Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Michigan

To get a Michigan real estate license you must be 18+, complete 40 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI salesperson exam, clear a background check and join a sponsoring broker. Expect to spend about $720–$1,440 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

SOBy Samuel Okonkwo
Property Investment Analyst
EPReviewed by Elena Park
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026
Pre-license hours
40
State-approved
Licensing exam
PSI
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$720+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Michigan path, step by step
1/ 6

Meet the basic eligibility

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in Michigan also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 40 hours of approved pre-license education

Michigan requires 40 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Michigan licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (PSI). It covers national real estate principles plus Michigan-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Michigan salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

Submit your application & activate

File your license application and fees with the Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

Visit →

A Michigan real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in Michigan agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Michigan markets
Detroit, MI real estate market→Grand Rapids, MI real estate market→

Michigan real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Michigan?
Michigan requires 40 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus Michigan-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.
How much does a Michigan real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $720–$1,440 all-in for Michigan. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and vary by school.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Michigan?
Most people finish the 40-hour Michigan coursework, pass the salesperson exam and activate under a broker in about 2–5 months. Your pace through the required hours and exam scheduling are the two biggest factors in how fast you finish.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Michigan?
No. Michigan does not require a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent. You need to be at least 18, hold a high-school diploma or equivalent, and complete the 40 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.
Who regulates real estate agents in Michigan?
The Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) issues licenses and sets the rules for Michigan real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current Michigan licensing rules.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Michigan are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) before enrolling.
EP

Elena Park Licensed Real Estate Broker

Elena Park is a licensed real estate broker who reviews WealthyBud's licensing, salary and market guides for accuracy before publication, checking figures against primary government and regulator sources.