How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Michigan

Michigan’s real estate industry offers an exciting path for professionals interested in helping others buy, sell, and invest in property. From urban markets like Detroit to scenic waterfront communities along the Great Lakes, licensed real estate agents play a key role in communities across the state. Whether you’re starting fresh or changing careers, earning your real estate license in Michigan is a clear, structured process governed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

This step-by-step guide outlines everything you need to know to become a licensed real estate salesperson in Michigan, including education requirements, the application process, exam details, and broker sponsorship.

To get your real estate license in Michigan, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete 40 hours of prelicensing education
• Pass a background check and be of good moral character
• Submit your license application 
• Pass the Michigan Real Estate Salesperson Exam
• Get sponsored by a licensed Michigan employing broker

Table of Contents

• Steps to Getting Your Real Estate License in Michigan
• Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements in Michigan
• Michigan Real Estate Reciprocity for Salespersons

Steps to Getting Your Real Estate License in Michigan

Follow these key steps to meet Michigan’s licensing requirements and start your real estate career with confidence:

Step 1: Meet Michigan’s Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before beginning your real estate education or submitting an application, you must meet Michigan’s general eligibility requirements. To qualify for a Michigan real estate salesperson license, you must: 

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be of good moral character, as determined by LARA

Step 2: Complete 40 Hours of Prelicensing Education

All applicants must complete 40 hours of approved Michigan real estate prelicensing education. This coursework must include at least 4 hours focused on Civil Rights Law and Equal Opportunity in Housing, as required by state regulations. Once you’ve finished the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. This document must be uploaded when you submit your license application. 

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Step 3: Submit Your Real Estate License Application

Once you finish your education, the next step is to apply for your real estate license online through Michigan’s MiPLUS portal. When submitting your application, you’ll need to:

• Upload your course completion certificate
• Pay the non-refundable application fee
• Provide all required personal and professional background information

After your application is reviewed and approved by LARA, you’ll be authorized to move forward with your exam.

Step 4: Complete a Background Check

As part of the licensing process, Michigan requires all applicants to undergo a criminal background check. You’ll receive instructions on how to complete this step after submitting your application through MiPLUS. 

Be sure to complete your fingerprinting promptly, as LARA cannot issue your license until the background check has been processed. The state will use this information to confirm your moral character and eligibility.

Step 5: Schedule and Pass the Michigan Real Estate Exam 

After your application is approved, you’ll receive an email from PSI Online, the official exam provider for Michigan, with your Exam Candidate ID number. This email typically arrives within 24-48 hours. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see it.

To schedule your exam:

• Visit the PSI website or call PSI’s Michigan support line at (855) 579-4635
• Choose from multiple testing center locations or opt for a remote online proctoring option (if available)
• Pass both the national and state-specific portions of the Michigan Real Estate Salesperson Exam

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Step 6: Get Sponsored by a Licensed Michigan Employing Broker

To receive your active license and legally practice as a real estate salesperson, you must be affiliated with a licensed Michigan employing broker. You can:

• Choose a broker during your initial license application
• Or, add one later through the MiPLUS system after passing the exam

Your broker must confirm your sponsorship through the system before your license is issued.

Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements in Michigan

To keep your Michigan real estate license active, you must complete continuing education (CE) and renew your license every three years. LARA requires all salespersons–whether renewing for the first time or not–to complete a total of 18 hours of CE during each three-year renewal cycle. 

The 18 required hours must include:

• 6 hours of legal updates, with 2 hours completed each year
• 3 hours of fair housing education, with 1 hour completed each year
• 9 elective hours in real estate-related topics approved by LARA

You are responsible for tracking your CE progress and retaining documentation for at least four years. While you don’t need to submit certificates at the time of renewal, you must attest to completing all CE requirements when renewing your license.

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Michigan Real Estate License Renewal Process

Michigan real estate licenses must be renewed through MiPLUS. When renewing your license, you will be required to pay the renewal fee. LARA typically opens the renewal window a few weeks before the license expiration date.

If your license expires, you have up to 60 days to renew it with an added late fee. If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to restart the licensing process, which can include retaking the 40-hour prelicensing course and passing the exam again. 

Michigan Real Estate Reciprocity for Salespersons

Michigan does not maintain formal reciprocity agreements with any other state, meaning out-of-state real estate licenses cannot be automatically transferred. However, seasoned license holders from other states may still qualify, thanks to Michigan’s flexible, case-by-case evaluation process.

How Michigan Handles Out-of-State Licensees

When an applicant already holds a license from another state, LARA may:

• Waive parts of the 40-hour prelicensing course if their out-of-state training closely matches Michigan’s required curriculum
• Skip the state licensing exam, depending on the applicant’s level of prior education and experience
• Required cultural competency training, if stipulated, to align with Michigan’s professional standards

Applicants must still submit a full application via MiPLUS, complete a background check, and obtain approval from LARA before any education or exam waivers apply.

Steps for Out-of-State Licensees

To pursue licensure based on your current real estate credentials:

• Apply online through the MiPLUS portal and indicate your out-of-state license status
• Provide documentation of your existing license and proof of experience
• Undergo a criminal background check, as required for all applicants
• Await LARA’s review to see if you qualify for education or testing exemptions
• Fulfill any additional requirements set by LARA, such as cultural competency training
• Obtaining sponsorship from a Michigan employing broker once approved