How to Get Your Michigan Insurance License in 2026
Compare 3 Michigan DIFS-approved insurance pre-licensing schools. See costs, exam details, and get your MI insurance license fast — no fingerprinting required.
Last updated: March 5, 2026
Course Cost
$139 – $350
Time to License
3 – 8 weeks
Avg MI Salary
$56K – $64K/yr
Required Hours
20 – 40 hours
Top 3 Michigan Insurance Pre-Licensing Schools
1. Kaplan Financial EducationMost Comprehensive
Most course options in Michigan with 5 tiers for Life & Health and P&C ($139–$349), including a live instructor option. DIFS-approved established brand.
From $139
5 tiers available
2. ExamFXHigh Pass Rate
Three tiers (Self-Study $169.95, Video $219.95, Live Online $299.95) with a 94–99% pass rate claim and pass guarantee. DIFS-approved (Provider #0792).
From $169.95
Pass guarantee included
3. Xcel SolutionsBest Value
Clean 2-tier pricing: Standard $199 / Premier $299 for all MI tracks. Simple 3-part system with study guide, flashcards, and practice exams.
From $199
2 clear tiers only
Best Michigan Insurance Pre-Licensing Courses
All 5 schools are Michigan DIFS-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
WebCE
Best ValueStarting at
$109.95
- Michigan DIFS-approved pre-licensing provider
- Completions reported to MDIFS -- satisfies state requirement
- 20 hrs per line (Life, Health, P&C, Personal Lines)
- Exam Prep Complete from $109.95 -- lowest MI price
Available Packages (4)
Life & Health Exam Prep Complete (20 hrs)
- MI Life & Health pre-licensing (20 hrs)
- DIFS-approved course content
- Practice exams included
- Completion certificate for exam registration
Kaplan Financial Education
Most ComprehensiveStarting at
$139
- Most comprehensive MI course library — 5 tiers available
- Live instructor-led option (Premium) for L&H and P&C
- Michigan DIFS-approved established brand
- L&H & P&C: $139–$349 | Personal Lines: $139–$349
Available Packages (14)
Life & Health — Basic
- MI Life & Health pre-licensing (40 hrs)
- Online study guide (QBank)
- DIFS-approved certificate of completion
- Core exam content coverage
ExamFX
Starting at
$169.95
- 94–99% pass rate claims with pass guarantee
- Three tiers: Self-Study, Video, and Live Online
- Michigan DIFS-approved (Provider #0792)
- Completions reported to DIFS within 2 business days
Available Packages (9)
Life & Health — Self-Study
- MI Life & Health pre-licensing (40 hrs)
- Online portal + exam simulations
- QBank + Readiness Exam
- DIFS-approved certificate (60-day access)
A.D. Banker
Pass GuaranteeStarting at
$169.95
- State-approved prelicensing provider -- reports completions to regulator
- Three tiers: Silver ($169.95), Gold ($196.90), Platinum ($296.85)
- Pass Guarantee included on every package
- Industry-leading insurance educator
Available Packages (3)
Silver -- Online Course
- Full online course
- Unlimited chapter exams
- Simulated licensing exams
- Pass Guarantee
- PDF study manual
Xcel Solutions
Best ValueStarting at
$199
- Two simple tiers: Standard $199 / Premier $299
- L&H, P&C, and Personal Lines tracks available
- Michigan DIFS-approved provider
- Clean 3-part system: study guide, flashcards, practice exams
Available Packages (6)
Life & Health — Standard
- MI Life & Health pre-licensing (40 hrs)
- 3-part system: study guide, flashcards, practice exams
- Self-paced — designed to pass in ~2 weeks
- DIFS-approved certificate of completion
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a Michigan Insurance License?
A Michigan insurance license is a state-issued credential required by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) to legally sell insurance products in Michigan. All agents must complete DIFS-approved pre-licensing education, pass the PSI Exams state exam, and apply through NIPR. Michigan does not require fingerprinting — one of the simpler licensing processes in the country.
