How Do I Get an Insurance License in Michigan?

Depending on what type of insurance agent you want to be or what types of policies you need to sell, you will need to choose what type or types of insurance licenses you need to get. The first step to getting your license in Michigan is to apply for your license. If you have more than one line of authority that you would like to carry, be sure to apply for all of those lines. After you’ve determined which licenses you need, you must now take your Michigan insurance pre-license education courses. The next step after completing all of your pre-license coursework is to take the insurance exam. You will take one exam for each line that you wish to carry. In Michigan, Property and Casualty are in a combined test. Life, Accident, and Health are also combined as one exam. Once you have submitted your application and have filled all the other requirements, your license application will be reviewed by the state. Your background check will also be reviewed.

How Do I Get a State Adjuster License in Michigan?

You’ll first need to take and pass the Michigan Insurance Adjuster License exam. Once you have completed all your coursework and passed the examination, you are now ready to apply for your license. Once you have submitted your application and have completed all the other requirements, your license application will be reviewed by the state. This process generally takes about fourteen (14) business days. Depending on the results of your background check, the Department of Insurance may request more information or documentation.

How do I renew my insurance license in Michigan?

In Michigan, all insurance licenses are perpetual, except Surplus Lines. Producer licenses remain in good standing as long as the continuing education requirements are met. If this is the state you reside in, then renewing your license will also keep any nonresident license you have in good standing. You will still need to pay the license renewal fee for nonresident licenses held in other states. Michigan requires that resident individual licensees complete twenty-four (24) credit hours of continuing education every two years. If the credits aren’t completed, the license will be suspended. Three (3) of those hours must be on the subject of ethics. The rest of the continuing education credits can be electives. If you have a producer license in more than one line of authority (ex. Property & Casualty and Life & Health), you don’t need to complete double the hours. You may take your continuing education courses either in person in a classroom setting or <a href="https://www.kaplanfinancial.com/insurance-continuing-education/michigan?utm_source=MKT-005318&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=INS_IL_Affiliate&utm_term=mice_link&utm_content=staterequirement">online as a self-paced course</a>. The online courses usually require a reading of the subject at hand, then a test at the end. Although you don’t have to renew most licenses in Michigan, you do have to keep your continuing education credits current every two years. You must complete the credits by the first day of your birth month at the end of the two-year cycle. There is no fee to renew your license as long as you keep your continuing education requirements filled. <a href="https://agentsync.io">AgentSync</a> can also help with the renewal process.

How do I renew my nonresident insurance license in Michigan?

In the state of Michigan, nonresident individual producer licenses are perpetual as long as the home state license remains active and in good standing – meaning that no continued education (CE) is required. Please note that exceptions do apply to Surplus Lines. There is no fee to renew your license as long as you keep your continuing education requirements filled. Renewals can be completed via the <a href="https://nipr.com/licensing-center/state-requirements/michigan-nonresident-renewal-individual">National Insurance Producer Registry</a> (NIPR). <a href="https://agentsync.io">AgentSync</a> can also help with the renewal process.

How Do I renew My Non-Resident Adjuster License in Michigan?

Michigan adjuster license renewal is perpetual and is automatically renewed every two (2) years. Adjuster licenses, both resident and nonresident, must be renewed annually between February 1 and March 31st. Non-Resident adjuster applicants must be licensed in the state in which their principal place of residence or business is maintained for all lines of authority requested in Michigan. In addition, if the resident state did not require the successful completion of an examination at the time of licensure, applicants must either take the Michigan examination or provide proof of successful completion of an equivalent examination from a state where they are currently licensed. There is a $15 renewal fee, and all renewals for Non-Resident Adjuster License in Michigan can be made via the NIPR website. For more information, contact the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

How Do I Renew My Adjuster License In Michigan?

Michigan adjuster license renewal is perpetual and is automatically renewed every two (2) years. Resident Michigan adjusters are not required to complete continuing education hours as part of the license renewal process. Adjuster licenses, both resident and nonresident, must be renewed annually between February 1 and March 31st. There is no fee to renew your license, however the NIPR does require a $5 processing fee. For more information, contact the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

Michigan

state commissioner

Anita Fox

STATE email

DIFS-Licensing@michigan.gov

STATE phone

(517) 284-8800

STATE LICENSE DIVISION ADDRESS

Department of Insurance and Financial Services

Address

P.O. Box 30220

Lansing, Michigan, 48909

Visit State Website

Appointments & Terminations

Required to report appointments?

Yes

Permits Just-in-time (JIT) appointments?

