Michigan licensing guide
How to Get a Real Estate License in Michigan
A practical step-by-step guide to Michigan licensing requirements, estimated costs, timeline, official resources, and what to do after you pass.
Michigan licensing snapshot
Last reviewed May 27, 2026
- License type
- Salesperson
- Minimum age
- 18
- Pre-license education
- 40 hours
- Exam provider
- PSI
- Estimated cost
- $350–$600
- Estimated timeline
- 2–4 months
- Renewal cycle
- Triennial (every 3 years)
Michigan salespersons must complete 18 hours of continuing education during each three‑year license cycle. At least 2 hours of law, rules and court‑case education must be completed each calendar year. Many providers package the required CE into courses that include legal updates, fair housing and elective topics.
Licensing path
Step-by-step licensing path
Use this as a planning sequence, then confirm each requirement with the official state source.
Meet eligibility requirements
To qualify you must be at least 18 years old, of good moral character and complete 40 hours of approved pre‑licensing education including 4 hours of civil rights and fair housing law.
Apply for licensure through MiPLUS
Submit your application online via the Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS), upload your course completion certificate and pay the non‑refundable $88 application fee.
Complete background check
Undergo a fingerprint‑based background check as directed by the Bureau of Professional Licensing.
Schedule and pass the PSI exam
Once your application is approved, schedule the exam with PSI. The exam fee is $76 per attempt and you must pass both national and state sections.
Obtain sponsorship and activate license
After passing the exam, secure a sponsoring broker and have them confirm your employment through MiPLUS so the license can be issued.
Renew license and complete continuing education
Michigan licenses expire on October 31 every three years. Renew online by paying the $78 renewal fee and completing 18 hours of CE; at least 2 hours of legal updates must be completed each year.
Budget planning
Estimated costs
Estimated total cost: $350–$600. Actual costs vary by provider, application path, exam retakes, and local business setup choices.
| Cost item | Estimated amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre‑licensing course | $179–$345 | Cost of the 40‑hour pre‑licensing course. |
| Application fee | $88 | Fee to submit the salesperson application via MiPLUS. |
| Exam fee | $76 | PSI examination fee per attempt. |
| Renewal fee | $78 | Fee to renew a salesperson license every three years. |
| Continuing education | $45–$90 | Estimated cost of a three‑year, 18‑hour CE package. |
| Total estimated cost | $350–$600 | Approximate total to obtain a license (education, application and exam fees). |
Renewal planning
Continuing education
Questions
FAQs
How many hours of pre‑license education are required in Michigan?
Michigan requires 40 hours of approved pre‑licensing education, including at least 4 hours on civil rights and fair housing law.
What is the continuing‑education requirement for renewal?
Licensees must complete 18 hours of continuing education during each three‑year cycle; at least 2 hours of legal updates must be completed annually.
After you pass the exam
Passing the exam does not create an operating system. New agents still need to manage contacts, follow-ups, active deals, deadlines, client communication, partners, and daily priorities.
New Agent Checklist
Set up the business basics, contacts, partners, follow-up habits, and first-deal readiness.
First 30 Days
Build a practical launch rhythm for contacts, partners, client conversations, and daily work.
License Cost Calculator
Estimate state licensing costs, education, exam, application, background, and setup expenses.
First-Year Budget Calculator
Plan startup and operating costs before your first year gets noisy.
Agent Nook workflow
Licensed is only the beginning.
Agent Nook helps new agents keep deals, deadlines, clients, partners, and daily work organized from the first transaction forward.