How to Get Your Michigan Real Estate License: Step‑by‑Step Guide
Overview: What It Takes to Get Licensed in Michigan
Becoming a real estate salesperson in Michigan involves meeting basic eligibility standards, completing state-approved education, submitting an online application, passing the licensing exam, and affiliating with a supervising broker. Michigan’s regulator is the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and applications are filed through the MiPLUS portal. The state mandates 40 hours of prelicensure coursework, including at least four hours on civil rights and equal opportunity in housing, before you can sit for the exam and finalize licensure [1] . Private education providers and industry guides corroborate these core steps and requirements [2] , [3] .
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character as assessed by LARA. Good moral character determinations consider criminal history disclosures in your application; LARA evaluates whether any prior offenses are reasonably related to real estate practice. Non‑Michigan residents may apply but will be asked to submit a Consent to Service of Process form during application [1] . Industry step-by-step resources echo the state’s minimum age and character requirements, reinforcing what LARA publishes [2] , [3] .
Practical tips: If you have any past criminal or civil matters, gather court documents and rehabilitation evidence (e.g., completion of programs, letters of recommendation). You can still be licensed if LARA determines the issue is not reasonably related to the profession. Non‑residents should be prepared to upload the consent form during the MiPLUS filing.
Step 2: Complete 40 Hours of Prelicensure Education
Michigan requires 40 hours of approved prelicensure education that must include at least four hours of civil rights law and equal opportunity in housing. You will receive a certificate of completion to upload with your license application. Approved providers offer in‑person, livestream, or self‑paced online formats; the key is ensuring the provider and course are LARA‑approved and include the civil rights component [1] . Reputable provider guides also state the 40‑hour requirement and civil rights content mandate [2] , [3] .
How to implement: Compare providers by schedules, exam pass support, and practice tests. Keep all completion documents organized. If your chosen course includes a final exam, passing it is typically necessary to earn the completion certificate (provider‑specific). Consider pacing the course over two to four weeks to retain material while staying on track.
Step 3: Apply for Your License in MiPLUS
After completing education, submit your application online in Michigan’s MiPLUS system. You will upload your course certificate, answer good‑moral‑character questions, provide your Social Security Number (or applicable affidavit if exempt), and pay the fee. LARA’s licensing guide lists the new application fee as $88 for a three‑year license term; fees are paid by credit or debit card during the online application process [1] . Industry resources align with applying through MiPLUS after education completion [2] .
Action steps: Create or sign into your MiPLUS account, start a Real Estate Salesperson application, carefully complete all prompts, and keep PDF copies of every upload. If you live outside Michigan, complete and upload the Consent to Service of Process. You can also identify the employing broker during application or after you pass the exam; coordinating early with a broker often speeds activation.
Step 4: Schedule and Pass the Licensing Exam
Once LARA processes your application and grants exam eligibility, you will schedule the Michigan real estate salesperson exam with the state’s testing vendor (the vendor is commonly PSI; LARA’s instructions at the time of your application will specify the current exam provider). Education and industry guides emphasize that the exam is taken after LARA has accepted your application and notified the testing vendor of your eligibility [2] , [3] . Bring government‑issued ID on test day and arrive early to account for check‑in procedures.
Preparation strategies: Use practice exams from your course provider, focus on Michigan‑specific laws (including civil rights content), agency relationships, contracts, and math. Create a study calendar for at least 10-14 days before testing. Plan to reschedule promptly if you don’t pass on the first try, as retesting windows are available through the vendor.
Step 5: Choose and Affiliate with a Supervising Broker
To practice, your salesperson license must be affiliated with a licensed Michigan broker. You can select a broker during the MiPLUS application or after passing the exam; affiliation is required to activate your license for practice. Brokerages vary by training, mentorship, lead generation tools, technology stacks, commission splits, and local market presence. Weigh the value of onboarding programs and transaction support, especially in your first year. State licensing materials explain that salespersons are employed directly or indirectly by a licensed real estate broker for compensation [1] .
