The Michigan Board of Nursing, operating under the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), oversees the licensing and regulation of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). All licensing services, including license verification, applications, and renewals, are managed through the MiPLUS online portal.

Note that;

– The initial Michigan RN and LPN license fee is $212.90, covering the application and the first two-year licensing period.

– Nursing licenses must be renewed every two years through the MiPLUS portal. The renewal fee is $131.00, with a 60-day grace period and a $20 late fee for eligible late renewals.

– License renewal requires 25 contact hours of continuing education (CE) during each renewal cycle, including 2 hours in pain and symptom management and 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the licensing cycle.

– Michigan is not currently a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Legislation to join the compact (HB 4246) remains under Senate consideration.

– Michigan nursing licenses can be verified at no cost through the MiPLUS License Lookup system, and licensing assistance is available from the Bureau of Professional Licensing at (517) 241-0199.

Michigan is an administratively simple state with an expensive habit. One portal handles everything, the paperwork list is short, and the CE load is moderate. But at $65.50 per year of licensure, Michigan renewals cost roughly double Ohio’s and more than twice Indiana’s, and because the state stayed out of the nurse compact, every out-of-state nurse still has to file a full endorsement application to work a single shift here.

Michigan Nursing License (2026)| Details

Licensing Board| Michigan Board of Nursing

Regulatory Authority| Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL)

License Types| Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and RN specialty certifications (NP, CNM, CNS, CRNA)

Initial License Fee| $212.90 for RN or LPN licensure by examination or endorsement

License Renewal| Every 2 years; renewal fee is $131.00

Continuing Education (CE)| 25 contact hours every renewal cycle, including at least 2 hours in pain and symptom management

Application & License Verification| All applications, renewals, and license lookups are completed through the MiPLUS online system

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)| Michigan is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact; compact legislation remains pending

Governing Law| Michigan Public Health Code (1978 PA 368), Article 15, Part 172

Michigan Board of Nursing Contact Information

The Michigan Board of Nursing is regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) through its Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL). Rather than maintaining a separate office, the Bureau manages all nursing licensing services, including applications, renewals, license verification, document processing, and support for the MiPLUS online licensing system.

For questions about nursing licensure, renewals, or MiPLUS, applicants and licensees can contact the Bureau of Professional Licensing at (517) 241-0199 or email [email protected] for general assistance. Requests related to transcripts, license verifications, and certifications should be directed to [email protected].

Official correspondence may be mailed to Bureau of Professional Licensing, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909. Additional information about nursing licensure is available through LARA’s Health Professional Licensing division, while all online applications, license renewals, and license lookup services are completed through the MiPLUS licensing portal.

The Michigan Board of Nursing maintains a current list of board members, meeting schedules, agendas, approved meeting minutes, and board-approved nursing education programs through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Board meetings are open to the public, allowing interested individuals to stay informed about licensing policies and regulatory updates.

Licensees should also be aware of fraudulent communications impersonating LARA officials. The Bureau of Professional Licensing does not request credit card information, signatures, or sensitive personal details by phone, email, or text message. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from LARA, verify its authenticity through the official LARA website before responding or sharing any personal information.

How to Verify a Michigan Nursing License (MiPLUS License Lookup)

Verifying a Michigan nursing license is quick, free, and available through the MiPLUS License Verification system managed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The online search allows employers, healthcare organizations, and the public to confirm the status of a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

To verify a license, access the MiPLUS License Lookup portal and search using the nurse’s name or license number. Searching by license number provides the most accurate result, while name searches can also locate records, including those under previous or maiden names. You can further refine your search by selecting the appropriate nursing license type to display relevant results.

Each license record includes important information such as the license status (active, expired, or lapsed), license number, issue and expiration dates, and any public disciplinary actions, if applicable. This makes the MiPLUS system a reliable resource for confirming a nurse’s licensure before employment or checking your own licensing status.

If an official written verification is required, you may request a License Certification through MiPLUS. The certification fee is $15 per recipient, with standard processing typically completed within 3–5 business days. Requests sent to both a mailing address and an email address are treated as separate recipients and are charged individually.

MiPLUS vs. Nursys: Which Verification Service Should You Use?

