Key Takeaways
- Michigan insurance licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year period
- 3 hours of ethics education is required as part of the 24 hours
- Address changes must be reported to DIFS within 30 days
- DIFS can discipline licensees for violations including suspension, revocation, or fines
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Michigan insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | Approximately $40 |
| Renewal Window | 90 days before expiration |
| Late Renewal | Additional fees may apply |
| Expired Over 12 Months | May need to re-examine |
Continuing Education Requirements
Michigan requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Electives | 21 |
| CE Period | 2 years (matches license term) |
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at DIFS-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Ethics course should include Michigan-specific content
- Cannot repeat same course within 2-year period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
Exam Tip: Michigan requires 24 hours of CE with 3 hours of ethics. This is a common requirement across many states.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before expiration date
- Submit renewal through DIFS online system
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Late Renewal Consequences
| Timing | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Before expiration | Normal renewal |
| Up to 12 months late | May reinstate with CE, fees, penalties |
| Over 12 months late | May need to retake licensing exam |
Reporting Requirements
Michigan producers must notify DIFS of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
- Change in business entity status
Failure to Report
Failure to report changes within 30 days is a violation of the Insurance Code and may result in disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Actions
DIFS can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning Letter | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
| Fine | Monetary penalty |
| Restitution | Payment to harmed parties |
Common Violations
- Misrepresentation to clients
- Failure to disclose material information
- Commingling of funds
- Unauthorized transactions
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Felony conviction
- Operating without proper license
License Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively practicing |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
| Surrendered | Voluntarily gave up license |
Reinstating a License
To reinstate an expired or inactive license:
- Complete any outstanding CE
- Pay required fees and penalties
- Submit reinstatement application
- Pass background check if required
- May need to re-examine if expired too long
How many hours of continuing education does Michigan require for license renewal?
Within how many days must a Michigan insurance producer report an address change to DIFS?
How many hours of ethics continuing education does Michigan require per renewal period?