Your Guide to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Your resource hub as a real estate salesperson or broker in Michigan.
We know how challenging it can be to navigate complex departmental and commission websites, so we’ve created this guide to help real estate professionals in Michigan access documents and get their departmental-related questions answered. Whether you’re looking for an application or need to know how to contact the Department, this guide has you covered.
Basic Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) information.
Mailing Address:
Ottawa Building
611 W. Ottawa
P.O. Box 30004
Lansing, MI 48909
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM
Contacting the Commission:
For any licensing-related questions, reach out to the Bureau of Professional Licensing division via email at BPLHelp@michigan.gov.
You can also call the Board at 517-241-0199. They’re available by phone Monday – Friday, from 8 AM –5PM.
Files, applications, and important documents.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common forms and resources you’ll need to get licensed and maintain your license in Michigan. If you can’t find what you’re looking for below, check out the Michigan Board of Real Estate. A few documents can only be found inside the Department’s real estate portal, where licensees apply for licensing and manage their accounts.
| Form Title | Form Description |
|---|---|
| TMiPLUS Portal Login | Make sure to create your MiPLUS account. This account portal will be where you submit your licensing applications, renew your license, file complaints, and submit your CE credits. |
| Michigan Real Estate Associate Broker Licensing Guide | Read the guide to becoming a real estate associate broker. |
| Michigan Real Estate Broker Company & Branch Licensing Guide | Read the guide to starting a real estate broker company. |
| Michigan Individual Broker Licensing Guide | If you want to become an individual broker, read this guide. |
| Military Information | If you or a family member is in the military, read about the military discounts the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs offers. |
| How to Apply For a Broker License | Here’s how to apply for your brokers’ license. |
| How to Apply For an Individual Brokers’ License | Read this simple guide on how to apply for an individual brokers’ license. |
| How to Apply For a NP Associate Broker License | Find out how to apply for your NP Associate Broker license here. |
| How to Apply For a Real Estate Salesperson License | Here’s how to apply for your real estate salesperson license. |
| How to Apply For a Re-licensure in MiPLUS | Here’s how to apply for re-licensure in MiPLUS. |
| How to Apply For an Individual Brokers’ License in MiPLUS | Read about the process for applying for your individual broker’s license in MiPLUS. |
| How to Request a License Verification | Read about how you can request your real estate license verification. |
| How to Transfer a Real Estate License | This is a tutorial on how to transfer your real estate license in MiPLUS. |
| How to Renew a License | Renewing your license is easy with this step-by-step guide. |
| Verification of Experience For a Brokers’ License | This form is used to verify your experience for a brokers’ license. |
| Pre-Licensing Attendance Verification Form | The Pre-Licensing Attendance Verification Form is used to verify that you completed a real estate pre-licensing course. |
| Real Estate License Approval Application for Florida Residents | Use this form to verify your real estate license in Michigan, if you are a Florida resident. |
FAQs: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
What are the continuing education requirements for real estate salespersons, associate brokers, and brokers in Michigan?
The Michigan Board of Real Estate requires that real estate salespersons complete 18 hours of continuing education each renewal cycle. It includes 2 hours of legal updates which must be taken during each year of renewal cycle.
If you’re ready to get started on your Continuing Education, sign up for 18 hours of continuing education today.
What are the continuing education requirements for real estate associate brokers and brokers in Michigan?
If you are an associate broker or broker in Michigan, you must complete 18 hours of continuing education requirements every renewal cycle.
Your courses must involve subjects relevant to the management, operation, and practice of real estate, or any other subject that contributes to the professional competence of a licensee.
At least 2 of those hours of CE must be completed in each license cycle year that involve law, rules, and court cases regarding real estate. The renewal application fee is $108.00. It’s important to note that a $20.00 late fee applies for those who renew during the 60-day late renewal period following the expiration date of the license.
If you’re ready to get started on your broker Continuing Education, sign up for 18 hours of continuing education today.
Can I renew my license without submitting my CE credits?
No. To renew a real estate salesperson or broker license, you must have completed a minimum of 18 clock hours of continuing education during the previous three-year license cycle.
What are the steps to become a real estate agent in Michigan?
Here is a quick breakdown of becoming a real estate salesperson in Michigan:
- Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education. Becoming a real estate Salesperson in Michigan starts with 40 hours of education. This serves as the learning core before you can take the state exam.
- Select a Sponsoring Broker. To get licensed, you must first be associated with a current and active Michigan sponsoring broker. It's important to find the right broker for you.
- Start the Application. To apply for your Michigan real estate license with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), click here.
- Take and Pass the Michigan Real Estate Exam. PSI administers the Michigan real estate licensing exam. For more information, see the PSI candidate exam information here.
For a more comprehensive explanation of the licensing steps, take a look at our guide on how to become a real estate agent in Michigan. If you’re ready to start your Pre-Licensing education today, you can sign up for one of our approved online packages. Consider exploring our Free Trial for the Michigan Real Estate Agent Pre-Licensing course. We proudly boast one of the highest pass rates in Michigan!
How do I report a change in my personal information to the LARA?
You can submit a name and/or address change by visiting www.michigan.gov/miplus and selecting “Modification” next to your license number in your MIPLUS account, followed by Real Estate Name Change. You will be required to upload proof of your legal name. Acceptable proof includes a copy of your drivers' license or identification card, certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.
How do I reinstate my license?
In order to reinstate your Michigan real estate salesperson's license, you must pay the required application processing fee, the late renewal fee, and the per-year license fee.
Then, you must complete one of the following:
- Complete the required continuing education credits (6-18 credits in total); or,
- Complete the 40-hour Michigan pre-license course; or,
- Retake and pass the Michigan state licensing exam.
If you do not reinstate your license within three years of your license expiration date, you must retake the 40-hour Michigan pre-license course, retake and pass the state licensing exam, and submit a new license application.
Will my criminal history prevent me from getting a real estate license in Michigan?
In Michigan, you can apply for a real estate license even with a felony conviction. Your application goes to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), which will determine if your conviction should disqualify you from being an agent.
In general, if your felony has anything to do with the type of work you’d be doing as a real estate agent, they’ll deny you. A conviction for fraud, for example, could mean a no from LARA.
Does the state of Michigan offer real estate reciprocity?
Michigan has no reciprocity agreements and will require you to follow the typical steps for licensure in their state.