Appointment exemptions and notes

An individual needs a carrier appointment to sell travel as a standalone product (but not as part of a travel retail package deal).

Initial appointment deadlines

Prior to the solicitation of business; Within 15 days of contract execution or first business submission

Initial appointment deadline rule

MI ST 500.1208a An insurance producer must be appointed by an insurer before acting as an agent for that insurer. The insurer must electronically file the appointment within 15 days from the date of the agency contract or when the first insurance contract is submitted.

Can be processed via nipr?

Yes

Fees for appointing a resident agency or individual?

Fees for appointing a nonresident agency or individual?

Appoint agencies?

Yes

Agency appointment covers affiliated producers?

Agency appointment notes

Carriers must appoint an affiliated producer prior to appointing an agency

Adjuster appointments via NIPR?

Appointment effective date can be specified?

Yes

Appointment effective date rule

Required and is the date supplied on transaction. Must not be in the future and must be less than 15 days old.

State requires appointment renewal?

Yes

Appointment renewals via

The Michigan DOI sends the company a list of carrier appointments and an invoice every January. Bills are paid through the DIFS epayment login (online services).

When is the state renewal period?

The month of January

Appointment renewal fee

$5 every year

Licenses require appointment or affiliation?

State terminates appointment if license expires?

Terminations processed via NIPR?

Yes

Termination reasons

Termination reason code is not required

Termination date can be specified by carrier?

Yes

Termination Effective date rule

Required and is the date supplied on transaction. Must not be in the future and must be less than 15 days old

Termination fee

No fee

Allows carriers to terminate the appointment if license has expired?

Can a not-for-cause termination notice be emailed?

Notices must be mailed

Licensing

Initial individual new license fee

Resident New License Insurance Producer: $10
Resident New License Surplus Lines Producer: $110
Nonresident New License Insurance Producer: $10
Nonresident New License Surplus Lines Producer: $110

License renewal fee

Resident Renewal Surplus Lines Producer $100 Nonresident Renewal Surplus Lines Producer: $100

What is the resident individual producer license renewal date?

First day of birth month every 2 years based on year of birth

When does the nonresident individual producer license renewal period begin?

N/A

What is the nonresident individual producer license renewal date?

None, perpetual

Can a producer use a P.O. Box in their resident or business address?

For individual's business address only

Are individuals required to list their county as part of the address?

Yes

What addresses are required for individual license maintenance?

Residence, Business, and Mailing

State individual licenses include

Nonresident Solicitor, Life and Health Insurer, Property/Casualty Insurer, Solicitor, Alternative Financial Delivery System, Resident Adjuster for Insured, Resident Counselor, Resident Insurance Adjuster, Surplus Lines, Nonresident Adjuster for Insured, Nonresident Counselor, Nonresident Insurance Adjuster, Nonresident Surplus Lines, Resident Producer, Nonresident Producer, Risk Retention

State recognizes a licensing exemption for nonresident commercial lines producers with multistate contracts?

Yes

State broker license rule

"Brokerage” is not allowed in Michigan. A broker represents a consumer - not an insurer. Acts of misfeasance or malfeasance by a person acting as a broker do not bind any insurer and thereby place the consumer at risk. "Included under Producer License

Requires pre licensing courses?

Yes

Study method requirements

Supervised instruction or verifiable self-study

Submission of completion certificate rule

An original certificate awarded on completion of the pre-licensing education course must be submitted at the exam site.

How long is the pre licensing certification valid?

Pre-licensing education completion certificates have a 12-month expiration date from the date of course completion. If the examination is not passed prior to the certificate expiration date, the applicant must complete a new pre-licensing program of study.

Exemptions to pre licensing requirements

The Commissioner may waive the pre-license education requirement if the applicant: a. applies for a limited license as designated by the Commissioner; b. has been a licensed producer within the past 12 months; c. was previously licensed in another state; d. holds a CLU, ChFC, CPCU, CIC, AAI, CEBS, CFP, FLMI, LUTCF, RHU, REBC, HIA, or ARM designation; or e. has an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree with a concentration in insurance from a Commissioner-approved institution. To request a waiver, the applicant must mail the following to OFIR, Pre-licensing Education Waiver Request, P.O. Box 30220, Lansing, MI 48909: a. a letter requesting waiver; and b. the required proof of waiver: I. a copy of certificate for professional designations or letter confirming certificate; or II. a copy of college transcript and course descriptions.

