Getting your Michigan Real Estate License is the first step to becoming a real estate agent in Michigan. Nowadays, this process can be done almost entirely online. You will still need to take your Michigan real estate license exam in person, but the rest of the process can be completed entirely online!

This article outlines how to become a real estate agent in Michigan in an easy to understand, step-by-step manner. You’ll learn how much it will cost, how long it will take, what is on the exam, and much more.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Michigan

Becoming a real estate agent in Michigan is as simple as getting your license, finding a broker sponsor, and getting to work selling real estate! As long as you fulfill the below requirements, you are already on your way to your goal.

Michigan Real Estate License Requirements

The requirements to become a real estate agent in Michigan are:

• Be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be of good moral character

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Michigan

Step 1. Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course

You must complete the 40-hour Michigan pre-license course. The course must be approved by the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Most people choose to take their pre-license education course online. The majority of online courses are self-paced and include study materials like real estate practice exams and flashcards. Some also come with a “guarantee” that you will pass the exam on your first attempt if you complete their course. These benefits are all dependent on the education provider and package you choose, so be sure to get the course that best suits your needs.

Remember that the point of these courses isn’t just to check a box and complete a requirement, but rather to prepare you to pass your exam and become a better agent.

Michigan does not require the final pre-license exam to be supervised by a proctor. This is not the same as the state exam. This test is provided by your pre-license education company and is an indication that you have completed and retained the information from your pre-license education course.

Similar to the state exam, this test is closed-book and closed-note. You are allowed a basic-function calculator and scratch paper, but no cell phones or outside internet access.

Step 2. Real Estate License Application

After completing your pre-licensing education hours, you can now apply for your Michigan Real Estate License.

The fee for this application is $88.

You will need to set up your MiPLUS account through the Michigan Real estate website. Through your MiPLUS account, you will be able to apply for your license and pay the license application fee. For the tutorial, you can refer to this PowerPoint presentation.

License application fees are valid for one year, and the following process must be completed within one year of license application fees are paid.

If you submitted your broker’s 10-digit ID number as part of your application, your sponsoring broker should then log in to their own MiPLUS account and confirm your sponsorship.

Step 3. Michigan Real Estate License Exam

Once your salesperson application is approved, you will receive an email from the State of Michigan, which includes instructions on how to register for your licensing exam. The email will include a unique 6-digit number known as your Michigan Real Estate (MIRE) number (exam candidate id number).

The fee to take the exam is $79 per attempt.

The Michigan Real Estate Exam consists of 115 questions.

You will have 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete the entire exam.

A passing score for the Michigan Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 81/115.

Immediately after completing your exam, you will receive a scoring document that states whether you passed or failed. If it is marked “Fail,” then you will see a breakdown of your score in the different areas of the exam. If you decide to retake the exam, use this as a guide for your studies.

You can register to take your exam on the PSI Michigan Real Estate page. On this page, you will find some other helpful resources as well, including the Candidate Handbook and Content Outline.

Step 4. Application Review

Once you’ve passed your exam, you will only need to wait for your license to be issued. In most cases, this process should take between 5-10 business days. If you had a sponsoring broker help you complete your initial licensing application through MiPLUS, your license would be mailed to your sponsoring broker. If you have any questions at this point, you should contact MBPL at (517) 241-9288.

Congratulations! 

Be sure to take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. You’ve put in a lot of work and effort and deserve a celebration!

Step 5. Real Estate License Sponsorship

Once you have passed your exam and if you did not list an employer, your license application will remain incomplete until the Department receives an Employing Broker notification. Once the Department receives this notification, your license will be issued.

If you don’t have a broker to work with yet, check out StateRequirement Jobs for a real estate broker opening in your area.

MLARA – Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Mailing Address: 

Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 30243
Lansing, MI 48909

Phone: (517) 241-9288

Website: http://www.michigan.gov/realestate