How to evaluate: Interview at least three firms. Ask about training cadence, mentorship ratios, marketing budgets, and listing support. Consider niche focuses (e.g., residential, rentals, new construction, investor clients) aligned with your goals. Request to shadow an agent for a day to gauge culture and systems.
Source: virginiacarbuyers.com
Fees, Timelines, and Common Requirements
Application fee: Michigan lists an $88 new application fee for a three‑year salesperson license term. Fees are paid online in MiPLUS using major credit/debit cards [1] . Education providers and industry guides confirm the application precedes the exam scheduling step [2] , [3] .
Timelines: Many candidates complete coursework within two to six weeks, depending on pace and provider format. After applying in MiPLUS, expect processing time before exam eligibility is issued; scheduling availability varies by test center and season. You may be able to test within days to a couple of weeks once authorized. Plan for an overall timeline of 4-10 weeks from education start to license activation, depending on your schedule and test seat availability. These time frames are practical estimates derived from provider scheduling options and standard administrative processing windows [3] , [2] .
After You’re Licensed: Practice and Continuing Education
Once your license is active with a broker, you can begin practicing real estate under that broker’s supervision. To maintain your license over time, Michigan requires continuing education. While CE specifics can change, reputable Michigan-focused resources indicate that licensees must complete annual CE, with a portion dedicated to law updates; verify current CE hour requirements and legal-topic minimums directly through LARA before each renewal cycle to ensure compliance [4] . Many brokerages also run in‑house training on contracts, disclosures, fair housing, and MLS systems-valuable for staying compliant and competitive.
Alternative Paths and Important Distinctions
Salesperson vs. Broker: A salesperson works under a broker; a broker can operate independently and supervise salespersons. To become a broker in Michigan, additional education and documented experience are required. Michigan-focused education sources describe a broker track typically involving 90 hours of approved coursework and at least three years of qualifying full‑time experience (or specified equivalents), followed by a separate broker exam; always verify the current broker standards directly with LARA before enrolling [4] . Also note, “Realtor” refers to membership in the National Association of REALTORS®, which is distinct from state licensure and may be pursued after you are licensed and affiliated with a brokerage [3] .
Practical Checklist to Get Started
- Confirm eligibility (age 18+, disclosures ready) and plan your study schedule [1] .
- Select a LARA‑approved 40‑hour prelicensure course that includes at least four hours on civil rights and equal housing; complete and save your certificate [1] , [2] .
- Apply through the MiPLUS portal, upload documents, answer character questions, and pay the $88 fee; monitor your account for exam eligibility [1] .
- Schedule the licensing exam with the current vendor once authorized; prepare using practice tests and Michigan law review [2] , [3] .
- Affiliate with a supervising broker to activate your license and start practicing under their oversight [1] .
Troubleshooting and FAQs
What if I studied years ago? If your prelicensure course certificate is older, confirm with the provider and LARA whether it remains valid for licensing. If not, you may need to retake the 40‑hour course to meet current content standards, including the civil rights hours [1] .
How do I find approved courses? You can use reputable state-focused providers and verify they are LARA‑approved by checking their Michigan course accreditation and civil‑rights content disclosure in the course outline; provider guidance reiterates these requirements [2] , [3] .
Is reciprocity available? If you already hold a license in another state, confirm your options directly with LARA at the time you apply, as reciprocity policies can change. When uncertain, plan to complete Michigan’s education and exam to ensure compliance [1] .
How to Take Action Today
1) Map your timeline for the 40‑hour course. 2) Gather required IDs and documents for MiPLUS. 3) Research three to five brokerages that align with your goals and training needs. 4) Prepare a study plan for the state exam focused on Michigan law and practice. Following these steps in sequence helps you move from education to application, testing, and activation with minimal delays, using the exact requirements Michigan publishes for salespersons [1] , [2] , [3] .
Source: pond5.com
References
[2] Kaplan (2022). How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Michigan.
[3] AceableAgent (2025). 5 Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Michigan.
[4] Real Estate Training Institute (Accessed 2025). Michigan Real Estate Licensing FAQs & Requirements.
