How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Michigan: A Step-by-Step Licensing Guide for 2025 

Launching a career as a real estate agent in Michigan offers an exciting opportunity for personal growth, financial freedom, and professional flexibility. In Michigan, real estate agents are licensed as salespersons and must complete a state-regulated process through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). 

This step-by-step guide explains how to meet Michigan’s real estate licensing requirements and begin your journey toward becoming a licensed real estate professional. 

Step 1: Meet Michigan Real Estate Salesperson License Requirements 

To be eligible for a Michigan real estate salesperson license, applicants must: 

• Be at least 18 years old 
• Possess good moral character, as determined by the state 
• Have a valid Social Security Number 

Eligibility is verified during the application process managed by LARA via the MiPLUS licensing system. 

Step 2: Complete 40 Hours of Michigan Real Estate Pre-Licensing Education 

All applicants must complete 40 hours of real estate pre-licensing education from a LARA-approved education provider. This course must include: 

• Michigan Real Estate Fundamentals (full 40 hours) 
• A minimum of 4 hours focused on civil rights law and fair housing regulations 

Additional Details: 

• The course may be delivered online or in-person 
• You must pass a final course exam to receive a certificate of completion 
• This certificate is valid for 36 months and is required when applying for your license 

Choose a course provider approved by LARA to ensure eligibility. 

Step 3: Apply for Your Michigan Salesperson License via MiPLUS 

Within 36 months of completing your course, submit your Salesperson License Application online using the MiPLUS (Michigan Professional Licensing User System) platform. 

Application Checklist: 

• Submit your online application through MiPLUS 
• Pay the $88 non-refundable application fee 
• Ensure your course provider has reported your education completion to the system 

Applications are valid for 12 months. You must pass the exam and secure a sponsoring broker during this time to receive your license. 

Step 4: Pass the Michigan Real Estate Salesperson Exam (Administered by PSI) 

Once your application is approved by LARA, you will receive a 6-digit Exam Candidate ID via email. Use this ID to schedule your exam through PSI Testing Services, Michigan’s official testing vendor. 

Exam Overview: 

• Format: Computer-based 
• Passing score: 70% 
• Cost: $79 
• Administered at PSI testing centers or via online proctoring (where available) 

While Michigan’s pre-license education does not require a proctored final course exam, the state licensing exam must be passed before moving forward. 

Step 5: Secure a Sponsoring Real Estate Broker 

Before your license is issued, you must affiliate with a licensed Michigan real estate broker. This brokerage will act as your sponsoring broker, guiding you as you begin working with clients. 

Broker Sponsorship Requirements: 

• Submit your employing broker’s 10-digit license number through MiPLUS 
• Your sponsoring broker must approve your request in the system 

Once approved by the broker and verified by LARA, your Michigan real estate license will be issued and emailed to you. 

Start Your Real Estate Career in Michigan 

After receiving your active license, you’re officially a licensed real estate salesperson in Michigan. Your sponsoring broker will help you get started with training, lead generation, and real estate marketing tools. As you grow your career, you’ll also need to complete continuing education to maintain your license and remain in good standing with the State of Michigan.