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Michigan · Real Estate Agents · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Michigan Real Estate Agent License

Michigan real estate agents must complete 18 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons rule on September 10, 2026.

CE hours
18 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Michigan real estate agents holding a license in one of these classes: Real Estate Salesperson, Individual Broker, Standard CE — Salespersons & Brokers (18 hrs / 3-year cycle). Requirements are set by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.

When to renew

Michigan real estate agents licenses renew every 3 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (MCL 339.2504a; Michigan Real Estate FAQs (LARA, rev. 2/8/2024) — license expiration date is based on the original license issue date, creating individual rolling expiration dates)

The continuing education Michigan requires

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons requires 18 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Legal Updates (Real Estate Laws, Rules & Court Cases) — at least 6 hours
  • Fair Housing — at least 3 hours
  • Elective Courses — at least 9 hours

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Michigan sets real estate agents requirements by license class (Real Estate Salesperson, Individual Broker, Standard CE — Salespersons & Brokers (18 hrs / 3-year cycle)). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 18 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons requires 18 hours every 3 years, including Legal Updates (Real Estate Laws, Rules & Court Cases), Fair Housing, Elective Courses. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Michigan real estate agents course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records; Michigan audits can reach back several years.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Michigan, completions are submitted through the board’s online licensing portal, within 10 days of completion. You can confirm your hours are on file in the reporting system linked below.

    Check your hours on file
  5. 5

    Renew with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons

    Submit your renewal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons

Michigan real estate agent renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Michigan real estate agents need?
Michigan real estate agents must complete 18 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.
Which license classes does the Michigan real estate agents CE requirement apply to?
The 18 hours requirement applies to: Real Estate Salesperson, Individual Broker, Standard CE — Salespersons & Brokers (18 hrs / 3-year cycle).
What topics are required for Michigan real estate agents continuing education?
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons requires coverage of: Legal Updates (Real Estate Laws, Rules & Court Cases) (6 hours); Fair Housing (3 hours); Elective Courses (9 hours).
How are completed CE hours reported to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons?
Completed hours are reported through the board's online portal within 10 days of completion. You also receive a certificate of completion for your records.
Can Michigan real estate agents complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Michigan requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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