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Act No. 59
Public Acts of 2025
Approved by the Governor
December 23, 2025
Filed with the Secretary of State
December 23, 2025
EFFECTIVE DATE: February 1, 2026
STATE OF MICHIGAN
103RD LEGISLATURE
REGULAR SESSION OF 2025
Introduced by Senators Cherry, Shink, Bayer, Chang, McCann and Geiss
ENROLLED SENATE BILL No. 25
AN ACT to amend 1974 PA 300, entitled “An act to regulate the practice of servicing and repairing motor
vehicles; to proscribe unfair and deceptive practices; to provide for training and certification of mechanics; to
provide for the registration of motor vehicle repair facilities; to provide f or enforcement; and to prescribe
penalties,” by amending sections 2, 9, 10b, 13b, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 30, 32, 32a, 33, and 40 (MCL 257.1302,
257.1309, 257.1310b, 257.1313b, 257.1314, 257.1315, 257.1316, 257.1317, 257.1318, 257.1322, 257.1330,
257.1332, 257.1332a, 257.1333, and 257.1340), section 2 as amended by 2020 PA 227 and sections 9, 14, 15, 16,
17, 18, 22, 30, 32, and 33 as amended and sections 10b, 13b, and 32a as added by 2016 PA 430, and by adding
section 30a.
The People of the State of Michigan enact:
Sec. 2. As used in this act:
(a) “Administrator” means the secretary of state or any individual designated by the secretary of state to act
on behalf of the secretary of state.
(b) “Advertise” means to advise, announce, apprise, command, give notice of, inform, make known, or publish
any material that calls to the attention of the public the availability of parts and services.
(c) “Approved educational institution” means a school, academy, or other similar establishment approved by
the administrator under section 13a to provide training to mechanics or mechanical trainees under this act.
(d) “Automobile or light truck ” means a motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than
14,000 pounds.
(e) “Auxiliary facility” means a motor vehicle repair facility that meets the requirements of section 14(3).
(f) “BAIID mechanic ” means a specialty mechanic who holds a certification from the department under
section 10 to perform BAIID service.
(g) “BAIID service ” means the installation, removal, repair, or other servicing of breath alcohol ignition
interlock devices.
(h) “Breath alcohol ignition interlock device ” or “BAIID” means that term as defined in section 20d of the
Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.20d.
(i) “Contract” means a written or oral agreement, or a similar understanding or arrangement, in which a
person agrees that another person will perform work, labor, diagnosis, repair, reconditioning, replacement,
adjustment, or alteration, directly or indirectly, on a motor vehicle.
(j) “Customer” means the owner or operator of a motor vehicle.
(k) “Department” means the department of state.
(l) “Distressed vehicle” means that term as defined in section 12a of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300,
MCL 257.12a.
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(m) “Established place of business” means the premises occupied continuously or at regular periods by a facility
where that facility maintains records.
(n) “Estimate” means a written statement that itemizes as closely as possible the price for labor, by showing
the labor price per hour, the number of hours required to perform the work, and the price of parts necessary for a
specific repair.
(o) “Facility” or “motor vehicle repair facility” means a place of business that is required to register under this
act, except for a motor vehicle repair facility that is an auxiliary facility, and that, for compensation, is engaged
in the business of performing, or employs individuals who perform, main tenance, diagnosis, vehicle body work,
repair service, or BAIID service, on a motor vehicle. Facility and motor vehicle repair facility do not include any
of the following:
(i) A person that engages only in the business of repairing the motor vehicles of a single commercial or
industrial establishment or governmental agency.
(ii) An individual who is repairing the individual’s own or a family member’s motor vehicle.
(iii) A business that does not diagnose the operation of a motor vehicle, does not remove parts from a motor
vehicle to be remachined, and does not install finished machined or remachined parts on a motor vehicle. This
subparagraph does not apply to a motor vehicle repair facility that engages in th e business of performing, or
employing individuals who perform, vehicle body work.
(iv) A BAIID facility described in section 625k(14)(d) of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.625k.
(p) “Heavy-duty truck” means a motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or more
and includes both single-unit and combination tractor trailer or tractor semitrailer vehicles.
(q) “Late model vehicle” means that term as defined in section 24b of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300,
MCL 257.24b.
(r) “Lien” means a security interest in or other encumbrance on a motor vehicle and includes a security interest
created by agreement, a judicial lien obtained by legal or equitable process or proceedings, a common-law lien, or
a statutory lien on a vehicle.
Sec. 9. (1) The administrator shall do all of the following:
(a) Certify master and specialty mechanics and issue permits to mechanic trainees who are subject to this act.
(b) Register motor vehicle repair facilities that are subject to this act.
(c) Keep a complete register of motor vehicle repair facilities, and make that register available for public
inspection at the office of the secretary of state.
(d) Keep an accurate listing by name and by certificate number of each specialty and master mechanic who is
certified by the administrator at the office of the secretary of state.
(e) Engage in a public information program to inform the public of the public’s rights and remedies under this
act.
(f) Inform registered motor vehicle repair facilities at least annually of the rules promulgated under this act,
of representative disciplinary hearings, orders, or judgments issued or obtained by the administrator, and
suspensions or revocations of registrations or licenses. A motor vehicle repair facility shall inform the mechanics
in the employ of the motor vehicle repair facility of these actions.
(g) Establish procedures for receiving complaints relating to alleged violations of this act or rules promulgated
under this act.
(h) Establish and collect fees for certification examinations administered by the administrator.
(i) Promulgate any rules that are necessary to implement this act under the administrative procedures act of
1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328.
(j) Issue declaratory rulings to implement this act. All of the following apply to a declaratory ruling under this
subdivision:
(i) The administrator may issue a declaratory ruling concerning the applicability of this act or rules
promulgated under this act to an actual statement of facts if the administrator receives a request for a declaratory
ruling from an interested person and t he interested person submits a clear and concise statement of facts to the
administrator. The interested person may submit to the administrator a brief or other reference to legal
authorities on which the interested person relies concerning the applicabi lity of this act or rules promulgated
under this act to the statement of facts.
(ii) If the administrator decides to issue a declaratory ruling, the administrator shall provide the interested
person that requested the ruling a statement that the administrator will issue a declaratory ruling and the date
by which the administrator will issue the ruling.
(iii) A declaratory ruling shall include the actual statement of facts provided by the interested person that
requested the ruling, the legal authority on which the administrator relies for the ruling, if any, and the ruling of
the administrator.
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(iv) After a declaratory ruling is issued, the declaratory ruling is binding on the administrator and the
administrator shall not retroactively change the ruling. However, this subdivision does not prohibit the
administrator from prospectively changing a declaratory ruling.
(k) Conduct a name -based background check on all motor vehicle repair facility applicants during the
application process using the internet criminal history access tool (ICHAT) maintained by the department of state
police.
(2) The administrator may conduct a name -based background check for mechanics seeking new certification
using the internet criminal history access tool (ICHAT) maintained by the department of state police.
(3) The administrator may use information received from a background check under subsection (1)(k) or (2) to
evaluate an applicant’s qualifications to receive a motor vehicle repair facility or a certified specialty mechanic
registration and certification, as applicable, under this act.
Sec. 10b. (1) The administrator may issue a certification to perform repair work as a specialty or master
mechanic for automobiles and light trucks in 1 or more of the following repair categories as identified by the
National Institute for Automotive Servi ce Excellence or another mechanic organization approved by the
administrator:
(a) Engine repair.
(b) Automatic transmission.
(c) Manual transmission, front and rear drive axle.
(d) Front end, suspension, and steering systems.
(e) Brakes and braking systems.
(f) Electrical systems.
(g) Heating and air-conditioning.
(h) Engine tune-up and performance.
(i) Collision-related mechanical repair.
(j) Unitized body structural repair.
(k) Pre-1973 automobile or light truck repair. As used in this subdivision, “pre-1973 automobile or light truck
repair” means the repair of an automobile or light truck manufactured before 1973 or the reconditioning,
replacement, adjustment, or alteration of the operating condition of any component or subassembly of an
automobile or light truck manufactured before 1973.
(l) BAIID service.
(2) The administrator may issue a certification to perform repair work as a specialty or master mechanic for
heavy-duty trucks in 1 or more of the following repair categories as identified by the National Institute for
Automotive Service Excellence or another mechanic organization approved by the administrator:
(a) Engine repair, gasoline.
(b) Engine repair, diesel.
(c) Drivetrains.
(d) Brakes and braking systems.
(e) Suspension and steering systems.
(f) Electrical systems.
(g) Collision-related mechanical repair.
(3) An individual who is applying for certification as a specialty automobile or light truck mechanic is eligible
for that certification if the individual passes an examination in the repair category that relates to that specialty.
An individual who is applying for certification as a master automobile or light truck mechanic is eligible for that
certification if the individual passes the examinations in all repair categories listed in subsection (1)(a) to (h).
(4) An individual who is applying for certification as a specialty heavy-duty truck mechanic is eligible for that
certification if the individual passes an examination in the repair category that relates to that specialty. An
individual who is applying for certification as a master heavy-duty truck mechanic is eligible for that certification
if the individual passes the examinations in all repair categories listed in subsection (2)(a) to (f).
(5) An individual who is applying for certification as a master motorcycle mechanic is eligible for that
certification if the individual passes an examination pertaining to all mechanical aspects of motorcycle repair.
(6) An individual who is applying for certification as a recreational trailer mechanic is eligible for that
certification if the individual passes an examination pertaining to all mechanical aspects of the installation,
service, and repair of recreational trailer equipment. As used in this subsection, “recreational trailer equipment”
includes recreational trailer brakes, suspension, wheels, or axles; adaptations and alterations made to towing
vehicles; and other items of equipment on a recreational trailer required under sections 683 to 711 of the Michigan
vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.683 to 257.711.
