Michigan certified payroll: registration, the LEO database and the 10 day rule

Where the statute sends payroll: the contracting agent, then a LEO database

The old prevailing wage act was repealed by 2018 PA 171. The new act, 2023 PA 10, took effect on February 13, 2024 (MCL history). 2024 PA 110 added registration and the 10 day rule. Its text gives the effective date only as a formula, the 91st day after final adjournment of the 2024 Regular Session, and the MCL history page gives April 2, 2025. LEO, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, is "the commissioner" in the act (MCL 408.1101(a)).

The statute keys the destination to the date you transmit, so on its wording a late record for an earlier pay period goes to the database if transmitted on or after April 2, 2026. This page could not confirm the database is live or how that late case is handled. For other states, see the state by state requirements table.

Which jobs are covered, and which are not

A state project is either an energy facility project or construction, alteration, repair or similar work on public buildings, schools, works, bridges, highways or roads that a public contracting agent authorizes and the state sponsors or finances in whole or in part (MCL 408.1101(l)).

Register before you bid or work

Under MCL 408.1102(3) to (5), a contractor cannot bid on or perform state project work without a state project registration, or list or hire a subcontractor that lacks one. Subcontractors need their own, and each bid includes copies of the contractor's registration and of each subcontractor already selected.

On the text, the exemptions above reach registration too, but LEO's practice is unconfirmed, so ask before you skip one.

1. Gather the data and proof. MCL 408.1102a(2) lists name, address (an out-of-state firm needs a Michigan records custodian and agent for service), phone, entity type, each person with a financial interest, tax ID and unemployment insurance number. Add a compliance statement, supporting documents and anything else LEO requires (subsection (2)(b) to (d)).
2. Apply, pay and renew. Submit LEO's form and the fee, which LEO sets. LEO has 15 business days after a complete application and fee to grant it or deny it with written reasons. A registration lasts 1 year, with one annual renewal date.

LEO may suspend or revoke a registration for significant or repeated violations of the act or another law, but only once its procedure rule is in effect (subsection (6)).

What the record must show, and who attests

Section 22(2)(b) requires LEO's database to hold, for each construction mechanic: classification and apprentice, journeyman or other level; gross wages paid in the pay period; hours worked each day with starting and ending times; and hourly wage, overtime and fringe rates.

It must also ask the submitter to attest by electronic signature that the record is complete and accurate, that rates paid meet the act, that they reviewed it, and that a violation may lead to registration suspension, revocation or denial (subsection (2)(d)). Keep records for 3 years (subsection (1)).

The 10 day deadline

Each contractor and subcontractor must transmit its record "not later than 10 days after the end of a pay period" (MCL 408.1122(1)). The statute does not define "days". Other sections say "working days" (MCL 408.1113(3)) and "business days" (MCL 408.1102a(4)), which suggests calendar days here, so this page counts calendar days. If the tenth day lands on a weekend or holiday, transmit the business day before.

What happens when payroll is late, false or missing

A civil penalty is due "not later than 15 working days after the date the penalty is issued and not subject to further appeals" (MCL 408.1113(3)). Another section lets an employer or employee request review of a determination within 14 days after notification (MCL 408.1121(1)). The statute does not say how the two fit together, so request review within 14 days.

Detroit city-funded projects have a separate monthly report

For construction projects with more than $3 million in City funding, Executive Order 2021-2, a Detroit resident workforce rule, applies, per the City's fact sheet. The contractor's point person submits on the 15th of each month the previous month's certified payrolls for each subcontractor, summary reports and two proofs of residency per Detroit worker (City FAQ). Non-compliance can mean withheld payments, refusal of future bids or debarment from City work for up to one year. Neither document, both undated, says how this relates to the state requirement, and the order itself was not read, so confirm with CRIO.

What this page could not confirm

Every michigan.gov page tried for LEO and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) returned an access error, so these points rest on the statute. Ask the contracting agent or LEO about the registration fee and form, where to send payroll, and whether the database takes an uploaded file such as a WH-347.

One MDOT page did load. Its construction manual wiki, last edited August 27, 2026, says contractors on federal-aid construction contracts submit weekly certified payrolls to the Engineer through a third-party system, LCPtracker. It does not mention the Michigan act, so who MCL 408.1122(6)(a) excuses stays unconfirmed.

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