Midwest · Real Estate License
Michigan
Salesperson License Requirements
Governing Authority
LARA/BPL
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing
Official website →40
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$227
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
3–12 weeks
Timeline
start to license
3 years
Renewal Cycle
18 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 40-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
Take a LARA-approved 40-hour Salesperson Pre-License Course including minimum 4 hours civil rights/fair housing.
Estimated time: 1–6 weeks
Find a Sponsoring Broker
Secure affiliation with a licensed Michigan real estate broker.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Complete Fingerprinting
Visit an IdentoGO or approved Live Scan location for fingerprint-based background check. Cost: ~$50–$65.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks
Submit Application via MiPLUS
Apply online at michigan.gov/MiPLUS. Pay $88 application fee. Upload proof of education.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks processing
Schedule and Pass the PSI Exam
Register at test-takers.psiexams.com/mire. Pay $79 exam fee. Pass both National (56/80 = 70%) and State (24/35 = 70%) sections.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
License Issued
License issued by LARA after exam pass and background check clearance.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified40 hours required. At least 4 hours must cover civil rights law and equal opportunity in housing. Coursework valid for 36 months from completion.
Required Topics / Courses
- Real Estate Salesperson Pre-License Course (40 hrs — including minimum 4 hrs civil rights/fair housing)
Provider type: LARA-approved proprietary schools, community colleges, online providers
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering Michigan-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Aceable Agent
Mobile-friendly online courses with flexible self-paced learning and a pass guarantee.
Colibri Real Estate
One of the largest national providers with instructor-led and self-paced options in 40 states.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established education brand offering pre-licensing courses with live online and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
PSI Services
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice, in-person only at PSI test centers. No remote proctoring available.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | min | 70% |
| State (Michigan) | 35 | min | 70% |
| Total | 115 | 180 min | — |
Retake policy: Unlimited attempts. 24-hour wait between attempts. $79 per attempt. Only failed section needs retaking.
Results delivered on-screen immediately. 7 Michigan test centers: Grand Rapids, Southfield (2), Holt, Dearborn, Gaylord, Marquette. One source reports 100 questions — 115 is confirmed by PSI bulletin and multiple corroborating sources.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the Michigan real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $88.00 | Michigan LARA | |
| Exam Fee (per attempt) | $79.00 | PSI Services | |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $60.00 | IdentoGO or approved vendor | |
| Estimated Total | $227.00 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education
High school diploma or GED
Residency
Not required
Non-residents must submit notarized Consent to Service of Process.
Citizenship
Not required
Legal work authorization needed. Social Security Affidavit for applicants without SSN.
Background Check
Required
Fingerprint-based state (Michigan State Police) and federal (FBI) background check via Live Scan.
Sponsoring Broker
Required
Must affiliate with a licensed Michigan broker before license activation.
Reciprocity
Michigan does not have reciprocity
Type: Substantial Equivalency Evaluation
Out-of-state licensees undergo individual 'substantial equivalency' evaluation by LARA. Some states (AL, CO, ME, MS, NE, VA) accept Michigan licenses through their own reciprocity programs, but Michigan does not formally reciprocate.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing Education Hours
18 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$78.00
First Renewal Notes
No special first-renewal rules. No post-licensing education requirement.
Deadlines
3-year cycle from license issue date.
Military fee waiver available (submit DD214/DD215).
Find Continuing Education Courses
Michigan requires 18 hours of continuing education every 3 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established provider with CE packages including live online and on-demand formats.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Recent Changes
MLS commission rules changed following NAR settlement. Buyer broker compensation no longer listed on MLS.
Effective: 2024-08-01 · Affects: requirements
Sources
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://test-takers.psiexams.com/mire
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/bpl/Real-Estate-Brokers-and-Salespersons/Licensing-Information/Approved-Prelicensure-Courses.pdf
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(m5rh14bvmrlxkvgx3b4c5bia))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-339-2501
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible