How to Verify a Plumber's License in Michigan Before You Hire
Hiring a plumbing contractor in Bridgman, MI, without checking their credentials first is a risk no homeowner needs to take. Michigan state law requires plumbing contractors to hold an active license before performing work in your home, and the verification process takes only a few minutes online. This guide explains Michigan's license types, how to use the state's official lookup tool, what red flags to watch for, and why Bridgman residents serving Berrien County have every reason to make verification a habit before signing any contract.
Why Michigan Requires a License for Plumbers
Licensed contractors are a legal requirement under Michigan state law. In Michigan, all individuals performing plumbing work are required to hold a state-issued license, issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) through its Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) Plumbing Division. The regulatory framework is primarily governed by the Skilled Trades Regulation Act (Act 407 of 2016).
Permits are equally mandatory. Plumbing work shall not be started until a permit for such work has been issued by the appropriate enforcing agency. In Berrien County, where Bridgman sits, plumbing inspections are coordinated through local enforcing agencies that follow the statewide Michigan Plumbing Code. Permits help ensure that plumbing services comply with local building codes and safety standards, reducing the risk of negligence or errors that could lead to mold, water damage, and other hazards. Approved plumbing improvements that adhere to local plumbing codes can also protect your home's property value.
Understanding Michigan Plumbing License Types
Michigan issues several distinct license tiers, and knowing the difference matters. Michigan issues several classes of plumbing licenses, including Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Plumbing Contractor. Each license carries different scopes of authorization and different requirements for education and examination.
Here is a plain-language breakdown:
- Journeyman Plumber License allows plumbers to work under the supervision of a master plumber and perform installations, repairs, and other plumbing tasks.
- Master Plumber License authorizes plumbers to work independently, operate their own plumbing business, and supervise apprentices and journeymen.
- Plumbing Contractor License allows an individual to operate a plumbing contracting business and hire master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, and apprentice plumbers.
For most residential plumbing jobs, you want a company that holds a Plumbing Contractor license and sends either a Master or Journeyman Plumber to perform the work.
Licenses do not last forever. Journeyman licenses require annual renewal by April 30, while Master Plumber licenses renew every three years by April 30. Continuing education is mandated for Master Plumbers, who must complete a code update course whenever new plumbing codes are adopted, such as the 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, which became effective March 12, 2024.
How to Look Up a Plumber's License on LARA's Portal
Verifying a Michigan plumber's license is a straightforward online process. Visit michigan.gov/lara and use the online license lookup tool. Search by the plumber's name, business name, or license number. The tool returns the license type, current status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions on record.
Follow these steps before you hire:
- Ask the contractor for their Michigan plumbing license number. Licensed contractors typically include the number on contracts, invoices, and advertising.
- Use the LARA Accela Citizen Access (ACA) license lookup to verify the license number, status, and authorized trades.
- Confirm the status reads "active" and that the license type matches the work you need.
- Confirm the license is active and has not expired or been disciplined.
- Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance and workers' compensation. Confirm the contractor will pull the required permits — a legitimate plumber always will.
What if the Contractor Has No License Number?
If a contractor cannot provide a license number, that is a serious warning sign. Any residential construction, alteration, or repair costing more than $600 in combined labor and materials requires the contractor to hold a LARA license. Working without a license on a qualifying project is illegal. Unlicensed work can also void your homeowner's insurance coverage and create complications when you sell your home.
What Are Red Flags of Unlicensed Plumbing Work?
Watch for these warning signs when interviewing contractors serving Bridgman, MI, and the surrounding Berrien County area:
- A contractor who refuses to provide a license number or discourages you from verifying it.
- A quote that seems unusually low with no mention of permits.
- A plumber who suggests skipping the permit to "save time" or reduce cost.
- No proof of liability insurance or workers' compensation coverage.
- A solo plumber who tells you they are a journeyman working independently — that is worth verifying carefully before proceeding.
What This Means for Bridgman Homeowners
Bridgman sits in Berrien County near Lake Michigan, where older homes along the shoreline and inland neighborhoods can face unique plumbing challenges. Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles can stress pipes and sewer lines, and lakeside properties may deal with soil movement that affects underground water and drain lines. Projects like sewer services or water line repair in this area often require both a permit and a post-work inspection before any buried or enclosed work can be covered up.
Standard inspection points include rough-in (before walls are closed), pressure or water test, and final inspection upon project completion. Hiring an unlicensed contractor means those inspections may never happen, leaving potential code violations hidden inside your walls or underground.
Ready to Hire Licensed Plumbers Serving Bridgman, MI?
When it is time to move from research to action, Advantage Plumbing, Inc. is the team to call. Serving Bridgman, MI, and Berrien County, Advantage Plumbing, Inc. holds both a Master Plumber license and a Plumbing Contractor license, so you can verify their credentials directly on the LARA portal before you ever pick up the phone.
They handle everything from routine repairs to complex plumbing services, always pulling the required permits and standing behind their work. To schedule an appointment or ask about your specific project, contact the team online or call (269) 687-7192 today.