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Sec. 13b. (1) A certified specialty or master mechanic shall display, in a conspicuous location in the motor
vehicle repair facility where the certified specialty or master mechanic is employed or engaged to perform repairs,
a current and valid certificate issued by the administrator. A certified specialty or master mechanic who works
at an auxiliary facility does not need to display in the auxiliary facility a current and valid certificate issued by
the administrator.
(2) If a certified mechanic works on, inspects and approves, or supervises a repair, the certified mechanic shall
affix the certified mechanic ’s name and certification number, as assigned by the administrator, to the written
statement of repairs given to the customer under section 34.
(3) A certified specialty or master mechanic or mechanic trainee shall not depart from, or disregard in any
material respect, accepted motor vehicle repair industry standards. Compliance with published vehicle
manufacturer, parts manufacturer, equipment ma nufacturer, or recognized aftermarket repair manual
specifications creates a presumption that the mechanic or mechanic trainee has followed accepted motor vehicle
repair industry standards.
(4) If the administrator, after notice and a hearing, determines that a specialty or master mechanic or
mechanic trainee has violated subsection (3), the administrator may, under section 21, require that the specialty
or master mechanic or mechanic trainee do both of the following:
(a) Successfully complete a designated training course or program as a prerequisite to continued certification.
(b) Perform only specific motor vehicle repairs or repair procedures identified by the administrator until the
training course or program described in subdivision (a) is completed.
Sec. 14. (1) Except for an auxiliary facility, the owner of a motor vehicle repair facility shall register the facility
by providing all of the following information to the administrator, on a registration form provided by the
administrator, accompanied by a registration fee in an amount determined under section 30:
(a) The name and form of ownership of the facility, and if the owner is a corporation, the date and place of
incorporation.
(b) For applicants that apply on or after February 1, 2026, the location of the applicant ’s established place of
business in this state, along with written verification from the appropriate municipal governing body or zoning
authority that states that the applicant’s established place of business meets all applicable municipal and zoning
requirements.
(c) The name and address of each of the owner’s resident agents, officers, directors, and partners in this state,
as applicable.
(d) The principal occupation or business for the past 5 years of all of the following, as applicable:
(i) Each person that owns 25% or more of the facility.
(ii) For each owner described in subparagraph (i), every officer and director if the owner is a corporation; every
partner if the owner is a partnership; and any other person that occupies a similar status or performs similar
functions.
(e) A description of the facility that includes all of the following information:
(i) The type of service business the facility operates.
(ii) The type of repairs the facility performs.
(iii) The type of vehicles the facility services.
(iv) The number of mechanics the facility employs who perform repairs.
(v) Subject to subdivision (f), the range of gross revenue received by the facility from performing repairs,
including revenue from parts and goods sold in conjunction with repairs, for the most recent federal income tax
year.
(vi) Measured in square feet, the size of the space within the facility used for performing repairs.
(f) Unless the applicant ’s gross revenue exceeds $300,000.00, proof of the facility ’s gross revenue provided
under subdivision (e)(v), if requested by the administrator.
(g) An irrevocable appointment of the secretary of state as the agent for the facility for service of process.
(h) A copy of each instrument, form, contract, or other document used by the applicant in connection with the
repair of motor vehicles for the public, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(i) Any document on which the facility routinely requires a customer’s signature.
(ii) Any document used by the facility in connection with providing estimates, diagnoses, or repairs.
(iii) Any invoices, warranties, or waivers.
(iv) Any other document used by the facility to comply with this act or rules promulgated under this act.
(i) A certification that neither the applicant or another person named on the application is acting as the alter
ego of any other person in seeking the registration. As used in this subdivision, “alter ego” means a person that
acts for and on behalf of, or in the place of, another person for purposes of obtaining a vehicle repair facility
registration.
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(j) A statement of the previous history, record, and associations of the applicant and each owner, partner,
officer, or director of the applicant related to all current or past motor vehicle repair facilities.
(k) If applicable, any auxiliary facilities that will share the same registration and registration number as the
facility that the owner is registering.
(l) Any other relevant information required by the administrator.
(2) Subject to this section, the owner of a motor vehicle repair facility that is registered under subsection (1)
may be approved for a single, auxiliary facility under the same registration and registration number as the facility
registered under subsecti on (1) if the owner of that motor vehicle repair facility submits an application for an
auxiliary facility to the department, along with written verification from the appropriate municipal governing
body or zoning authority that states that the auxiliary f acility meets all applicable municipal and zoning
requirements. The application for an auxiliary facility must be in a format as determined by the administrator.
(3) An auxiliary facility must meet all of the following requirements:
(a) Be located within a 3-mile radius of the motor vehicle repair facility described under subsection (2).
(b) Serve as an extension of the motor vehicle repair facility described under subsection (2).