Prelicense education requirement

Applicants must complete the following pre-licensing education requirements: a. life producers - 20 total hours, including: I. 14 hours - life insurance; and II. 6 hours - ethics and Michigan insurance law requirements; b. health producers - 20 total hours, including: I. 14 hours - health insurance; and II. 6 hours - ethics and Michigan insurance law requirements; c. property producers and solicitors - 20 total hours, including: I. 14 hours - property insurance; and II. 6 hours - ethics and Michigan insurance law requirements; d. casualty producers and solicitors - 20 total hours, including: I. 14 hours - liability insurance; and II. 6 hours - ethics and Michigan insurance law requirements; e. personal lines producers - 20 total hours, including: I. 14 hours - property and liability insurance; and II. 6 hours - ethics and Michigan insurance law requirements; f. life and health insurance producers - 40 total hours, including: I. 34 hours - life and health insurance; and II. 6 hours - ethics and Michigan insurance law requirements; and g. property and casualty producers - 40 total hours, including: I. 34 hours - property and liability insurance; and II. 6 hours - ethics and Michigan insurance law requirements. A long-term care producer must complete a one-time 8-hour long-term care training course

Background Check Required?

Yes – Full criminal history

Fingerprints Required?

Not Required

State Pre-Licensing Exam Website

PSI Exams

How Long are State Pre-Licensing Exams Active?

One Year

Where to apply for resident license?

NIPR Gateway

Other licensing notes

Applicant moving from another state to Michigan may apply for a resident license if they surrender previous state license within 90 days.

Prior to filing an application applicant's with conviction histories are strongly encouraged to review Chapter 12 of the Michigan Insurance Code and the Guiding Principles found Michigan's state website for complete information on license eligibility.

What Transactions are Retaliatory Fees Applied to?

None

Submit Partial License Renewals through NIPR?

No - allows partial renewal of inactive licenses only

Has Personal Lines LOA?

Yes

Deadline to report personal data changes (address, name change, phone number, etc.)

All licensees must report a change of residential, mailing, business, or email address within 30 days to the Commissioner. Contact Change Request supported via NIPR Gateway.

Name Change Form

Individual and Business Entity

Penalty for failure to timely report personal data changes

Licensees who fail to report a mailing address change within 30 days will be fined $100.

Travel license requires paper application?

Travel license notes

An individual doesn't need a license to sell travel insurance as part of a travel package; they need a travel license and appointment if they sell travel insurance as a standalone product. Michigan licenses travel lines, but honors reciprocity for nonresident applicants whose resident states authorize travel under major lines of authority. Michigan may require additional documentation from those states.

Agency

Can a sole proprietor be licensed as an entity?

DRLP must have active state license

Yes

DRLPs must cumulatively cover all LOAs in application

Agency Licensing renewals

License is perpetual.

Agency License required?

Yes

Affiliations: Indicates if producers selling on behalf of/through an entity must be formally affiliated with that entity and if the entity must notify the department of changes

All producers selling on behalf of or through a business entity are affiliated.

Branch office

License not required but branch must be registered

Deadline to report key business entity changes (address, dba, phone, email, etc.)

Licensed business entity producers must use ILOS to update information. a. ILOS must be used to: I. add/cancel affiliations; II. add/cancel a DRLP; III. report a name change; IV. update business and mailing addresses; V. update phone/email/fax information; VI. add/cancel a DBA; and VII. add/cancel a branch registration. b. The FIS 0200, FIS 0201, and FIS 0262 paper forms will no longer be accepted or available on the Department website. Business Entities must submit changes via ILOS found on the "Licensing - Insurance" page of the state's website.

Adjuster

Requires adjuster license?

Yes

Offers designated home state?

Yes

Reciprocity states

AK, AL, AR, AZ, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, ME, MN, MS, MT, NC, NH, NV, OK, OR, RI, SC, TX, UT, VT, WA, WV

Which states require an exam for reciprocity?

CA, HI, NY, PR, WY

Independent adjuster LOAS

Fire & Other Hazards, Workers' Compensation, Crop

Independent adjuster fees

Licensing Fee: $15 Amendment Fee: $15 Reinstatement Fee: $15 Renewal Fee: $5

Independent adjuster exam required?

Yes

Independent adjuster details

The lines of authority are offered for both residents and nonresidents.

Public Adjuster Renewal Period

The license term is one year. The renewal date is March 31st.

Public Adjuster LOAs

Fire & Other Hazards

Public adjuster fees

Licensing Fee: $20 Renewal Fee: $5

Public adjuster exam required?

