| Requirement | Michigan |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | 40 hours |
| Exam administrator | PSI |
| License / application fee | n/a |
| Exam fee | n/a |
| Regulator | Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) |
| Payroll-employed agents (BLS) | 2,210 |
| Agent median pay (BLS May 2025) | $57,880 |
Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in Michigan
To get a Michigan real estate salesperson license you complete 40 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI-administered exam, clear a background check and affiliate with a sponsoring broker. The Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) sets the rules and issues the license.
What are the requirements for a Michigan real estate license?
Michigan requires 40 hours of approved pre-license education, a passing score on the PSI salesperson exam, a background check and sponsorship by a licensed broker. The table lists each requirement, the published fees WealthyBud could source and the regulator.
What are the steps to get licensed in Michigan?
Getting licensed in Michigan takes six steps: meet eligibility, finish 40 hours of pre-license education, pass the PSI exam, clear a background check, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, then apply and activate with the Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
1/ 6
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; the Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) lists any residency or other conditions.
2/ 6
Complete 40 hours of pre-license education
Michigan requires 40 hours from a state-approved real estate school, in a classroom or online.
3/ 6
Pass the Michigan salesperson exam
The exam is administered by PSI and covers national real estate principles plus Michigan law.
4/ 6
Clear the background check
Submit fingerprints or a criminal-history check as required by the Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
5/ 6
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker
A new Michigan salesperson must work under a licensed broker before practicing.
6/ 6
Apply and activate the license
File the application and pay the license fee to the Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA), then activate under your broker.
How much does a Michigan real estate license cost?
Michigan's published costs in WealthyBud's sources are: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Pre-license course tuition is set by each school and is not regulated, so it is not listed. Confirm every fee with the Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) before applying.
How much do licensed agents earn in Michigan?
Payroll-employed real estate sales agents in Michigan earned a median of $57,880 in May 2025 (BLS); the bottom 10% earned under $31,590. See the full Michigan agent salary breakdown.
What are Michigan’s housing markets like for new agents?
WealthyBud tracks 33 Michigan housing markets. Their median listing prices have a midpoint of $297,200 as of September 2026, from $165,000 in Saginaw to $671,975 in Petoskey; 16 of 33 are below last year's asking price.
| Market | Median list price | YoY | Days on market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI | $274,950 | 0.0% | 43 | 12,050 |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $399,900 | +0.6% | 42 | 2,182 |
| Flint, MI | $217,375 | +3.6% | 45 | 1,196 |
| Lansing, MI | $249,000 | -8.5% | 46 | 1,032 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $454,250 | -6.1% | 48 | 927 |
All tracked markets: Michigan housing market hub.
Michigan real estate license FAQ
How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license in Michigan?
Michigan requires 40 hours of state-approved pre-license education before the salesperson exam, according to WealthyBud's compilation of Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requirements.
How much does a Michigan real estate license cost?
Published fees in WealthyBud's sources: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Course tuition varies by school. The Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) publishes the current fee schedule.
Who administers the Michigan real estate exam?
PSI administers the Michigan salesperson exam.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Michigan?
No. Michigan requires pre-license education and a passing exam score, not a college degree. You must generally be 18 with a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Who regulates real estate agents in Michigan?
The Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) licenses and regulates Michigan real estate salespersons and brokers and is the authoritative source for current rules.
Licensing rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the Michigan Dept. of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) before enrolling.