(c) Mirror the registered facility’s hours of operation, types of vehicles serviced, and repairs performed.
(d) Rely on the established place of business of the motor vehicle repair facility described under subsection (2)
for all in -person customer interactions including, but not limited to, customer drop off and pick up of vehicles,
payment for services rendered, invoice generation, and other documents shared with a customer.
(e) Not perform any repairs that are not approved, directed, or initiated by and through the motor vehicle
repair facility described under subsection (2).
(4) Upon receiving an application for an auxiliary facility under subsection (2), the administrator shall review
the compliance history of the registered motor vehicle repair facility and may, if the registered motor vehicle
repair facility has any of the following, deny the application or revoke the approval of the application:
(a) Two or more unresolved violations involving customer parts retention.
(b) Two or more unresolved violations for failing to maintain records.
(c) An unresolved violation for hindering or obstructing a general compliance inspection or a consumer
complaint inspection.
(5) An auxiliary facility does not need any of the following:
(a) A registration certificate with a separate registration number from the facility with which the auxiliary
facility shares a registration.
(b) An exterior sign that identifies the business.
(c) Any customer instrument, form, contract, written statement, or other document required under
section 32(6) or section 34 that is distinct from the instruments, forms, contracts, written statements, or other
documents used by the facility with which the auxiliary facility shares a registration.
(d) A consumer information sign.
(e) A notice of parts return sign.
Sec. 15. (1) A motor vehicle repair facility registration under this act takes effect on the date the registration
is approved by the administrator and expires 1 year after that date. Except as otherwise provided in
subsection (4), the owner of a motor vehicle repair facility shall renew the facility’s registration annually and shall
submit an application for renewal of the registration, accompanied by a registration fee in an amount determined
under section 30, with the administrator not later than 30 days before the expiration of the facility’s then-current
registration.
(2) A motor vehicle repair facility may continue to operate after the expiration date of the facility’s then-current
registration, pending approval of the renewal application by the administrator, if the renewal application and
renewal fee are received by the administrator on or before the expiration date. If a renewal application and
renewal fee are filed after the expiration date, the facility may operate from the day on which the application and
appropriate fee are received by the administrator, pending approval of the renewal application. The administrator
shall charge a fee of 1 -1/2 times the normal registration fee for each year the license is expired if the renewal
application is received by the administrator after the expiration date.
(3) A person that owns more than 1 motor vehicle repair facility shall file a single registration form for all of
those facilities annually, that along with the other information required under this act, clearly indicates the
location of and the individual in charge of each facility, and shall pay a separate registration fee, except for a
facility that is an auxiliary facility, for each of those facilities.
(4) Beginning on July 1, 2026, an owner of a motor vehicle repair facility with a gross revenue that exceeds
$300,000.00 may renew the facility ’s registration for more than 1 year but not more than 4 years if the owner
submits an application for renewal to the administrator accompanied by a registration fee in an amount
determined under section 30(4).
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Sec. 16. (1) If there is a change of ownership of a motor vehicle repair facility, a new registration and payment
of a new registration fee is required and the facility shall not operate until the facility ’s registration application
is approved by the administrator and the fee is paid. If a name and address of a motor vehicle repair facility
changes and there is not a change of ownership, the facility shall notify the administrator in writing of the change
by completing and submitting the repair facility ch ange of address notification not less than 30 days before the
date the change is to take place. If an address of a motor vehicle repair facility changes, the facility shall submit
a written verification from the appropriate municipal governing body or zoni ng authority that states that the
established place of business and, if applicable, any auxiliary facility, meet all applicable municipal and zoning
requirements.
(2) If the owner of a motor vehicle repair facility is a corporation, and 25% or more of the stock of the corporation
is sold or transferred, the owner shall notify the administrator of that change not later than 30 days after the sale
or transfer.
(3) As used in this section, “change of ownership ” means a sale of all or part of a facility to a new owner,
including a sale or transfer of a partnership interest in the owner of a facility if the owner is a partnership. Change
of ownership does not include the sale or transfer of stock in the owner of a facility if the owner is a corporation.
Sec. 17. (1) The owner of a facility that is registered or is required to register under this act shall ensure that
the facility and, if applicable, any auxiliary facilities are open to inspection by the administrator and other law
enforcement officials during reasonable business hours. During reasonable business hours, the administrator and
other law enforcement officials may make periodic unannounced inspections of the premises, parts records, and
parts inventories of a facility or auxiliary facility.
(2) A person shall not hinder, obstruct, or otherwise prevent an inspection under this section or section 18 or
18a.
(3) As used in this section, “reasonable business hours” includes any posted or advertised business hours of a
facility.
Sec. 18. (1) The owner of a motor vehicle repair facility shall maintain reasonable business records for the
facility and, if applicable, any auxiliary facilities and ensure that those records are open for reasonable inspection
by the administrator or other law enforcement officials. As used in this subsection, “reasonable business records”
includes those documents and records described in subsection (2)(a) to (c).
