Expires: December 31
Cost:

• $100.00 all or any part of a calendar year.
• 10 cents per ton of all fertilizer manufactured and/or distributed in Michigan.
• All Ag Use Fertilizer must also pay a groundwater fee of 1.5 cents per percent of nitrogen per ton sold.

Contact: April Hunt 517-241-2979
Forms: Fertilizer Manufacturer/Distributor License

FAQ’s for the Fertilizer Program:
Download the Fertilizer Application Form, which applies to the following:

• Specialty Fertilizer Registration
• Soil Conditioner Registration
• Fertilizer Manufacturer/Distributor Licensing

Who needs a license or registration?

License - All firms that have their names and address on the labeling or invoicing for an agricultural fertilizer manufactured or distributed in the State of Michigan are required to obtain a Facility License. A license is required for each of these facilities whether they are located in or out of the State of Michigan. 

Note: The principal mailing address shall include the street address, city, state and zip code; however, the street address may be omitted if it is shown in the current city directory or telephone directory.

Registration - All specialty (non-farm use) fertilizers or soil conditioners distributed in the State of Michigan must be registered by the manufacturer or distributor. A registration is required for each brand and product name of each grade of fertilizer product.

What does it cost to be licensed or registered?

A $100.00 license fee is required for all or any part of a calendar year. A $25 registration fee and $100 groundwater fee is required for each product registration. 

In addition to the annual license/registration fees, all licensees and registrants are required to submit tonnage reports and pay a tonnage-based inspection fee of $0.10 per ton of fertilizer manufactured or distributed in Michigan. All agricultural use fertilizer must also pay a groundwater protection fee of $0.015 per percent of nitrogen in the fertilizer for each ton sold.

How do I apply for a license or registration?

Download and print a copy of the application form or obtain a copy from the nearest Michigan Department of Agriculture regional office.

Complete the application and attach your check or money order made out to the State of Michigan and mail it along with product registration labels to:

Michigan Department of Agriculture
Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division
Specialty Fertilizers/Bulk Storage Section
PO Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909

How long does it take to process my application?

The typical "error-free" application should normally be processed within 4 weeks.

Incomplete Applications, including those missing product labels, and any that are received without or with the incorrect license/registration fees cannot be approved. The application will be returned to the sender and the processing delayed.

When do Fertilizer Manufacturer/Distributor Licenses and Product Registrations expire?

All fertilizer licenses and registrations expire on December 31 and must be renewed on a yearly basis.

How do I renew my Fertilizer License and Registrations?

A renewal application will be placed in the U.S. mail by the end of November. MDA recommends the use of the renewal application received in the mail because it will contain specific company information such as your license number and company name as previously submitted to MDA. Any additions, deletions, and other changes can be made right on the renewal form. Licensees and registrants who have not received their application by December 15th should immediately contact MDA at (517) 373-1087 or send an email to hunta9@michigan.gov.

What should I do if there are changes in company, ownership, name, or address?

Any change in the ownership of a company that is licensed will require an application and fee for a new license. Companies with a change of name and/or address will need to send written notification to MDA so records can be updated accordingly. 

NOTE: Placing stickers over the old name/address is allowed.