How long does it take to get a real estate license in Michigan?

Michigan is one of the fastest states in the country — 3 to 8 weeks is realistic. The 40-hour course can be knocked out in a week full-time or 3–4 weeks part-time, LARA typically processes MiPLUS applications in days, and PSI exam slots are usually available within a week or two. The step people forget: your license won't issue until your broker approves sponsorship in MiPLUS, so line one up early.

How much does a Michigan real estate license cost?

About $320 to $570 all-in — one of the cheapest licenses in the country. The 40-hour course runs $150–$400 depending on provider, the MiPLUS application is $88 (and that covers your full 3-year initial license), and the PSI exam is $79 per attempt. There's no fingerprinting fee because Michigan doesn't require fingerprints for salesperson applicants.

What score do I need to pass the Michigan real estate exam?

70%. The PSI exam has 115 multiple-choice questions — 80 national and 35 Michigan-specific — and you get 3 hours. First-time pass rates hover in the 50–60% range, so don't let the short 40-hour course fool you into under-studying. Each retake costs another $79.

Do I need a sponsoring broker before I apply in Michigan?

You can apply and even pass the exam without one, but your license will not issue until an employing broker confirms sponsorship. After passing, you enter your broker's 10-digit license number in MiPLUS, and the broker approves the request from their own account. Michigan doesn't issue unsponsored or 'inactive' initial salesperson licenses — no broker, no license.

Can I get a Michigan real estate license with a felony or criminal record?

Often yes. Michigan uses a 'good moral character' standard under the Occupational Code rather than automatic disqualification — you answer disclosure questions on the MiPLUS application and LARA reviews convictions case by case, weighing the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. Full disclosure is critical; lying on the application is itself grounds for denial.

Does Michigan require fingerprinting or a background check for real estate agents?

No fingerprinting — Michigan is one of the few states that doesn't require it for a salesperson license. Instead, you answer Good Moral Character questions on the application and must disclose any criminal history, which LARA reviews.

Michigan · MI

How to get your Michigan real estate license

Everything you need to earn a Michigan salesperson license — from eligibility to your first sponsoring broker.

Requirements last verified July 8, 2026 by Matt Cochrell, licensed broker.

Quick answer · Verified July 8, 2026

How to get a Michigan real estate license

Hours required: 40 hrs
Total cost: $320 – $570
Typical timeline: 3–8 weeks
Minimum age: 18+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for a Michigan real estate license

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for a Michigan real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.

Step 2

Complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: 40 hours of LARA-approved pre-licensure education, which must include at least 4 hours of civil rights law and equal opportunity in housing. This is one of the lowest hour requirements in the country (compare Ohio at 100 or Texas at 180), making Michigan one of the fastest states to get licensed in.

Enroll in a 40-hour LARA-approved pre-licensure course (online or classroom), including the required 4 hours of civil rights/fair housing law
Complete the course and obtain your certificate of completion
Submit your salesperson application through Michigan's MiPLUS online portal ($88 fee) — your school certifies your education electronically
Receive exam authorization from LARA, then schedule your exam with PSI

Step 3

Pass the Michigan real estate exam

Michigan uses PSI to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 70% (both national and state portions). The exam fee is $79. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 115 multiple-choice questions (80 national, 35 Michigan state-specific), 180 minutes, computer-based at PSI test centers or via remote online proctoring.

Step 4

Apply for your Michigan license

Apply first, test second: submit the salesperson application in MiPLUS with the $88 fee BEFORE taking the exam (this covers your initial 3-year license)
Answer the Good Moral Character questions and disclose any criminal convictions — Michigan does not require fingerprinting for salesperson applicants; review is disclosure-based
Once LARA approves your education and application, schedule and pass the PSI exam ($79)
Log back into MiPLUS and enter your employing broker's 10-digit license number to request sponsorship
Your broker approves the request in their own MiPLUS account — your license will NOT issue until a broker confirms sponsorship
License issues electronically once the broker approves; it's valid for 3 years from issuance

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Michigan license stays inactive until a licensed broker sponsors you. Interview at least 2–3 brokerages, compare commission splits, training, and lead sources, and pick the one that fits your career goals — not just the highest split.

Michigan real estate license cost breakdown

Here's a realistic estimate of everything you'll pay to earn your license. Course price is the largest variable — state fees are fixed.

Cost breakdown
Item	Amount
Pre-licensing education (40 hours)	$150 – $400
Application / initial license fee (3-year license)	$88
PSI exam fee	$79 per attempt
Fingerprinting / background check	Not required — disclosure-based review
Estimated total	$320 – $570

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal: Every 3 years (cycle based on your original licensure date), renewal fee $78. Requires 18 hours of continuing education per 3-year cycle, including at least 2 hours per year covering laws, rules, and court cases, and at least 1 hour per year on fair housing compliance. No post-licensing course requirement..

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