(2) The owner of a motor vehicle repair facility shall retain the records of the facility and, if applicable, any
auxiliary facilities for the following time periods:
(a) The owner shall retain copies of each instrument, form, contract, or other document used in connection
with a repair transaction, including, but not limited to, all of the following for at least 3 years after completion of
the repair transaction:
(i) Any document on which the facility required the customer’s signature.
(ii) Any document used by the facility in connection with providing an estimate, diagnosis, or repair.
(iii) Any invoice, warranty, or waiver.
(iv) Any other document used by the facility to record or convey the terms of the transaction.
(v) Any other document required under this act or rules promulgated under this act in connection with a repair
transaction.
(b) If a facility is advised by the administrator that the administrator has received a complaint about a repair
transaction performed by the facility, and the facility is under investigation by the administrator, the owner shall
retain records relating to the transaction or otherwise relevant to the complaint until the date the administrator
advises the facility in writing that the complaint is closed, or for 3 years after the completion of the repair
transaction, whichever is later.
(c) If a repair transaction involves the assumption by the facility of an obligation for more than 3 years, the
owner shall retain records or documents relating to that obligation for not less than the term of the obligation.
(d) For any other document or record than those described in subdivision (a), (b), or (c), the owner shall retain
that document or record for not less than 3 years.
(e) Business records for an auxiliary facility must be stored at the facility with which the auxiliary facility
shares a registration.
(3) A facility that engages in vehicle body work shall maintain records in a form prescribed by the
administrator. The records must contain the date of purchase or acquisition of each distressed vehicle, a
description of the vehicle, and the name and addre ss of the person from which the vehicle was acquired. If the
vehicle is sold, the record must contain the date of sale and the name and address of the purchaser. The record
must indicate whether a certificate of title or salvage certificate of title was obtained by the facility for the vehicle.
If the vehicle is a late model vehicle, the facility shall maintain a record of the purchase or sale of each major
component part purchased or acquired by the facility for the vehicle. The record must contain the date of purchase
or acquisition of the part, a description of the part, the identification number assigned to the part, and the name
and address of the person to or from which the part was purchased, acquired, or sold.
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(4) A facility shall maintain or attach the record of a sale, purchase, or acquisition of a major component part
to a police book described in section 251 of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.251. A facility shall
make the facility ’s police book and the facility ’s records of vehicle part sales, purchases, or acquisitions
immediately available for inspection by the administrator and other law enforcement officials if a request for
inspection is made.
(5) This section does not authorize a facility to engage in the business of dealing in vehicles or salvageable
parts without a dealer’s license under the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.1 to 257.923.
Sec. 22. (1) The administrator may take any administrative action described in subsection (2) if the
administrator determines that a facility, mechanic, or trainee, or a stockholder, officer, director, or partner of a
facility that is a corporation or partnership, does 1 or more of the following:
(a) Makes an untrue statement of a material fact.
(b) Violates this act or a rule promulgated under this act.
(c) Violates a condition of probation.
(d) Makes unnecessary repairs or repairs not authorized by the customer.
(e) Refuses to honor warranties made by a facility.
(f) Causes or allows a customer to sign a document in blank relating to the repair of a motor vehicle.
(g) Is enjoined by a court of competent jurisdiction from engaging in the trade or business of repairing motor
vehicles or from a violation of this act or a rule promulgated under this act.
(h) Fails to comply with the terms of a final cease and desist order.
(i) Is convicted of a violation of this act.
(j) Uses the waiver of liability provision in an attempt to evade this act.
(k) Is convicted of a violation of 1986 PA 119, MCL 257.1351 to 257.1355.
(l) Is convicted under section 413, 415, 535, 535a, or 536a of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328,
MCL 750.413, 750.415, 750.535, 750.535a, and 750.536a, or has been convicted in another state of a violation of
a law substantially corresponding to 1 of those sections of the Michigan penal code.
(m) Violates section 233a(6), 254, or 257(1) to (3) of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.233a,
257.254, and 257.257, or has been convicted in another state of a violation of law substantially corresponding to
a section listed under this subdivision.
(2) After notice and opportunity for a hearing, the administrator may do 1 or more of the following if he or she
determines that a facility, mechanic, or trainee, or a stockholder, officer, director, or partner of a facility that is a
corporation or partnership, violates subsection (1):
(a) Place a limitation on a registration, certificate, or mechanic trainee permit.
(b) Suspend a registration, certificate, or mechanic trainee permit.
(c) Deny a registration, certificate, or mechanic trainee permit or renewal of a registration, certificate, or
mechanic trainee permit.
(d) Revoke a registration, certificate, or mechanic trainee permit.
(e) Censure the person that holds a registration, certificate, or mechanic trainee permit.
