Key Takeaways
- Michigan real estate licenses must be renewed every 3 years
- Renewal requires 18 hours of continuing education every 3 years
- Education must be completed within 36 months of course completion to qualify for renewal
- Late renewal is possible with penalties; after certain period, reexamination may be required
- Licensees must notify LARA of address changes within 30 days
License Maintenance and Renewal
Michigan real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Term and Renewal
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| License Term | 3 years |
| Renewal Window | Before expiration date |
| Renewal Fee | Varies |
Continuing Education Requirements
Standard CE (18 hours every 3 years)
| Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Legal Updates/Required Topics | 2+ |
| Electives | Remaining hours |
| Total | 18 |
Required Topics
Michigan may require specific topics in each renewal cycle, which may include:
- License law updates
- Fair housing updates
- Legal updates affecting real estate practice
Course Validity
| Requirement | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Education validity | Must be completed within 36 months |
| Before renewal | CE must be completed before license expires |
Important: Pre-license education is valid for 36 months. If you don't obtain your license within this period, you may need to retake the education.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before renewal date
- Submit renewal application online through LARA
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Late Renewal and Lapsed Licenses
Late Renewal
If your license expires but you renew within the grace period:
| Timeframe | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Shortly after expiration | Late fee applies |
| Extended lapse | Additional penalties may apply |
| Cannot practice | License is inactive until renewed |
| CE still required | Must complete all CE requirements |
Expired Licenses
If your license has been expired for an extended period:
- May need to retake the licensing exam
- May need to complete education again
- Apply as a new applicant
- Consult with LARA for specific requirements
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, employed by broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not employed by broker | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | LARA disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Inactive Status
A licensee may maintain inactive status if:
- Not currently affiliated with an employing broker
- CE must still be completed for renewal
- Cannot perform any licensed activities
To reactivate, affiliate with an employing broker and notify LARA.
Change Notifications
Licensees must notify LARA within 30 days of:
- Change of home address
- Change of business address
- Change of employment (broker change)
- Change of name
Failure to notify LARA of changes is a violation.
Reciprocity
Michigan has limited reciprocity with other states:
- Must apply through LARA
- May need to pass Michigan state portion of exam
- Must meet Michigan requirements
- Experience and education may be evaluated
How often must Michigan real estate licenses be renewed?
How many hours of continuing education are required for Michigan license renewal?
Within how many days must a Michigan licensee notify LARA of an address change?