Whether you’re applying for your first MI nursing license, moving for a travel nursing assignment, or renewing your biennial Michigan nursing license, you need to understand the process to avoid delays. The Michigan Board of Nursing, under LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing, governs RN and LPN licensure statewide.
Since Michigan is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), every nurse must hold a Michigan-specific nursing license before practicing in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing, or any other Michigan facility. This guide walks you through licensure by endorsement or examination, Michigan nursing license renewal requirements, CE and mandatory training, fingerprinting, and how to keep your license active without interruption.
In-State (Michigan Applicants):
After applying, LARA will provide a specific Fingerprint Request Form with a Unique ID (UID) number. You must take this form to an approved LIVESCAN vendor (like IdentoGO) to have your fingerprints electronically submitted.
Out-of-State: LARA will provide instructions for submitting a traditional ink-card (Form FD-258).
Licensure by Endorsement: $212.90
Licensure by Examination: $212.90
RN License Renewal: $131
Late Renewal Fee : $20
Fingerprinting & Background Checks: ~$50 – $75
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
Bureau of Professional Licensing
Board of Nursing
PO Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909
Michigan’s renewal cycles and deadlines are the same for both RNs and LPNs.
To renew and maintain an active Michigan RN license, you must:
If you miss the renewal deadline, Michigan offers a 60-day grace period during which you may still renew without completing the full relicensure process
Michigan requires 25 contact hours of continuing nursing education every renewal period. The following requirements apply:
CE hours must be completed within the renewal cycle – previous cycle hours cannot be reused.
Renewal Fee: $131
Late Fee: Additional $20
If you hold an active nursing license in another U.S. state or jurisdiction, you can apply for a Michigan license by endorsement without needing to retake the NCLEX.
You may apply for a Michigan RN license by endorsement if you:
Endorsement Application Fee: $212.90
First-time applicants educated in the U.S. who have not been licensed in any other state.
Application Fee: $212.90
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
Michigan offers temporary nursing licenses for eligible applicants who have met most licensure requirements and are waiting for full approval. These licenses allow nurses to begin practicing while completing the final steps of licensure.
You may qualify for a temporary nursing license in Michigan if:
Important: You cannot receive a temporary license if you have previously failed the NCLEX or required qualifying exam, or if your nursing license was suspended or revoked.
Nurses practicing on a temporary license must practice under the supervision of a fully licensed RN.
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Renew your MI nursing license online through the Michigan MiPLUS portal. RNs and LPNs renew every 2 years by March 31. You will fill out the nursing application, attest that you have completed your 25 hours of continuing education (2 hours of pain management and 2 hours of implicit bias training), and pay the $131.00 renewal fee.
You must complete 25 contact hours of CE every 2-year cycle. This must include 2 hours of pain management and 2 hours of implicit bias training (Michigan requires 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the renewal cycle). You must also complete a one-time, 1-hour training in human trafficking.
Timely MI license renewal is $131.00 for 2 2-year period. If you renew after March 31 but before May 30, the total cost is $151.00 (includes $20 late fee).
No, Michigan is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). There is active legislation to join, but as of 2026, it has not been enacted. You must get a Michigan nursing license by endorsement to practice in the state.
MI Nursing license processing times vary, but a complete application is reviewed within 2-4 weeks. The entire process from application to issuance can take 4-8 weeks if all required documents (especially transcripts and fingerprints) are submitted promptly. Out-of-state fingerprinting can add additional time.
