Michigan Nursing
License Requirements &
Renewal Guide
Michigan Nurse License Overview
Getting your Michigan nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
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How long does it take to get a Michigan Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Michigan does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | $219.90 | $219.90 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $128.50 | $128.50 |
| Background Check | ~$60–$80 | ~$60–$80 |
Key Sections:
Michigan License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Michigan RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Michigan Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) |
| Compact Status | No | No |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting) | Required (Fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | LARA Online Portal | LARA Online Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | ~4–6 weeks | ~4–6 weeks |
MI Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the LARA portal
- Pay the required application fee
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Request verification of all licenses via Nursys
- If unavailable, verification must be sent from your original state board
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Submit official transcripts from your nursing program
- Must be sent directly to the Michigan Board of Nursing
- 4.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Fingerprinting is required
- Instructions are provided after application submission
- 5.
Additional Requirements
- Provide Social Security Number or complete affidavit
- Complete implicit bias training and human trafficking training
- Disclose any criminal history or disciplinary actions
- 6.
Examination (if applicable)
- NCLEX results are received directly from NCSBN
Michigan Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Michigan
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 25 contact hours | At least 2 hours in pain & symptom management | 25 contact hours — at least 2 hours in pain & symptom management. CE must be completed through approved providers. |
| LPN | 25 contact hours | At least 2 hours in pain & symptom management | 25 contact hours — at least 2 hours in pain & symptom management. Same competency options apply as RN. |
| APRN | Varies by certification | Must maintain national certification | Additional requirements based on specialty and certifying body |
Mandatory CE Requirements
Michigan requires all RNs and LPNs to complete 25 contact hours every 2 years. Within those hours, at least 2 hours must be in pain and symptom management. No more than 12 CE hours may be completed in a single 24-hour period.
Required Mandatory Training
- 2 Hours (minimum): Pain and Symptom Management — required for all RNs and LPNs every renewal cycle
- No more than 12 CE hours may be completed in a single 24-hour period
- Additional training requirements may apply depending on licensure status
Key Notes for Michigan
- CE must be completed through approved providers
- CE must be relevant to nursing practice
- No more than 12 CE hours in a 24-hour period
- Additional training requirements may apply depending on licensure status
- 60-day grace period after expiration; late fee of ~$20 applies
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Michigan Nursing License
How much does a Michigan nursing license cost?
$208–$300 for initial licensure. Renewal fees vary depending on license type and cycle.
How long does it take to get a Michigan nursing license?
Licensing timelines generally range from 3–6 weeks, depending on background check processing and application completeness.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Michigan?
Michigan requires 25 hours of continuing education every two years, including pain management training and implicit bias education requirements.