Yes

Emergency adjuster details

To adjust in the event of an emergency, the adjuster must apply via the Electronic Licensing Application. The process is expedited for licensure.

DHS Exam Required?

Yes

Address change request through NIPR?

Yes

Continuing Education

Total hours per renewal period

Renewal period

2 years

CE due before license renewal date?

Yes

License renewal date is

First day of birth month

License renewal year based on...

Year of birth

Perpetual license?...

Yes

When is the CE due?

On the first day of licensee's birth month, biennially. Licenses are perpetual, except Surplus Lines. Producer licenses are perpetual and remain in good standing as long as CE requirements are met.

Exemptions to CE

If first renewal date would be 12 months or fewer from the date of your first license, you won't need CE in the first renewal cycle. Limited and surplus lines licensees holding only limited life, turkey crop and hail, travel accident and baggage, title, credit, or limited lines property and casualty lines are exempt from CE.

What if a producer missed the renewal date?

License will be suspended for 90 days or until your 24-hour requirement is met. In that 90 days, you may continue to serve your book of business but can’t take on new clients or solicit new business. After the 90-day period, you have the rest of the year to get current on your CE and apply to reinstate your license with a late fee. After 12 months, you’ll need to apply for a new license.

CE instructors get credit for teaching courses?

Yes

Can rollover excess hours?

Yes

Amount of rollover credits allowed

12 hours of general CE

Ethics requirements

Flood-specific CE requirements

3 hours of NFIP course

LTC-specific CE requirements

8-hour initial certification, with 4 hours of LTC-specific training every two years

Annuity-specific CE requirements

One-time, 4-hour course

Adjusters

Check CE transcripts

https://difs.state.mi.us/locators?searchtype=InsAgent

Additional line of business requirements

Annuity course completion must be in compliance with new standards as of June 29, 2021

For more from agentsync

https://agentsync.io/blog/individual-producers/insurance-continuing-education-michigan

Regulatory Updates

Michigan Implements EVEP and MQP for Agents and Investment Adviser Representatives

Posted March 18, 2025, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs adopted rules to implement the Examination Validity Extension Programs (EVEP) and the Maintaining Qualifications Program (MQP) for agents and investment adviser representatives. The EVEP and MQP programs allow eligible agents and investment adviser representatives to extend the validity of their qualifications for up to five years after leaving employment with a firm. Please see attached for more information.

Michigan Adds Exempt Producer Licensing Conditions

Effective October 17, 2025, Michigan added a condition defining when an individual resident or nonresident producer license is not required. A person who sells travel or auto-related insurance connected with and incidental to any of the following: - A motor vehicle rental agreement not exceeding 90 days; or - The sharing of a motor vehicle under a car-sharing agreement, as defined in the [Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Program Act](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2023-2024/publicact/htm/2024-PA-0223.htm)

Michigan Offering Pharmacy Benefit Manager Licenses

Update posted March 19, 2025, Michigan will begin sending the data to display on the PDB beginning March 26, 2025. Effective February 14, 2025, Michigan will implement a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) license exclusively for business entities. This license will be displayed on the Producer Database.

Michigan Updates Time Licensees Must Respond To Consumer Complaints

Effective September 1, 2024, Michigan Department of Insurance has changed the standard time by which licensees must respond to consumer complaints. Licensees will have 14 calendar days to respond to a complaint after it is sent to the licensee’s email and/or mailing address on record with the Department. Please see the attachment for more information.

Michigan Updates Fees Around Surplus Lines Expenses

Effective June 17, 2024, Michigan updated rules surrounding charging a responsible fee to cover unique expenses to surplus lines. Please see the attachment for more information

Michigan Updates Individual and Agency Property and Casualty Surplus Lines Licensing and Premium Tax Requirements

On January 26, 2024, Michigan updated multiple sections of the Property and Casualty Surplus Lines Licensing and Premium Tax Requirements for Individuals and Agencies.

Michigan Updating State Code Requirements for Mailing and Business Address

Effective October 17, 2023, Michigan will allow individual applicants to change the state code of the mailing address to any state. However, Michigan individual residents’ business address state code must be one of the following: - Michigan - Indiana - Ohio - Wisconsin - Illinois

Michigan establishes procedures to rebut a conviction through good moral character

Effective March 20, 2023, Michigan establishes procedures to rebut a conviction through good moral character. See attachment for details.

Michigan Issues Bulletin Regarding Pharmacy Benefit Manager Registration

Effective January 1, 2024, Michigan will license and regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers. See attachment for more details. On November 30, 2023, Michigan issues update to original regulation notice regarding Pharmacy Benefit Managers to include more details on application process an fee. The fee for an initial application for a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) license submitted between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2026 is $5,000.00. See attachment #2 for more details.

