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Horse Racing

Horse Racing

2026 Horse Racing License Information
Fingerprinting and Application Requirements

 Fingerprinting requirement

Under the Horse Racing Law of 1995 (MCL 431.301–431.336), all license applicants must be fingerprinted before a license can be issued. Results must be received by the MGCB Licensing Office before your license is granted. See MCL 431.316(5).

>> Fingerprints will not be taken by the MGCB Licensing Office at Northville Downs at Barry Expo Center.

>> Start early — we recommend getting fingerprinted at least two weeks before your intended qualify or race date to allow enough time for processing.


How to get fingerprinted
Michigan residents: Contact your local police department and ask if they offer "Live Scan Printing for applicant purposes."

  • If yes — bring your MGCB-provided Live Scan form and have your prints taken there.
  • If no — try another local department or schedule an appointment through IdentoGo.
    Out-of-state residents: Local law enforcement cannot be used. Book an appointment through IdentoGo, which has locations across the United States.


Fingerprints taken in another state for licensing purposes cannot be accepted by Michigan law, even if taken for a similar purpose.


How to apply
To receive an application, a pre-filled Live Scan form, or payment details, contact the MGCB Licensing Office (see below).

Once you have your completed Live Scan form (signed by the fingerprinting agency), you can submit your application in one of three ways:

  1.      Fax your application and Live Scan form to 517-763-0398
  2.      Email your forms to horseracing@michigan.gov
  3.      Deliver your application, Live Scan form, and payment in person during MGCB Licensing Office business hours (race season only)

Payment must be arranged separately with the MGCB Licensing Office. The racing commissioner sets the license fee and term length.

 

Vaccination records
Email all rhinopneumonitis (rhino) and Coggins vaccination records to horseracing@michigan.gov.


Contact the MGCB Horse Racing Office
Email: horseracing@michigan.gov
Phone: 313-456-4119
Fax (submissions): 517-763-0398

Resources

Fingerprinting

Executive Orders

Horse Medications and Health Requirements

Horse Racing Act and Rules

Horse Racing Annual Reports

Horse Racing Office Location

Race Track Location and Schedule

Step-By-Step Guide for Occupational Licensees

Steward's Hearing & Appeals

Opening PDF Forms:  If a .pdf file does not open successfully within a browser window, please download and save the file by right clicking on the link, selecting "Save Link As" and opening the link in Adobe Acrobat if it does not open in your browser, or email mgcbweb@michigan.gov for assistance.

Forms

Horse Racing

Horse Racing originally was established by the Racing Act of 1933 to authorize and regulate pari-mutuel horse racing in Michigan. Currently, Horse Racing functions under the Horse Racing Law of 1995, as amended. Horse Racing objectives are achieved through the regulatory activities of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). These objectives include:

  • Issuing track, race meeting, occupational licenses, and simulcasting permits
  • Allocating racing dates and simulcasting schedules
  • Collecting racing license and tax revenues
  • Appointing stewards and veterinarians to represent the state
  • Hearing appeals from decisions of stewards and on other matters
  • Approving track appointed officials
  • Monitoring the daily conduct of live and simulcast racing
  • Conducting equine and human drug testing programs
  • Investigating any irregularities in racing which may lead to formal hearings, administrative disciplinary actions and/or criminal prosecution
  • Developing ways to improve and promote pari-mutuel horse racing in Michigan

Contact Horse Racing

Michigan Gaming Control Board
Office of the Executive Director
3062 W Grand Boulevard Suite L-700
Detroit, MI 48202-6062
Office #: 313-456-4100
Licensing #: 313-456-4119

Please make checks payable to: State of Michigan.

Track Office Phone Numbers: (313) 456-4199 - Licensing #

Northville Downs @ Barry Expo Center

  • Stewards:  
    James Curran - (313) 530-3846
    Gary Terrien - (313) 530-2802
    Daniel Poprawski - (313) 530-7123
  • For driver changes, please call: (313) 530-2802
  • Veterinarian: (313) 530-2541
  • Fax: (517) 763-0398

Contact Email Address: horseracing@michigan.gov

Location

Northville Downs @ Barry Expo Center

1350 M-37 Hwy
Hastings, MI 49058

Phone: 248-349-1000

Northville Downs