How to Start a Mobile Mechanic Business in Michigan

Michigan is one of the few states that certifies mechanics. You register the business as a motor vehicle repair facility with the Secretary of State, and you must hold state mechanic certification in each major repair category you perform. Your certification number goes on every invoice.

Certification, registration, then the rest

The free checklist covers the business side after the state paperwork: tax, insurance, pricing and your first real quote.

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What Michigan requires

State mechanic certification in each category you repair (brakes, engine, electrical and so on). Tests are inexpensive, and current ASE certifications can be used for some categories. A trainee permit lets you work under a certified mechanic while you test.

Your mechanic certification number must appear on the invoice.

Written estimates are required for repairs over the statutory amount, and the final bill cannot exceed the approved estimate beyond what the law allows without new approval.

Keep repair records for five years.

Also: register the business, get a sales tax license from Treasury for parts, carry insurance, and check your city.

Getting certified

Start with the categories you actually sell: brakes, suspension, electrical, engine repair. The Secretary of State lists the tests and how to schedule them. If you already hold ASE in a category, ask about using it instead of retesting. Keep the certificates current, because an expired certification on an invoice is a violation.

Working in Michigan

Salt and winters mean rust, seized hardware and a lot of jobs that run over book time. Quote for the rust belt, put your added-work approval language on every estimate, and carry the heat and penetrant.

Paperwork done? Now get the estimate, signature and payment handled.

Repair Rocket runs the front office from your phone so your first customer gets a real quote, not a text. Free to start, no card needed.

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Common questions

Do mobile mechanics need to be certified in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan requires state mechanic certification in each major repair category, and the business must be registered as a repair facility.

Does ASE count in Michigan?

Michigan accepts current ASE certification for some of its categories. Check the Secretary of State list for which ones.

Can I work while I am getting certified?

A trainee permit allows work under the supervision of a certified mechanic. Working solo requires your own certification.

What has to be on a Michigan repair invoice?

Itemized parts and labor, your facility registration and mechanic certification numbers, and it must match the approved estimate within what the law allows.