MICHIGAN · automotive-tech
Michigan Mechanic Certification
Michigan Department of State — Driver and Vehicle Programs (Mechanic Testing)Scope of Work
Michigan is one of a small number of states that licenses individual auto mechanics, not just repair facilities. Under the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act (PA 300 of 1974, MCL 257.1301 et seq.), a person may not perform auto repairs for compensation in a designated repair category unless certified by the Department of State (formerly LARA). Repair facilities must employ at least one certified mechanic for each repair category they advertise or perform. Even ASE-certified mechanics must obtain Michigan state certification to perform repairs in Michigan; the state will accept ASE pass-through credit for equivalent categories in lieu of retesting. Source: Michigan Department of State Mechanics page (https://www.michigan.gov/sos/industry-services/mechanics) and PA 300 of 1974 (https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-act-300-of-1974.pdf).
Certification Categories
The mechanic certification is category-based, not a single credential. A mechanic who passes all eight automobile/light truck categories is designated a Master Automobile Mechanic. A mechanic who passes all six heavy-duty truck categories is designated a Master Heavy-Duty Truck Mechanic. A mechanic certified in one or more but fewer than all categories is designated a Specialty Mechanic. The eight automobile categories cover engine repair, automatic transmissions, manual transmissions and rear axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine tune-up and performance. Source: Michigan Mechanic Testing (https://www.michigan.gov/sos/all-services/mechanic-testing).
Trainee Permit Pathway
Mechanics still gaining the experience and training required for certification may apply for a mechanic trainee permit. The trainee must work at a repair facility under the direct supervision of a certified mechanic. Trainee permits are valid for two years and may not be renewed or reissued. Source: Michigan Department of State Mechanics page (https://www.michigan.gov/sos/industry-services/mechanics).
Exam
Mechanic tests are offered electronically at all Secretary of State office locations across Michigan. The fee is $6 per test. Each repair category requires its own test. Applicants must pass each test before applying for certification in that category. Source: Michigan Mechanic Testing (https://www.michigan.gov/sos/all-services/mechanic-testing).
ASE Crosswalk
ASE-certified applicants may transfer ASE categories to the Michigan certification in lieu of taking the state exam in those equivalent categories, but the applicant must still apply for state certification through the Department of State; ASE alone does not authorize Michigan repair work. Source: Michigan Department of State Mechanics page (https://www.michigan.gov/sos/industry-services/mechanics).
Renewal
A mechanic certification must be renewed annually by submitting a renewal application and paying the renewal fee to the Michigan Department of State. Source: Michigan Department of State Mechanics page (https://www.michigan.gov/sos/industry-services/mechanics).
Legal Authority
Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.1310b and the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act (PA 300 of 1974) establish the certification mandate and prohibit uncertified persons from holding themselves out as mechanics in any of the regulated repair categories. Source: MCL 257.1310b (https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-257-1310b).
Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Michigan Department of State — Driver and Vehicle Programs (Mechanic Testing) before acting