How to Get a Life Insurance License in Michigan

Getting your Michigan life insurance license is the first step toward becoming a life insurance agent in the state.

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) requires you to complete a four-step process to become a life insurance agent in Michigan — from taking the life insurance exam to applying for a license.

These steps will take a few weeks to complete so we recommend you bookmark this page so you can use it as a reference throughout the process.

Life Insurance License Michigan

Obtaining your Michigan life insurance license isn’t difficult. Just follow these four steps to start your journey toward becoming a life insurance agent. Once you earn this license, check out our guide on how to get your Michigan property and casualty (P&C) license as well.

Step 1: Complete a Michigan Life Insurance License Application

The first step involves applying for your Michigan life insurance license. The application fee is $10 plus a $5.60 transaction fee. You must apply online via the NIPR.

The Michigan DIFS will issue a life insurance license to individuals who are at least 18 years old and have passed the proper licensing exam. The application is valid for six months from the date of your submission to the NIPR.

To apply for a life insurance license in Michigan, make sure you comply with the insurance licensing requirements as defined under the Michigan Insurance Code. 

Send any questions or supporting documents to DIFS-Licensing@michigan.gov.

Step 2: Complete a Michigan Insurance Pre-license Course

Before you take the Michigan life insurance licensing exam, it’s important to make time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need to pass this exam on your first attempt. Completing a pre-license education course will equip you with the necessary information and tools you’ll need to prepare for your exam.

Michigan requires 20 hours of pre-license education for life/limited life producers. After completing your pre-license education requirements, you’ll receive a Course Completion Certificate for your life line of authority. The certificate will remain valid for 12 months from your course completion date.

A pre-license education course provides very specific industry knowledge that will be tested during the exam. There is very little information on the test that could be considered “common sense.” Pre-license education courses are self-paced and include study materials like practice exams and flashcards.

Beyond helping you effectively prepare for and pass the life insurance licensing exam on your first try, taking a pre-license education course also will give you a solid understanding of your duties as a life insurance agent.

Step 3: Take the Michigan Life Insurance Licensing Exam

After you complete a prep course and your own independent studying, it’s time to take the Michigan life insurance exam.

Michigan uses PSI Exams as its official testing service for delivering licensure exams.

The Michigan life insurance exam outline contains a total of 100 scored questions that cover seven sections:

• Insurance Regulation
• General Insurance
• Life Insurance Basics
• Life Insurance Policies
• Life Insurance Policy Provisions, Options, and Riders
• Annuities
• Federal Tax Considerations for Life Insurance, Annuities, and Qualified Plans

You’ll have 120 minutes to complete the exam. The Michigan life insurance exam fee is $41, which you must pay at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, or voucher. The exam is a proctored test, meaning an official proctor will closely monitor you in a controlled environment.

If you happen to fail the Michigan life insurance exam within 180 days of submitting your license application, you must submit a new license application and fee through the NIPR and then reschedule your exam.

Step 4: Watch for Your Application Results

After you complete the previous three steps, the Michigan DIFS will review your application. It reviews applications in the order it receives them, and this process usually takes up to 14 business days from the date you submit your application.

During the application review process, the Michigan DIFS staff may request additional information from you. Upon approval, the Michigan DIFS will issue your license and send a hard copy to the mailing address you provided on your application.

Michigan doesn’t offer online license printing services through the NIPR.

Congratulations!

You’re now ready to get started as a life insurance agent in Michigan.

Steps After Securing Your Michigan Life Insurance License

Once you complete the above steps and have your Michigan life insurance license, there are a few steps you’ll need to take in order to a) excel as an insurance agent, and b) maintain your life insurance license.

Let’s take a brief look at these below.

Obtain All Relevant Securities Licenses

If you’re planning on selling advanced life insurance products, you’ll likely need to pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam and obtain the relevant securities licenses (e.g., Series 6, 7, and 63).

For more information on this step, you can have a look at our in-depth Securities Licensing overview.

Choose a Means of Selling

You’ll have to decide whether you’d prefer working as a captive agent employed by one company, or running your own business as an independent agent.

If you’re just starting out, you’ll likely benefit from working as a captive agent, but this will ultimately depend on your personal aspirations and opportunities.

Develop Your Marketing Approach

To succeed as an insurance agent, you’ll need to adopt a marketing approach that’s effective for you.

We recommend finding and sticking to a niche, as well organizing all client appointments for the start of your week. This is because this can improve your overall client conversions.

Keep Your License Valid

In Michigan, you must take 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to renew your license. Three of those hours must focus on ethics. You can find a list of approved CE courses on the Michigan DIFS Insurance Education page. Keep in mind that you may complete your CE coursework in a classroom setting or via online or self-study formats.

Note: There’s no fee to renew your license in Michigan as long as you fulfill your CE requirements. You can renew your license through the NIPR.

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Contact Information

Mailing Address

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services
P.O. Box 30220
Lansing, MI 48909-7720

Phone: (517) 284-8800

Email: DIFS-Licensing@michigan.gov

Website: https://www.michigan.gov/difs/ 

License Search: Michigan Insurance License Search