Michigan Updates Appointment Mapping

Michigan will be adding new mapping for "Fire" and updating the mapping for "Turkey Crop and Hail."

Michigan Adding Third Party Admin

Michigan will be adding a new License Class of "Third Party Administrator". The effective date is yet to be announced, but is noted to take place at some point in Q3. This will be updated when the date is set.

Michigan Launches a New Website

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services announces a new website aims to give end users a new, modern experience. This website will continue to provide resources and assistance to consumers and licensees.

NASAA Updates IAR CE Member Adoption list on its Website

NASAA provides an updated version of the IAR CE Member Adoption list on its website.

FAQs

How Do I Get an Insurance License in Michigan?

Depending on what type of insurance agent you want to be or what types of policies you need to sell, you will need to choose what type or types of insurance licenses you need to get. The first step to getting your license in Michigan is to apply for your license. If you have more than one line of authority that you would like to carry, be sure to apply for all of those lines. After you’ve determined which licenses you need, you must now take your Michigan insurance pre-license education courses. The next step after completing all of your pre-license coursework is to take the insurance exam. You will take one exam for each line that you wish to carry. In Michigan, Property and Casualty are in a combined test. Life, Accident, and Health are also combined as one exam.

Once you have submitted your application and have filled all the other requirements, your license application will be reviewed by the state. Your background check will also be reviewed.
How Do I Get a State Adjuster License in Michigan?

You’ll first need to take and pass the Michigan Insurance Adjuster License exam. Once you have completed all your coursework and passed the examination, you are now ready to apply for your license. Once you have submitted your application and have completed all the other requirements, your license application will be reviewed by the state. This process generally takes about fourteen (14) business days. Depending on the results of your background check, the Department of Insurance may request more information or documentation.
How do I renew my insurance license in Michigan?

In Michigan, all insurance licenses are perpetual, except Surplus Lines. Producer licenses remain in good standing as long as the continuing education requirements are met.

If this is the state you reside in, then renewing your license will also keep any nonresident license you have in good standing. You will still need to pay the license renewal fee for nonresident licenses held in other states.

Michigan requires that resident individual licensees complete twenty-four (24) credit hours of continuing education every two years. If the credits aren’t completed, the license will be suspended. Three (3) of those hours must be on the subject of ethics. The rest of the continuing education credits can be electives.

If you have a producer license in more than one line of authority (ex. Property & Casualty and Life & Health), you don’t need to complete double the hours.

You may take your continuing education courses either in person in a classroom setting or online as a self-paced course. The online courses usually require a reading of the subject at hand, then a test at the end.

Although you don’t have to renew most licenses in Michigan, you do have to keep your continuing education credits current every two years. You must complete the credits by the first day of your birth month at the end of the two-year cycle.

There is no fee to renew your license as long as you keep your continuing education requirements filled.

AgentSync can also help with the renewal process.
How do I renew my nonresident insurance license in Michigan?

In the state of Michigan, nonresident individual producer licenses are perpetual as long as the home state license remains active and in good standing – meaning that no continued education (CE) is required. Please note that exceptions do apply to Surplus Lines.

There is no fee to renew your license as long as you keep your continuing education requirements filled. Renewals can be completed via the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). AgentSync can also help with the renewal process.
How Do I renew My Non-Resident Adjuster License in Michigan?

Michigan adjuster license renewal is perpetual and is automatically renewed every two (2) years. Adjuster licenses, both resident and nonresident, must be renewed annually between February 1 and March 31st.

Non-Resident adjuster applicants must be licensed in the state in which their principal place of residence or business is maintained for all lines of authority requested in Michigan. In addition, if the resident state did not require the successful completion of an examination at the time of licensure, applicants must either take the Michigan examination or provide proof of successful completion of an equivalent examination from a state where they are currently licensed.

There is a $15 renewal fee, and all renewals for Non-Resident Adjuster License in Michigan can be made via the NIPR website.

For more information, contact the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
How Do I Renew My Adjuster License In Michigan?

Michigan adjuster license renewal is perpetual and is automatically renewed every two (2) years. Resident Michigan adjusters are not required to complete continuing education hours as part of the license renewal process.

Adjuster licenses, both resident and nonresident, must be renewed annually between February 1 and March 31st. There is no fee to renew your license, however the NIPR does require a $5 processing fee.

For more information, contact the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.