(3) As an alternative or in addition to administrative action under subsection (2) for a violation or alleged
violation of subsection (1), the administrator may, by written agreement with a person that holds a registration,
certificate, or mechanic trainee permit, place a registration, certificate, or mechanic trainee permit on probation
and include conditions of probation in the agreement.
(4) The remedies and sanctions under this act are independent and cumulative. The use of a remedy or sanction
under this act, including, but not limited to, administrative action by the administrator under subsection (2) or
an agreement for probation under subsection (3), does not bar other lawful remedies and sanctions against a
person and does not limit a person’s criminal or civil liability under law.
Sec. 30. (1) Beginning on July 1, 2026, the nonrefundable registration fee for the registration of a facility is
determined by a sliding fee scale that is based on the gross annual revenue of the facility, as follows:
GROSS ANNUAL REVENUE
FEE
under $50,000.00 $ 100.00
$50,000.00 to $100,000.00
200.00
$100,001.00 to $200,000.00
300.00
$200,001.00 to $300,000.00
400.00
over $300,000.00
500.00
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(2) Beginning on July 1, 2026, the nonrefundable examination, application, certificate, and renewal fees for
the certification of mechanics are as follows:
(a) Each certification examination administered by the administrator, $18.00. Notwithstanding the
requirements of section 40, the department shall deposit $12.00 of each $18.00 certification examination fee the
department receives into the mechanic certification examination fund created under section 30a.
(b) Application for original certificate, $25.00. However, any of the following may apply for an original specialty
or master mechanic certificate without paying a fee under this subdivision:
(i) An individual who is currently certified by the administrator in at least 1 repair category may apply for
certification in 1 or more additional repair categories without paying a fee under this subdivision.
(ii) A mechanic trainee who presents proof that the trainee has successfully completed 30 or more hours of
continuing mechanic education courses given by an approved educational institution during the 5 -year period
immediately preceding the date the trainee submits the application for certification.
(iii) An individual who served in the armed forces; was separated from that service; and provides to the
administrator a form DD214, a form DD215, or any other form that is satisfactory to the administrator that
demonstrates that the individual was separated from that service, with an honorable character of service or under
honorable conditions (general) character of service.
(c) Application for renewal certificate, $20.00.
(d) Replacement certificate, $5.00.
(3) The permit fees for a mechanic trainee are as follows:
(a) Application for a mechanic trainee permit, $20.00. However, either of the following may apply for a
mechanic trainee permit without paying a fee under this subdivision:
(i) An individual who is currently certified by the administrator in at least 1 repair category.
(ii) A student who is currently enrolled in a vocational education or special education program that includes
employment by a motor vehicle repair facility; that is approved by the department of education; and for which the
student receives credit toward the award of a high school or special education diploma.
(b) Replacement of trainee permit, $5.00.
(4) Beginning on July 1, 2026, the fee for a multiyear registration described under section 15(4) is the
applicable fee under subsection (1) multiplied by the number of years the registration is renewed.
(5) As used in this section, “gross annual revenue” means a facility’s gross revenue from performing repairs,
including parts and goods sold in conjunction with repairs, in the facility’s most recently completed federal income
tax year, or, if the facility has not been in business for a complete federal income tax year, the facility’s reasonably
anticipated gross revenue for the facility’s first full federal income tax year of operation.
Sec. 30a. (1) The mechanic certification examination fund is created in the state treasury.
(2) Beginning on July 1, 2026, the state treasurer shall deposit money and other assets received from any other
source into the fund. The state treasurer shall direct the investment of money in the fund and credit interest and
earnings from the investments to the fund.
(3) The department of state is the administrator of the fund for audits of the fund.
(4) Beginning on July 1, 2026, the department of state shall expend money from the fund, on appropriation,
only for 1 or more of the following purposes:
(a) To develop and update the content of the mechanic certification examination.
(b) To administer the mechanic certification examination.
Sec. 32. (1) Before beginning repair work, a motor vehicle repair facility shall give to the customer a written
estimate that itemizes as closely as possible the price for labor and parts necessary for the work. A facility shall
not charge for work done or parts supplied in excess of the estimated price, or in excess of the limit stated by the
customer in the waiver described in subsection (3), without the knowing written or oral consent of the customer,
obtained at some time after the facility determines t hat the estimated price or stated limit is insufficient and
before any work that is not estimated or is in excess of the limit is done or the parts that are not estimated or are
in excess of the limit are supplied. If a waiver is not signed under subsection (3) and the estimated price is exceeded
by not more than 10% or $50.00, whichever is lesser, the facility is not required to obtain the written or oral
consent of the customer for the excess charge unless specifically requested by the customer. This section must not
be construed as requiring a motor vehicle repair facility, mechanic, or mechanic trainee to give a written estimated
price if the facility, mechanic, or trainee agrees not to perform the requested repair. If the actual cost of a repair
is less than the agreed on estimated cost, the customer shall pay only the actual cost.