Michigan offers several license types. The most common are the Life, Accident & Health Producer license (40 hours required) and the Property & Casualty Producer license (40 hours required). The Personal Lines Producer license covers personal auto, homeowners, and renters insurance and requires only 20 hours of pre-licensing.
Life & Health
40 hours required
Life, annuities, health & disability insurance
Property & Casualty
40 hours required
Auto, home, commercial & liability insurance
Personal Lines
20 hours required
Personal auto, homeowners & renters insurance
How Much Do Michigan Insurance Agents Earn?
MI Statewide Average
$56,000–$64,000
Source: Salary.com, ZipRecruiter, Indeed (2025)
Top Earners (Detroit Metro)
$85,000–$120,000+
Experienced commercial lines agents & agency owners
Commission Structure
Life Insurance
- • First-year commission: 5–15% of annual premium
- • Renewal commission: 2–5% per year
- Example: $2,000/yr policy at 10% = $200 earned
Property & Casualty
- • New policy commission: 10–15% of premium
- • Renewal commission: 8–12% of premium
- Example: $1,500/yr auto at 12% = $180/policy
Salary Range by Career Stage
Entry Level
$35,000–$50,000
First 1–2 years
Mid-Career
$56,000–$64,000
MI statewide average
Top Producers
$85,000–$120,000+
Detroit metro commercial
Top Michigan Insurance Markets
Is a Michigan Insurance License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + No Fingerprinting Required: Michigan skips the fingerprint requirement — saving time and $60–$100 compared to states like New York or California.
- + Lower Total Cost: Total licensing cost of $155–$447 is among the most affordable in the country, with no fingerprinting fee dragging up costs.
- + Shorter Course Hours: Only 20 hours for a single line (or 40 for combined lines) — much less than states requiring 90+ hours for P&C.
- + Fast to License: Full-time students can complete the process in 2–3 weeks. License issued within 1–5 business days after passing the PSI exam.
👎 Cons
- - Commission-Dependent Income: Most agents earn primarily through commissions — income can vary significantly, especially during the first 1–2 years.
- - Must Complete Course Before Exam: Michigan strictly requires pre-licensing course completion BEFORE taking the state exam. Taking the exam first invalidates your results.
- - 180-Day Exam Window: You must pass the PSI exam within 180 days of submitting your NIPR application — don't let it expire before scheduling.
How to Get Your Michigan Insurance License
Choose Your Line of Authority
Decide which type of insurance you want to sell: Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty, Personal Lines, or a combination. Single lines require 20 hours of pre-licensing; combined lines (Life & Health or Property & Casualty) require 40 hours. Most new agents start with Life & Health or Personal Lines.
Submit Your NIPR License Application
File your Resident Producer license application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) at nipr.com. The fee is $10 plus a $5 transaction fee ($15 total). Your application is valid for 180 days — you must pass your exam within this window.
Complete a Michigan DIFS-Approved Pre-Licensing Course
Enroll in a Michigan DIFS-approved pre-licensing course (available online self-paced or with video/live instructor). Complete the required 20 or 40 hours of study, then pass the course certification exam with 70% or better. Your provider will electronically transmit your completion to DIFS within 2 business days — no paper certificate needed at the testing center.
Schedule and Pass the PSI State Exam
Register for your exam at the PSI exam portal (test-takers.psiexams.com/midifs/test) or call 855-579-4639. Pay the $41 exam fee and choose an in-person testing center or online remote proctoring. Bring two valid government-issued photo IDs. Passing scores range from 72–76% depending on the line. Your score is displayed immediately on screen.
License Issued by DIFS
Once you pass the state exam, DIFS matches your exam results to your NIPR application. If everything is in order, your license is typically issued within 1–5 business days. You'll receive notification and can access your license through the DIFS portal. No fingerprinting required.
