The Horse Racing Law of 1995 (Racing Act), MCL 431.301 through MCL 431.336, requires a person applying for a license to provide fingerprints. In 2023, before you can be granted a license, you must get fingerprinted, and the results must be received by the MGCB Licensing Office. See MCL 431.316(5). Fingerprints will not be taken by the MGCB Licensing Office at Northville Downs.  

The Racing Act authorizes the racing commissioner to set the license fee and determine the length of the license. Beginning in 2023, occupational licenses will be granted for a 2-year period. The fee for the license will be double which is still well within the authorized statutory amount of not less than $10 and not more than $100. See MCL 431.316(9).    

For in-state residents who choose to get fingerprinted at your local police department, you must contact them first and ask if they do “Live Scan Printing for applicant purposes.”  If the answer is “yes,” you can take your Live Scan form as filled out by the MGCB to the police department and have your prints taken. If the answer is “no,” you may check with another police department or make an appointment through IdentoGo. Out-of-state residents cannot use their local law enforcement agency, but IdentoGo has locations throughout the United States.

If you have been fingerprinted in another state for licensing purposes, Michigan law does not allow the MGCB to accept those fingerprints for licensing in Michigan. 

You can begin this process now. We encourage you to do so at least two weeks prior to the date you wish to qualify and/or race to ensure sufficient time for licensure.  If you licensed in 2022 with the MGCB and had an email on file, you should have received an email with the memo, instructions and the filled-in Live Scan form.  You will also receive the documents via US Postal if you were licensed in 2022 with the MGCB.

To receive an application, filled-in Live Scan form, or payment information for your license, contact the MGCB Licensing Office at horseracing@michigan.gov.  

To apply, fax your application and completed Live Scan form (signed by the fingerprinting agency) via fax to 248-349-9139 or email forms to horseracing@michigan.gov. You must contact the MGCB Licensing Office for payment information.  You also may submit your application, completed Live Scan form (signed by the fingerprinting agency), and payment in person during MGCB Licensing Office business hours.

For more information, please call the MGCB Licensing Office at 248-349-5458 or via email at horseracing@michigan.gov

Resources:

Horse Racing Licensee Fingerprinting Procedure

Horse Racing Fingerprinting Instructions Memo

Licensing office hours for qualifiers:
Tuesday – Friday 3/7 – 3/10 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday 3/14  - 3/17 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday 3/21  - 3/24 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday – Friday 3/27 – 3/31 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• Trainers must complete a stable roster.
• Grooms must have their trainer sign #35 on the back of the application.
• Send rhinos and coggins to 248- 349-9139 or email a clear photo to horseracing@michigan.gov. Contact the vets office at 248- 349-5511.

Licensing office hours during live racing:
Wednesday & Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 1:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.