Michigan Nursing License Requirements: How to Get Licensed in Michigan

If you’re an RN with at least one year of experience and considering, this guide walks you through everything you need from endorsement, temporary permits, renewal, CE requirements, and timelines.travel nursing in Michigan.

Is Michigan a Compact Nursing State?

• No. Michigan is 

• House Bill  passed in the Michigan House but has not become law to join the compact.

That means nurses from other states cannot use a compact license to practice in Michigan; you must obtain Michigan licensure via endorsement or initial application.

Pathways to Licensure in Michigan

1. Licensure by Endorsement (for RNs already licensed in another state)

If you hold an active RN license in another state and wish to practice in Michigan:

You’ll need to:

• Create a MiPLUS account (Michigan’s licensing portal) Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) (Learn More)

• Request primary source verification via Nursys (or equivalent)

• Submit a Social Security Affidavit (if SSN not on file)

• Complete a Good Moral Character Questionnaire

• Undergo fingerprinting and background check per Michigan law

• Submit official academic transcripts

• Complete any state‑mandated trainings (e.g. implicit bias, human trafficking)

• Pay endorsement application fee

This route is generally faster than initial licensure because you already meet RN eligibility.

2. First-Time Licensure (New Graduates / NCLEX Route)

For nurses who have not held licensure in another state (watch):

• Graduate from an accredited nursing program

• Pass NCLEX-RN

• Add: Good Moral Character Questions, 

• Submit transcripts, SSN affidavit, and background check

• Register via MiPLUS and follow steps similar to endorsement applicants

For nurses who didn’t pass NCLEX:

Written certification of skills competency or extension to the 3-year time requirement – An applicant who did not pass the NCLEX-RN examination within 3 years after graduation is not eligible to repeat the NCLEX-RN examination until the applicant satisfies one of the following: 

1. Receives a written certification of skills competency from an approved nurse education program. A certification of skills competency must cover the following skills:  
   • Head-to-toe physical assessment, including vital signs. 
   • Medication administration.  
   • Documentation.  
   • Surgical asepsis and infection control.  
   • Safety, including fall prevention, body mechanics, and transfers. 
2. Requests and is approved for an extension to the time requirement to sit for the NCLEX-RN if the board finds the failure of the licensee to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination was due to the applicant’s disability, military service, absence from the continental United States, or a circumstance beyond the applicant’s control that the board considers good and sufficient. Along with a valid application and proof of graduation, an applicant must submit documentation to support the request to the board. The board may grant up to a 6-month extension. The request and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Department at least 30 days prior to the next board meeting.

Note: The applicant has 1 year after the date of a certification of skills competency to pass the NCLEXRN examination. 

Temporary vs. Permanent Nursing Licenses in Michigan

A temporary license can be given to an applicant who has completed all the necessary steps for a license, except for the exam or other required evaluations. This license is a one-time thing and is valid for 18 months. However, it will be immediately canceled if the applicant fails the exam or evaluation. The board will not issue a temporary license to anyone who has failed the exam before or whose license was previously suspended or revoked.

The department shall issue a within 48 hours on receipt of proof that the applicant's license issued by another state or a province in Canada is currently active and in good standing. 

Renewal & Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Michigan RN licenses are renewed every 2 years through MiPLUS.

CE Requirements:

• 25 hours of continuing education

  • Among these: 2 hours in pain and symptom management

  • One-time requirement: human trafficking prevention

  • Implicit bias training: mandated per state rules

• Acceptable providers and courses must meet Michigan Board standards

• You should retain CE documentation for audit

Fees & Processing Times

Delays often occur from incomplete documentation, delayed transcript submission, or fingerprint/verification backlogs.

Step-By-Step Application Guide

1. Create MiPLUS account

2. Complete application for endorsement or initial licensure

3. Upload required documents: transcripts, SSN affidavit, good moral questionnaire

4. Request primary source verification via Nursys

5. Submit fingerprints & background check

6. Complete mandatory state trainings (implicit bias, human trafficking, etc.)

7. Await issuance (temporary ~48 hours, permanent in ~4–6 weeks)

8. If temporary granted, begin supervised work

9. When permanent is ready, transition from temp to full RN license

10. Maintain license via renewal every 2 years with CE credits