Nail Technician License Requirements in Michigan
- Training hours
- 600 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $245
- Exam
- Manicurist Theory Examination, Manicurist Practical Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- Michigan Board of Cosmetology
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 17 years old, Completion of ninth grade or equivalent. Applicants must be at least 17 years old, have completed the equivalent of ninth grade, and attest to good moral character. A criminal background check or fingerprinting is not required. [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 600 hours of training at a state-approved program. Training hour requirement is 600 hours for individuals who began training on or after July 1, 2024 (400 hours for those who began prior). Alternatively, a 6-month apprenticeship is accepted. [1]
- 3
Manicurist Theory Examination
Pass the Manicurist Theory Examination (fee: $91). Written Fee is $91 if registered individually. A combined fee of $161 is available if registering for both theory and practical exams simultaneously. [2]
- 4
Manicurist Practical Examination
Pass the Manicurist Practical Examination (fee: $91). Practical Fee is $91 if registered individually. A combined fee of $161 is available if registering for both theory and practical exams simultaneously. [2]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to Michigan Board of Cosmetology with the $15 application fee. Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks. [1]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Michigan Board of Cosmetology issues your Manicurist for Michigan.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [1] | $15 |
| License fee [1] | $48 |
| Renewal fee [1] | $48 |
| Manicurist Theory Examination [2] | $91 |
| Manicurist Practical Examination [2] | $91 |
| Late Renewal Fee [1] | $20 |
Initial licensing requires a combined payment of $63.00, which includes the $15.00 application processing fee and the $48.00 2-year license fee.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years. 0 continuing education hours required per cycle.
Continuing education (CE) is not required for manicurist license renewal in Michigan.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Out-of-state applicants must have their licensing agency submit verification of licensure directly to the Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing. Michigan is not currently a member of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact.
20 state-approved training providers in Michigan — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $15
- $48
- $91
- $91
Frequently asked questions
How do I renew my Michigan manicurist license?
Licenses must be renewed online through the MiPLUS portal (www.michigan.gov/miplus). Renewals can be submitted up to 90 days before expiration, which occurs biennially on August 31st. The renewal fee is $48.00.
What are the requirements if my Michigan manicurist license has been lapsed for more than 3 years?
If your license has been lapsed for more than 3 years, you must apply for relicensure through MiPLUS. You will generally be required to either pass the practical and theory examinations again within the year preceding your relicensure application, or provide proof of holding an active license in good standing in another state during the previous 3 years.
How many training hours are required to obtain a manicurist license in Michigan?
For individuals starting their training on or after July 1, 2024, the state requires at least 600 hours of training in a licensed school of cosmetology or completion of a 6-month apprenticeship in a licensed cosmetology establishment. For training started before that date, the requirement is 400 hours.
Sources
- [1] michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/licensing-requirements-help-guides — accessed 2026-07-12
- [2] test-takers.psiexams.com/micos — accessed 2026-07-12