How to Get Your Michigan Real Estate License

Michigan offers Salesperson and Associate Broker / Broker licenses under the Michigan Occupational Code Article 25.

Salesperson License Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete 40 hours of LARA-approved pre-licensing education
• Pass the Michigan real estate Salesperson exam through PSI
• Submit a Salesperson license application with the $88 fee
• Complete fingerprint-based background check
• Affiliate with a Michigan-licensed Broker

Post-Licensing (6 hours within first year)

Michigan Salespersons must complete 6 hours of post-licensing education within the first year.

Associate Broker / Broker License Requirements

• Hold an active Salesperson license for at least 3 years
• Have demonstrable active practice during those 3 years
• Complete 90 hours of broker pre-licensing education
• Pass the Broker exam
• Submit a Broker license application

Continuing Education

Michigan requires 18 hours of CE every 3 years to renew. Mandatory topics include core law and ethics.

Reciprocity

Michigan has no reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state licensees applying for a Michigan license should check with LARA about the specific requirements that apply to them.

Step 1: Confirm your sponsoring Broker

You cannot operate as a licensed Salesperson without affiliating with a Michigan-licensed Broker.

Step 2: Submit your license application via LARA

Required: passing scores, completed application, $88 license fee, sponsoring Broker, background check.

Step 3: Background check

Michigan requires fingerprint-based background checks.

Step 4: Wait for license issuance

LARA processes complete applications within 2-4 weeks.

Step 5: Post-licensing (6 hours within first year)

Michigan Salespersons must complete 6 hours of post-licensing within the first year.

Step 6: Continuing education

After post-licensing, Michigan requires 18 hours of CE every 3 years.

Realistic income expectations

Median Michigan agent earns $47,000. Brokers $64,000.

• Year 1: $20K-$40K
• Year 2-5: $40K-$70K
• Top 25%: $70K-$150K+
• Top 5% (Detroit metro, Ann Arbor): $150K+

Michigan's high transaction volume (120K homes/yr) creates opportunity for productive agents.

The first 30 days

Week 1: Set up MLS access, learn brokerage CRM. Week 2: Send "I'm now licensed" announcement. Week 3: Shadow your Broker. Pay attention to lake property handling if applicable. Week 4: Start prospecting.