(2) If a facility or mechanic informs the customer that the price for repair will exceed the written estimate or
the stated limit in the waiver and the customer does not want the repair work performed, the customer is
responsible for all reasonable costs to return the vehicle to the condition the vehicle was in at the time the vehicle
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entered the facility. The facility shall indicate those costs in written form, itemizing the costs as closely as possible
with a copy given to the customer. The cost of a diagnosis made by the facility, whether or not the customer
authorizes the facility to perform those repairs, must be included in the written estimate before the diagnosis is
undertaken.
(3) If a customer initiates a request for service or parts for the repair of a motor vehicle without receiving a
written estimate and voluntarily agrees to pay all reasonable costs of repair up to an amount stated by the
customer, a facility may obtain fro m the customer a waiver of the customer ’s right to receive a prior estimate of
repair costs. The waiver must be in 14 point or larger bold capital type face and executed with 1 copy to the
customer who is requesting the repairs. The waiver must read as follows:
“I, __________, voluntarily authorize __________ to provide services or parts in the repair of the below described
motor vehicle without receiving an estimate of repair costs. By signing this form, I understand that I will give up
my right to:
1. Receive a written estimate of the cost for repairs;
2. Approve in advance any repairs or costs with a total cost under $ __________; and
3. Refuse to pay for repairs with a total cost less than the amount stated above.
The facility may exceed the amount stated above only after I give my written or oral approval.
Motor vehicle description:
Customer signature _______________
Date __________
Time __________”.
(4) A waiver described in subsection (3) is not effective unless the waiver is given by the customer voluntarily
and with full knowledge of the implications of the waiver. A motor vehicle repair facility or anyone in the facility’s
employ shall not make use of a waiver described in subsection (3) in an attempt to evade this act.
(5) Except for a motor vehicle repair facility that is an auxiliary facility, a motor vehicle repair facility shall at
all times display, in a place and manner conspicuous to the facility’s customers, a current and valid certificate of
repair facility registration issued by the administrator.
(6) A motor vehicle repair facility shall include the facility ’s registration number, as assigned by the
administrator, on each copy of any instrument, form, contract, or other document used by the applicant in dealing
with the public in the repair of motor vehicles, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(a) Any document on which the facility routinely requires the customer’s signature.
(b) Any document used by the facility in connection with providing estimates, diagnoses, or repairs.
(c) Any invoices, warranties, or waivers.
(d) Any other document used by the facility to comply with this act or rules promulgated under this act.
Sec. 32a. (1) A motor vehicle repair facility shall display a consumer information sign. The sign must contain
12 lines of lettering worded substantially as follows:
“THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS REGISTERED WITH THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND IS
REQUIRED BY LAW TO FURNISH A CUSTOMER WITH A:
(1) WRITTEN ESTIMATE IF REPAIRS WILL BE $50 OR MORE OR ON REQUEST IF REPAIRS WILL BE
LESS THAN $50.
(2) DETAILED STATEMENT OF LABOR AND PARTS SUPPLIED. QUESTIONS REGARDING SERVICE
WORK SHOULD BE DIRECTED FIRST TO THE MANAGER OF THIS REPAIR FACILITY.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF STATE
P.O. BOX ________, LANSING, MI 489____
TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE: 800 _________________
MON.-FRI., 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE WEBSITE: _____________.”.
(2) All of the following apply to a sign required under subsection (1):
(a) It must be rectangular in shape and not less than 28 inches high by 24 inches wide.
(b) It must be constructed of durable material.
(c) The background of the sign must be white.
(d) Print and other markings on the sign must be black.
(e) The wording of the sign must be printed in bold, block, capital letters that are 1 inch high and 1/2 inch wide
in lines 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, and 12; 3/4 inch high and 1/2 inch wide in line 11; and 1/2 inch high and 3/8 inch wide in
lines 3 to 7.
(f) The sign must be laid out in a clearly legible fashion, with the lettering arranged so that there is not less
than a 1/8-inch space between any 2 letters within a line and not less than a 1/2-inch space between any 2 lines.
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(g) The sign must include the address, telephone numbers, and website address of the department in lines 9,
10, and 12, as provided by the administrator.
(3) All of the following apply to the display of a sign required under subsection (1) by a motor vehicle repair
facility:
(a) The facility shall display the sign at each entrance to the facility and at each cashier station. As used in
this subsection and section 33(8), “entrance to the facility ” means each location in or about the facility where
customer repair service orders are initially executed.
(b) The facility shall ensure that the sign is unobstructed and clearly and readily visible to customers.
(c) If the facility is not enclosed or is a mobile facility, the facility shall ensure that the sign is placed in an
area where the sign is easily noticeable to customers who are transacting business with the facility.
(4) The administrator may require that a facility replace any sign that does not meet all of the requirements
of this section or is no longer readily legible, or that the facility reposition any sign that is improperly displayed.