Michigan uses both MiPLUS and Nursys for nursing license verification, but each serves a different purpose. Understanding when to use each system can help avoid delays during licensure or credentialing.

Use Nursys if you are applying for licensure by endorsement in another state. Nursys provides official electronic license verification to participating nursing boards. The verification fee is $30 per license type for each state board receiving the verification.

For all other official license verification requests within Michigan, use the MiPLUS online licensing system. License certifications requested through MiPLUS cost $15 per recipient and are commonly used for employment, credentialing, or other official purposes. If you only need to confirm a nurse’s license status, the free MiPLUS License Lookup is the official source for verifying Michigan nursing licenses.

Keep in mind that Michigan is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and does not issue multistate nursing licenses. As a result, Michigan nursing licenses do not include compact privileges, and nurses licensed in other compact states must meet Michigan’s licensure requirements before practicing in the state.

When completing credentialing for employment or insurance enrollment, it is also advisable to verify the nurse’s National Provider Identifier (NPI) information alongside the state license to ensure all professional credentials are current and accurate.

How to Renew a Michigan Nursing License

Michigan nursing licenses must be renewed every two years through the MiPLUS online licensing system. The standard renewal fee is $131.00 for both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Before your license expires, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) typically sends renewal reminders by email and mail. During the renewal process, you will be required to attest that you have completed the state’s continuing education (CE) requirements rather than submit your CE certificates.

Michigan follows a fixed renewal cycle, so your renewal date is determined by the Board rather than your birthday. Your exact license expiration date can be viewed in your MiPLUS account. Nurses with an active RN specialty certification may renew both their nursing license and specialty certification together during the same renewal transaction.

If you do not renew your license before it expires, Michigan provides a 60-day grace period during which you may still renew by paying the required renewal fee plus a $20 late fee. After the grace period, the license becomes lapsed, and you must apply for relicensure. Additional requirements depend on how long the license has been inactive. Nurses with licenses lapsed for less than three years must complete the required continuing education hours. Those inactive for three to seven years must also complete additional education in specific clinical and professional practice topics and provide proof of competency. If a license has been inactive for more than seven years, applicants may be required to successfully complete the NCLEX examination before reinstatement.

If you need to update your legal name, it is generally recommended to complete your license renewal first and submit the name change afterward through the Modification option in MiPLUS. This approach can help avoid delays in processing your renewal. Once approved, an updated electronic copy of your license is issued at no additional cost, while printed copies are available for a $10.00 fee.

Michigan Nursing Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

To renew a Michigan nursing license, Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) must complete 25 contact hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal cycle. The required CE must include at least 2 contact hours in pain and symptom management. Licensees are required to attest to completing these requirements during renewal and should retain documentation in case of an audit.

In addition to the general CE requirement, Michigan mandates implicit bias training for every renewal cycle. Nurses must complete 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the licensing cycle, meaning 2 hours for a standard two-year renewal. Applicants for initial licensure must also complete 2 hours of implicit bias training within the five years preceding licensure.

Michigan also requires a one-time human trafficking training for nursing licensees. Once this training has been completed, it does not need to be repeated for future renewals. Nurses who hold a controlled substance license must also complete a one-time educational requirement related to opioid prescribing and controlled substance awareness, as required by state regulations.

Michigan Nursing CE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement| Hours| Frequency

General Continuing Education| 25 contact hours| Every 2-year renewal cycle

Pain and Symptom Management| Minimum 2 hours (included in the 25 hours)| Every renewal cycle

Implicit Bias Training| 1 hour per year of the licensing cycle (2 hours for a standard renewal)| Every renewal cycle

Initial Implicit Bias Training| 2 hours| Within 5 years before initial licensure

Human Trafficking Training| One-time training| Required once

Opioid & Controlled Substance Education| One-time training| Required only for controlled substance license holders

Important: Do not confuse implicit bias training with the human trafficking training requirement. Human trafficking education is completed once, whereas implicit bias training must be completed during every renewal cycle based on the number of years in the licensing period.