Get Appointed by an Insurance Carrier
To legally sell insurance in Michigan, you must be appointed (sponsored) by at least one insurance carrier. Submit an appointment through your employer or directly with a carrier. Plan for ongoing Continuing Education (CE): Michigan requires 24 CE hours every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics.
Michigan Insurance License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- No college degree required
- Social Security Number required
- Background questions on NIPR application
- No fingerprinting required
Pre-Licensing Hour Requirements
- Life Producer: 20 hours
- Accident & Health Producer: 20 hours
- Life & Health (combined): 40 hours
- Property & Casualty (combined): 40 hours
- Personal Lines Producer: 20 hours
Exam Requirements
- PSI Exams (in-person or online proctored)
- 100–150 questions depending on line
- 72–76% passing score required
- Register at test-takers.psiexams.com/midifs/test
- $41 exam fee per exam (unlimited retakes)
Exemptions from Pre-Licensing
- CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter)
- CPCU® (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter)
- CFP® (Certified Financial Planner)
- ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant)
- ARM, AAI, CIC, FLMI, RHU and others — contact DIFS
Michigan Insurance License Cost Breakdown
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Michigan insurance license in 2026:
Life & Health License (40 hours)
| Pre-Licensing Course (L&H — 40 hours) | $139 – $349 | Kaplan Basic to Career Launcher; other providers vary |
| PSI Exams Fee | $41 – $82 | $41/exam; high estimate assumes one retake |
| License Application Fee (NIPR) | $15 – $15 | $10 base + $5 NIPR transaction fee |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $0 – $0 | Michigan does NOT require fingerprinting |
| Estimated Total (L&H) | $195 – $446 | No fingerprinting fee — savings vs. many other states |
Personal Lines License (20 hours)
| Pre-Licensing Course (Personal Lines — 20 hours) | $139 – $299 | Kaplan Basic $139; Xcel Premier $299 |
| PSI Exams Fee | $41 – $82 | $41/exam; high estimate assumes one retake |
| License Application Fee (NIPR) | $15 – $15 | $10 base + $5 NIPR transaction fee |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $0 – $0 | Michigan does NOT require fingerprinting |
| Estimated Total (Personal Lines) | $195 – $396 | Fastest track — only 20 hours of coursework required |
All state and government fees are non-refundable. Education costs vary by provider and package. Michigan does not require fingerprinting, reducing total cost compared to many other states.
The Michigan Insurance Exam — What to Expect
Life, Accident & Health Exam (Combined)
- Questions: 150 multiple-choice
- Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Passing score: 74% (~111 of 150 correct)
- Fee: $41 per attempt
- Pre-licensing required: 40 hours
Property & Casualty Exam (Combined)
- Questions: 150 multiple-choice
- Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Passing score: 74% (~111 of 150 correct)
- Fee: $41 per attempt
- Pre-licensing required: 40 hours
Personal Lines Exam
- Questions: 100 multiple-choice
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Passing score: 75% (~75 of 100 correct)
- Fee: $41 per attempt
- Pre-licensing required: 20 hours
Exam Retake Policy
- No limit on number of retakes
- Each attempt costs $41
- Must pass within 180 days of NIPR application
- Score displayed immediately on screen
- Diagnostic report emailed if you fail
Michigan Insurance Exam Topics
💡 Michigan PSI Exam Tip
Your PSI exam score is shown immediately upon completion. If you pass, a certificate of completion is transmitted to DIFS. If you fail, a diagnostic score report highlighting weak areas is emailed — use it to focus your retake prep. Focus on Michigan-specific insurance laws and regulations, which appear on every exam. All Michigan insurance exams include 6 hours of required ethics and Michigan insurance law content.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Michigan Insurance License?
