How To Get A Real Estate License In Michigan

Michigan real estate agent handing over keys to a new home to her clients.

If you're considering starting a real estate career in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, or any other city in the state, you'll need to earn a Michigan real estate license.To earn your real estate license in Michigan, you must be at least 18 years old, complete 40 hours of approved education, submit an exam application and receive authorization to test, pass the Michigan salesperson licensing exam, and secure employment with a sponsoring broker. While the process to become a real estate agent is similar in most states, each state has unique steps that must be adhered to. The six steps to becoming a Michigan real estate agent are as follows:

Step 1: Be at Least 18 Years of Age

In addition to being at least 18 years of age, you must also be a US citizen or permanent resident alien and show proof of high school graduation or equivalent.

Step 2: Complete Your Required Education

The State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requires you, as a salesperson applicant, to complete a required 40-hour Michigan Real Estate Fundamentals course.

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Step 3: Complete and Submit Your Real Estate Salesperson License Application

After you complete your required education, you can apply for your real estate license. Visit the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website to apply for your license. Your application and fee are good for 1 year, so you must take the exam within a year of applying. You can indicate who your employing broker will be on your application or wait until after you take the exam.

Step 4: Receive Authorization to Test

Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email from the State of Michigan LARA notifying you of your authorization to register for the exam.

Step 5: Take the Michigan Salesperson Licensing Exam

Once you receive your authorization to take the exam, register and pass the salesperson's exam with the exam provider, Psychological Services, Inc. (PSI). To schedule your exam, visit the PSI website.

Step 6: Obtain an Employing Broker Sponsor

In order to practice as a real estate salesperson, you must be sponsored by a licensed Michigan Employing Broker. You can either apply with a sponsoring broker, or if your employing broker is confirmed at least 48 hours before the exam date, you can recieve your photo license at the PSI exam site after successfully completing your exam. If you did not confirm a broker before the exam, you can do it afterwards through LARA's website.

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