StateLicensed

Real Estate Agent License Requirements in Michigan

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
40 hrs
Upfront cost
$255
Exam
Real Estate Salesperson Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Issuing board
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing / Board of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old. Applicants must be at least 18 and attest to 'good moral character' (a self-certification regarding any prior criminal or civil judgments and rehabilitation); the licensing guide does not describe a mandatory fingerprint-based background check for salespersons. A licensed individual broker or broker company must sponsor/employ the applicant before the license is issued -- a salesperson cannot be licensed to more than one broker at a time, and cannot simultaneously hold a broker or associate broker license. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 40 hours of training at a state-approved program. Applicants must complete 40 hours of approved prelicensure education, including at least 4 hours of civil rights law and equal opportunity in housing. This qualifying education is valid for 36 months from completion date for initial licensure. [1]

  3. 3

    Real Estate Salesperson Examination

    Pass the Real Estate Salesperson Examination (fee: $79). After submitting the online application in MiPLUS and uploading the 40-hour prelicensure certificate, applicants receive an Exam Candidate ID by email from PSI to schedule the exam. Exam results are valid for one year from the date of passing. [2]

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing / Board of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons with the $88 application fee. [1]

  5. 5

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing / Board of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons issues your Real Estate Salesperson License for Michigan.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [1] $88
License fee [1] $88
Renewal fee [1] $78
Real Estate Salesperson Examination [2] $79

The $88 fee combines the application fee and the initial 3-year license fee (no separate application charge). Renewal (also a 3-year term) costs $78. Relicensure after a lapse costs $108. Applications are valid for one year from the date of payment.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 3 years. 18 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Renewal cycle is 3 years. Licensees must complete at least 18 clock hours of continuing education within each 3-year cycle, with a minimum of 2 hours per year on real estate laws/rules/court cases and 1 hour per year on fair housing compliance; the remaining hours can be completed any time before renewal. CE must be completed before submitting the online renewal application (no grace period), and licensees must retain evidence of completion for at least 4 years, since LARA does not track it centrally.

Reciprocity

No reciprocity or endorsement route was found.

Michigan does not have a reciprocal licensing agreement with any other state, per LARA's own Skilled Immigrant real estate licensing guide. Out-of-state licensees must meet all standard Michigan requirements (40-hour prelicensure education and the PSI exam) to become licensed, with no exam or education waiver based on holding a license elsewhere.

Cost calculator

  • $88
  • $88
  • $79
Total$255

Frequently asked questions

How many hours of pre-license education does Michigan require?

40 hours of approved prelicensure education, including at least 4 hours of civil rights law and equal opportunity in housing.

Who administers the Michigan salesperson exam, and what does it cost?

PSI administers the exam for a $79 fee. You need a Candidate ID (emailed after your application is approved) to schedule it.

Do I need a sponsoring broker to get licensed in Michigan?

Yes. You must be employed/sponsored by a licensed individual broker or broker company, and you can only be licensed to one broker at a time.

Does Michigan have reciprocity with other states?

No. Michigan does not have a reciprocal licensing agreement with any state, so out-of-state licensees must complete the full 40-hour education and pass the Michigan exam like any other applicant.

How often does a Michigan salesperson license renew, and what CE is required?

Every 3 years, for a $78 renewal fee. Licensees must complete 18 hours of continuing education per cycle, including at least 2 hours/year on real estate law and 1 hour/year on fair housing.

Sources

  1. [1] michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/bpl/Real-Estate-Brokers-and-Salespersons/Licensing-Information/Real-Estate-Salesperson-Licensing-Guide-and-FAQ.pdf — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/bpl/Folder29/Real_Estate.pdf — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/about/Skilled-Immigrants/Guides/Skilled-Immigrant---Real-Estate.pdf — accessed 2026-07-12