Michigan has several additional continuing education policies that nurses should keep in mind. Licensees may earn no more than 12 contact hours within any 24-hour period, so the required 25 contact hours must be completed over multiple days. In Michigan, one contact hour equals 50–60 minutes of approved instruction, while 10 contact hours are equivalent to 1 CEU, making the renewal requirement equal to 2.5 CEUs. Approved academic coursework may also be used toward CE requirements, with each semester credit hour counting as 5 contact hours. In addition, nurses who maintain a national certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) may use that certification to satisfy the state’s 25-contact-hour continuing education requirement, subject to Board regulations.

Michigan also requires newly licensed nurses to complete the full continuing education requirement before their first renewal. Any RN or LPN whose initial Michigan license was issued on or after May 8, 2024, must complete the full 25 contact hours before renewing their license.

Although continuing education certificates are not submitted during the renewal process, nurses are responsible for maintaining proof of completion. The Michigan Board of Nursing may conduct random audits, and licensees should retain all CE documentation for at least four years after each renewal cycle. Many nurses choose to store their records electronically through CE Broker to simplify compliance and recordkeeping.

Is Michigan a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) State?

No. Michigan is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses must obtain a Michigan nursing license to practice in the state, regardless of whether they hold a multistate license issued by another compact state. Likewise, Michigan issues single-state nursing licenses only and does not currently offer multistate licensure.

Legislation to join the Nurse Licensure Compact has been introduced but has not yet become law. House Bill 4246 was approved by the Michigan House of Representatives in June 2025 and was referred to the Michigan Senate for further consideration. As of July 2026, the bill remains pending and has not been enacted. Even if approved, the legislation specifies that it would become effective 90 days after enactment, meaning compact privileges would not begin immediately.

It is also important to distinguish the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) from the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). While Michigan participates in the IMLC for physicians, that compact applies only to eligible physicians and does not extend multistate practice privileges to nurses.

For example, a nurse holding an Ohio multistate license may legally practice in other compact states but cannot practice in Michigan without first obtaining a Michigan nursing license through licensure by endorsement. Similarly, Michigan nurses who wish to practice in another state must apply for licensure by endorsement if that state requires it, as a Michigan nursing license does not automatically grant practice privileges outside the state.

Michigan Nursing License Requirements

The Michigan Board of Nursing offers several pathways to licensure, including licensure by examination, licensure by endorsement, and limited temporary licensure for eligible applicants. Regardless of the application method, all candidates must submit their application through the MiPLUS online licensing system, complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check, provide a valid Social Security Number, complete the required human trafficking and implicit bias training, and arrange for official license verifications from every jurisdiction where they have previously held a nursing license.

Licensure by Examination

Applicants seeking their first Michigan nursing license must graduate from a nursing program approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing or accredited by a recognized nursing accrediting organization, such as ACEN, CNEA, or CCNE. Graduates of approved Canadian nursing programs are also eligible. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Michigan Board of Nursing.

Applicants must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination before a license can be issued. Candidates are generally required to pass the examination within three years of graduation. If this time limit is exceeded, additional competency documentation or Board approval may be required before further examination attempts are permitted.

Licensure by Endorsement

Nurses who are already licensed in another U.S. state may apply for a Michigan nursing license by endorsement. Applicants must hold an active, unrestricted nursing license that was originally obtained by passing the NCLEX examination. Official license verification from every state of licensure must be submitted directly to the Michigan Board of Nursing.

Applicants are generally required to provide official transcripts from their highest nursing degree. In some cases, graduates of nursing programs that were not accredited by recognized accrediting agencies may be asked to complete additional educational review before licensure is approved.

Internationally Educated Nurses

International nursing graduates must submit a professional credential evaluation from an approved credential evaluation organization to verify that their nursing education meets Michigan’s licensing standards. Certain internationally educated nurses who have maintained several years of active, unrestricted nursing practice in the United States may qualify for exemptions under state requirements.

Temporary Nursing License

Michigan offers a limited temporary nursing license for certain eligible Canadian nurses who are awaiting completion of the NCLEX examination. Temporary licenses are generally valid for up to one year and are available only to applicants who meet the Board’s eligibility requirements.

Important Application Information

All supporting documents, including official transcripts and license verifications, must be sent directly from the issuing school or licensing authority to the Michigan Board of Nursing. Documents submitted by applicants themselves are generally not accepted as official records.

