Contractor License from Michigan to Massachusetts: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Occupational Licensure); Construction Supervisor License via the Board of Building Regulations and Standards ↗
A contractor license transfers from Michigan to Massachusetts by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Occupational Licensure); Construction Supervisor License via the Board of Building Regulations and Standards, verify your Michigan license, and meet Massachusetts's endorsement requirements. The Construction Supervisor License (CSL, general building) and Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration offer no reciprocity — the Massachusetts CSL exam is required. The Board of State Examiners of Electricians has a single reciprocity agreement (New Hampshire only), which accepts NH exam-obtained journeyman and master licenses without re-examination..
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Massachusetts does not have a trade agreement covering Michigan for the selected trade, so this move runs on Massachusetts's case-by-case endorsement process. If you do commercial general-building work, check whether Massachusetts accepts the NASCLA exam — passing it once can replace the trade exam here and in about fourteen other states. Electricians should check Massachusetts's NERA status.
What changes, Michigan → Massachusetts
| Michigan (current) | Massachusetts (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Not verified — board site inaccessible. | $208–$310 (Electrician reciprocity fee (237 CMR 15.02, non-refundable): Journeyman $208, Master $310.) |
| Processing time | Not verified — board site inaccessible. | Not stated by the board. |
| Licensing authority | Michigan Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes — Residential Builders; Electrical Administrative Board | Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Occupational Licensure); Construction Supervisor License via the Board of Building Regulations and Standards |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Massachusetts sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Massachusetts's current requirements on the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Occupational Licensure); Construction Supervisor License via the Board of Building Regulations and Standards website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Occupational Licensure); Construction Supervisor License via the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Electrical reciprocity applies only to a New Hampshire license obtained by passing the NH exam.
- License Verification/Certified Letter from the New Hampshire board (with seal).
- Notarized CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) Authorization Form and a passport-quality photo.
- Master applicants also need a MA Journeyman license and completion of the MA 150-hour Master Electrician program.
- Pay the fees ($208–$310 (Electrician reciprocity fee (237 CMR 15.02, non-refundable): Journeyman $208, Master $310.)) and allow Not stated by the board..
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Massachusetts accept a Michigan contractor license?
A contractor license transfers from Michigan to Massachusetts by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Occupational Licensure); Construction Supervisor License via the Board of Building Regulations and Standards, verify your Michigan license, and meet Massachusetts's endorsement requirements. The Construction Supervisor License (CSL, general building) and Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration offer no reciprocity — the Massachusetts CSL exam is required. The Board of State Examiners of Electricians has a single reciprocity agreement (New Hampshire only), which accepts NH exam-obtained journeyman and master licenses without re-examination..
What still applies even if reciprocity covers my trade?
Massachusetts's business and law exam, financial statement, bond, and registration — reciprocity waives the trade exam only, not these.
What does the Michigan-to-Massachusetts move cost and how long does it take?
$208–$310 (Electrician reciprocity fee (237 CMR 15.02, non-refundable): Journeyman $208, Master $310.); processing Not stated by the board..
Would the NASCLA exam help for this move?
If you do commercial general-building work, possibly — about 15 states accept the NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building exam toward licensure. Check whether Massachusetts is one on the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians (Division of Occupational Licensure); Construction Supervisor License via the Board of Building Regulations and Standards site.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- MA Board of State Examiners of Electricians — Apply for reciprocity (out-of-state) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- MA Board of State Examiners of Electricians — Licensing ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]