMLS Modernization Phase Three is scheduled for August 2026. The planned changes include state agency task management for the individual licensing process and improved two-way communication for review items.