Sec. 33. (1) A motor vehicle repair facility shall return replaced parts to the customer at the time the repair
work is completed. All of the following apply to the obligation to return replaced parts under this subsection:
(a) A facility is not required to return any of the following replaced parts to the customer:
(i) Parts that are exempted from the return requirement by the administrator because of size, weight, or
similar factors. However, a facility shall not prevent a customer from removing any heavy or large part, by the
customer’s own means and at the customer’s expense.
(ii) Subject to subsection (3), parts that the motor vehicle repair facility or mechanic is required to return to
the manufacturer or distributor under a warranty or exchange arrangement.
(iii) For reasons of safety, a gasoline tank or any other container-type part that was filled with or was otherwise
in appreciable contact with flammable fuels, unless that part is rendered nonflammable.
(b) If any returned part presents an actual danger of flammability or explosiveness, the facility shall clearly
inform the customer of that danger.
(c) When the repair work is completed, if requested by the customer, the facility shall reasonably clean the
replaced parts that are to be returned or inspected by the customer. The facility shall place portable parts in a
suitable container. The facility shall store any parts that the facility identifies as not portable in a suitable place
in the facility for the customer’s inspection.
(d) If a facility charges a fee to a customer in connection with the return of replaced parts, the facility shall
disclose that fee to the customer in writing before the customer engages the facility to replace the part.
(2) A customer must be informed of the customer’s right to receive or inspect replaced parts as provided in this
section before the customer executes any document or engages the facility or mechanic for the work. Subject to
subsection (5), the facility shall provide this information to the customer by p roviding the following notice to the
customer, printed or displayed on the face of any contract, work order form, or other document that evidences the
engagement of the facility or mechanic in not less than 1 2-point boldfaced letters that are not less than 4 points
larger that the principal size of the letters in that document, or providing the notice in a separate written
document in not less than 12-point, boldfaced, capital letters, as follows:
“YOU ARE ENTITLED BY LAW TO THE RETURN OF ALL PARTS REPLACED, EXCEPT THOSE WHICH
ARE TOO HEAVY OR LARGE, AND THOSE REQUIRED TO BE SENT BACK TO THE MANUFACTURER OR
DISTRIBUTOR BECAUSE OF WARRANTY WORK OR AN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT. YOU ARE ENTITLED
TO INSPECT THE PARTS WHICH CANNOT BE RETURNED TO YOU.”.
(3) If a facility is obligated to return a replaced part to the manufacturer or a distributor under a warranty
agreement, or, subject to subsection (4), under an exchange agreement, the facility is not required to return that
part to the customer. However, the facility or mechanic shall offer the customer an opportunity to inspect the
replaced part. If the customer accepts the offer to inspect the part, or otherwise requests to inspect the part, the
facility or mechanic shall allow the customer to inspect t he part when the repair work is completed. A facility is
not required to show a replacement part to a customer if the replacement is made without charge to the customer.
(4) If replacement of a part is contingent on the facility keeping the part under an exchange agreement, the
facility shall explain, in a manner understandable to the customer, the precise terms of the exchange agreement,
including if applicable a disclosure of the price to the customer if the customer wishes to reclaim the part. If a
customer raises a question or dispute with the facility not later than 2 business days after the del ivery of the
repaired vehicle to the customer and the dispute involves an exchange part for which the facility required the
customer pay a deposit in the amount of the facility ’s obligation, the facility shall refund the deposit to the
customer if the customer returns the part to the facility.
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(5) A facility that displays the notice described in subsection (2) on a clearly legible sign with lettering not less
than 1 inch high, conspicuously displayed in the part of the facility where customers routinely contract for repairs,
is not required to provide the notice to a customer in the form of a document described in subsection (2).
(6) All of the following apply to the disposition of replaced parts that are not returned to the customer:
(a) Unless subdivision (b) applies, the facility shall keep the parts for not less than 2 business days after the
customer takes possession of the repaired vehicle, unless the customer has specifically authorized immediate
disposition of the parts.
(b) If a customer questions or disputes repairs performed by a facility or the charges for those repairs not later
than 2 days after the customer takes possession of the repaired vehicle, the facility shall keep the replaced parts
until the question or dispute is resolved. If the dispute involves the replaced part, the facility shall, in the presence
of the customer, immediately affix to the part a permanent mark sufficient to identify the part.
(7) If requested by a customer, a facility shall explain exactly why a replaced part is defective or nonfunctional,
or otherwise why the part was replaced.
(8) The motor vehicle repair facility shall display a clearly legible sign in a conspicuous place at the entrance
to the facility that indicates that customers may make inquiries concerning repair service or complaints to the
administrator and states the address and telephone number of the department.
Sec. 40. Except as otherwise provided in section 30(2)(a), the fees collected under this act are credited to the
general fund of this state.
Enacting section 1. This amendatory act takes effect on February 1, 2026.
This act is ordered to take immediate effect.
Secretary of the Senate
Clerk of the House of Representatives
Approved___________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Governor