How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Michigan

Who can apply

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Meet the good moral character standard (convictions are reviewed case by case).
• Complete 40 hours of approved prelicensure education, including at least 4 hours of civil rights law and equal opportunity in housing.
• Provide a Social Security number (or the SSN affidavit if exempt).
• Be sponsored by a licensed individual broker or broker company.
• Non-Michigan residents must file a Consent to Service of Process form.

Step by step

1. Complete the 40-hour salesperson prelicensure course from a LARA-approved provider. The certificate is valid for 36 months.
2. Apply in MiPLUS, upload your course certificate and pay the $88 fee.
3. Wait for PSI's email with your Candidate ID, then book the exam with PSI ($79).
4. Pass the salesperson exam; the result is posted to your application.
5. In MiPLUS, choose "Modification" on your application and enter your employing broker's 10-digit license number.
6. Your license is issued and emailed to you once the broker approves the request.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: 40 clock hours of LARA-approved prelicensure education, including at least 4 hours on civil rights law and equal opportunity in housing. LARA posts the current approved course list (Real Estate Approved Courses Report). For first-time licensure the certificate is valid for 36 months from completion.

Exam: Given by PSI. One salesperson exam of 115 questions in 180 minutes; you need 70% to pass. Passing candidates see only PASS; failing candidates get section scores. Exam fee: $79 (PSI bulletin updated 7/6/2026). Fees are non-refundable and expire 1 year after you register. Exam results are valid for 1 year from the date you pass.

What it costs in Michigan

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

What other sites get wrong about Michigan

After you're licensed

Renewal: Licenses renew every 3 years in MiPLUS, no sooner than 90 days before expiration, for $78. You must finish CE before renewing: at least 18 clock hours per 3-year cycle, including at least 2 hours on real estate law, rules and court cases and at least 1 hour on fair housing in each year of the cycle. Keep CE proof for 4 years.

Good to know in Michigan

Sponsoring broker: You must be sponsored by a licensed individual broker or broker company. Your license is issued only after the broker approves your request in MiPLUS. You may be licensed to only one broker at a time.

Time limits: Applications are valid for 1 year from payment, and passing exam results for 1 year from the pass date.

Sources

• LARA — Michigan Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Guide (rev. 1/26/2026)
• PSI — Michigan Real Estate Salesperson and Broker Candidate Information Bulletin (updated 7/6/2026)