Renewing your Michigan real estate license is essential. If you fail to renew on or before the expiration date, your license will lapse, and you’ll no longer be able to practice, operate, or use the title of real estate broker or salesperson.
This guide covers everything you need to know to renew your real estate license in Michigan, from continuing education requirements to using the online application portal.
Key takeaways
- Complete continuing education: You must finish 18 hours of approved CE courses every three years to keep your license active.
- Use the MiPLUS portal: The state requires all real estate agents to submit their applications online through the MiPLUS system.
- Check your details: Verify your employing broker and personal information carefully before submitting your payment.
- Act before the expiration date: Submitting your paperwork early prevents late fees and keeps your business running smoothly.
Continuing education requirements
Instead of seeing renewal as a chore, view it as a chance to refresh your knowledge and sharpen your skills, ensuring you can legally practice real estate in Michigan and continue to build your business. Before you can renew, you must complete your continuing education (CE). These courses keep you current on important industry changes.
CE credit breakdown
Michigan requires all real estate salespersons and brokers to complete 18 hours of continuing education every three-year license cycle. These hours must include:
- At least 2 hours of legal updates each year and 1 hour of fair housing each year
- 9 additional hours of elective or legal update courses
CE course options
You can complete your CE credits in a classroom or online. Online courses offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace, which is ideal for busy agents. A comprehensive real estate CE membership provides access to all the state-approved courses you need in one convenient package.
Steps to renew your license
Michigan has streamlined the entire renewal process online. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Complete your real estate CE
To renew your license, you must complete the required CE. Take advantage of flexible online CE programs that allow you to meet these requirements at your own pace, ensuring you’re fully prepared and up-to-date with the latest industry standards.
Step 2: Access the MiPLUS System
You must have an account with the MiPLUS licensing system. When you register, use your name exactly as it appears on your current license to avoid delays. Once logged in, click “Licenses” and find the option to “Renew License.”
Step 3: Complete and submit your application
The online application will guide you through updating your personal information and verifying your employing broker. If your broker information is incorrect, you must exit the renewal and submit a transfer request first.
After reviewing your information, you can pay the license renewal fee with a credit or debit card.
Renewal costs and fees
When you renew on time through the MiPLUS system, you’ll pay the standard renewal fee:
- Salesperson: $78
- Associate or Independent Broker: $108
If you miss the deadline, you’ll have to pay additional late fees. Renewing on time is the best way to keep your costs down.
Renewal timelines and expiration
Your Michigan real estate license is valid for three years. Knowing your deadlines is key to avoiding penalties and a lapse in your ability to practice.
What happens if you miss the renewal deadline?
If you fail to renew your license on time, it expires. You cannot legally practice real estate in Michigan with an expired license. While the state offers a 60-day grace period to renew your license with an added late fee, you cannot legally practice real estate during this time.
Relicensing after expiration
If you fail to renew within the 60-day grace period, your license will lapse. The process to reactivate it, known as relicensure, depends on how long your license has been expired.
- Less than 3 years: You can apply for relicensure without retaking the state exam. You must complete 6 hours of CE for each year your license was expired, pay all required fees, and submit a new application.
- More than 3 years: You must retake the pre-licensure course (40 hours for salespersons, 90 for brokers) and pass the state licensing exam again.
Staying proactive with your renewal is the simplest way to avoid these extra steps and expenses.
FAQs about Michigan real estate license renewal
Here are answers to common questions about the renewal process.
Can you renew online?
Renewals are completed through the MiPLUS online licensing system.
How do you check your renewal status?
You can check your status by logging in to your MiPLUS account and clicking “Licenses.” A standard renewal is typically processed within a few days, while new license applications can take four to six weeks.
Advance your career with a Michigan real estate CE membership
Starting your renewal early keeps you compliant and gives you peace of mind. Why not make your required education an opportunity to grow your expertise?
You can meet all your state requirements with a Michigan real estate CE membership from Colibri Real Estate. Our memberships provide unlimited access to all continuing education courses available in your state. You’ll also get exclusive access to learning snacks, professional certification programs, and luxury home marketing training.
Purchase your Michigan Real Estate CE Membership now and take the next step toward your continued success.