Application processing times vary depending on how quickly required documents, background check results, and license verifications are received. To help avoid delays, applicants should request all required documents as early as possible and ensure every requirement is completed before submitting their application.

Michigan Nursing License Fees

The Michigan Board of Nursing combines the application fee and the initial two-year licensing fee into a single payment for first-time applicants. All licensing fees are paid through the MiPLUS online licensing system. Additional fees apply for license renewal, specialty certifications, relicensure, and official license verifications.

Michigan Nursing License Fee Schedule

Fee| Amount| Description

RN License by Examination or Endorsement| $212.90| Includes the application fee and initial two-year license

LPN License by Examination or Endorsement| $212.90| Includes the application fee and initial two-year license

RN or LPN License Renewal| $131.00| Required every two years

RN Renewal with Specialty Certification| $161.40| Includes renewal of both the RN license and specialty certification

RN Specialty Certification Application| $41.35–$56.55| Fee varies depending on the certification period

RN or LPN Relicensure| $232.90| Required after the 60-day renewal grace period expires

Late Renewal Fee| $20.00| Added to the standard renewal fee during the grace period

Nursys License Verification| $30.00| Charged per license type for each receiving nursing board MiPLUS License Certification| $15.00| Charged per recipient for official license certification

How Michigan Compares to Neighboring States

Michigan has one of the highest nursing license renewal fees among the neighboring Great Lakes states. While Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana all require nursing license renewal every two years, the annual cost of maintaining an active license is significantly higher in Michigan.

State| Renewal Fee| Renewal Cycle| Average Cost Per Year| Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

Michigan| $131.00| 2 Years| $65.50| No

Wisconsin| $73.00| 2 Years| $36.50| Yes

Ohio| $65.00| 2 Years| $32.50| Yes

Indiana| $50.00| 2 Years| $25.00| Yes

Although Michigan’s renewal fee is higher than those of its neighboring states, the more significant difference is its non-participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana are all compact states, allowing eligible nurses with multistate licenses to practice across participating states without obtaining additional licenses. Michigan, however, requires every out-of-state nurse to obtain a Michigan nursing license by endorsement before practicing in the state.

For nurses who live or work near Michigan’s borders, this distinction can have a substantial impact. For example, an Ohio or Indiana nurse with a multistate license may practice in many compact states but must still obtain a separate Michigan license to work within Michigan. As a result, nurses who regularly practice across state lines often maintain both a Michigan license and a multistate license issued by a compact state.

Who the Michigan Board of Nursing Regulates

The Michigan Board of Nursing is responsible for licensing and regulating Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) throughout the state. The Board also grants specialty certification to eligible Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).

According to the 2025 Survey of Michigan Nurses, Michigan continues to maintain a stable nursing workforce. Survey findings indicate that many nurses intend to remain in the profession for the next decade, supporting a consistent demand for nursing license renewals. At the same time, retirement remains one of the primary reasons nurses plan to leave the workforce over the coming years, highlighting the ongoing need to recruit and license new nursing professionals.

Unlike many states, Michigan does not have a separate Nurse Practice Act. Instead, nursing practice is governed under the Michigan Public Health Code (1978 PA 368), Article 15, Part 172, which regulates nursing alongside other licensed healthcare professions. The law also establishes the requirements for advanced practice nursing and the Board’s authority to issue specialty certifications to qualified registered nurses.

For advanced practice nurses, prescribing authority is governed by Michigan law and applicable regulatory requirements. APRNs who prescribe controlled substances must comply with state and federal prescribing regulations, including any required collaborative or supervisory requirements that apply to their practice.

Our experienced licensing team provides comprehensive support for Michigan nursing license applications, assisting Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) throughout every stage of the licensing process. Our services include preparing and submitting MiPLUS applications, coordinating out-of-state license verifications, monitoring transcript delivery, and following up on required documents to help ensure your application is complete before Board review. Whether you are applying for your first Michigan license, seeking licensure by endorsement, or adding a specialty certification, we work with healthcare professionals nationwide to simplify the licensing process and reduce administrative delays.