2 – 3 weeks
Fast Track
Full-time study, 6–8 hrs/day
3 – 5 weeks
Part-Time
Evenings after work, 2–3 hrs/day
5 – 8 weeks
Casual Pace
A few evenings per week
| Step | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apply on NIPR and choose your line of authority | 1 day |
| 2 | Complete pre-licensing course (20 hrs single line / 40 hrs combined) | 3 days – 3 weeks |
| 3 | Pass course certification exam (70%+) | Same day as course completion |
| 4 | Schedule & pass PSI state exam ($41) | 1–2 weeks |
| 5 | DIFS issues license (no fingerprinting wait) | 1–5 business days |
| 6 | Get appointed by a carrier and start selling | Varies by carrier |
Michigan does not require fingerprinting, eliminating a common 1–2 week delay present in other states. License is typically active 1–5 business days after passing the PSI exam.
Michigan Insurance License Renewal
Michigan insurance producer licenses must be renewed every two years. To renew, you must complete Continuing Education (CE) requirements and file your renewal application through NIPR at nipr.com.
Renewal Cycle
2 Years
CE Hours Required
24 Hours
incl. 3 hrs ethics
Renewal Fee
~$10
plus NIPR transaction fee
Renewal Requirements Checklist
- Complete 24 hours of CE from a DIFS-approved provider (online or in-person)
- At least 3 of the 24 hours must be ethics
- Submit renewal application through NIPR before license expiration
- Pay the renewal fee (~$10 + NIPR transaction fee)
- Licenses that lapse may require reinstatement — complete CE before your expiration date
Michigan Insurance License Reciprocity
Michigan offers reciprocal licensing for insurance agents already licensed in other states. If your home state has a reciprocity agreement with Michigan, you can apply for a Michigan non-resident producer license without completing Michigan's pre-licensing coursework or retaking the PSI state exam. Michigan has reciprocity with the vast majority of U.S. states.
How to Apply for a Michigan Non-Resident License via Reciprocity
- 1.Hold an active insurance producer license in your home state in good standing
- 2.Submit a non-resident license application through NIPR at nipr.com
- 3.Pay the non-resident license application fee
- 4.No Michigan pre-licensing course or exam required if reciprocity applies
For the current list of states with reciprocity agreements and non-resident licensing requirements, visit michigan.gov/difs. Requirements can change — always verify the current rules before applying.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an insurance license in Michigan?
The total cost to get a Michigan insurance license ranges from approximately $155 to $450, depending on your chosen line of authority and how many exam attempts you need. Key costs include: pre-licensing course ($99–$350), PSI state exam fee ($41 per attempt), and the NIPR license application fee ($15). Michigan does not require fingerprinting, which keeps overall costs low compared to many other states.
How long does it take to get an insurance license in Michigan?
Most candidates complete the Michigan insurance licensing process in 3–8 weeks. Full-time students can be done in as little as 2–3 weeks; part-time candidates typically take 4–6 weeks. The process involves completing 20–40 hours of pre-licensing coursework, passing the PSI state exam, and waiting 1–5 business days for DIFS to issue your license after you pass.
What are the requirements to get a Michigan insurance license?
To get a Michigan insurance producer license you must: be at least 18 years old, complete a state-approved pre-licensing course (20 hours per single line or 40 hours for combined lines), pass the PSI state licensing exam with a 72–76% score depending on line, and apply through NIPR for $15. No college degree is required, and Michigan does not require fingerprinting. Applicants with criminal records should review Chapter 12 of the Michigan Insurance Code before applying.
How hard is the Michigan insurance license exam?
The Michigan insurance exam is moderately challenging. Passing scores range from 72% to 76% depending on the line of authority. The combined Life & Health and Property & Casualty exams each contain 150 questions (2.5 hours), while single-line exams have 100 questions (2 hours). Industry estimates suggest 60–70% of candidates pass on their first attempt. Thorough completion of your pre-licensing course and using practice exams significantly improves your pass rate. There is no limit on retakes, but each attempt costs $41.
What is the Michigan insurance exam pass rate?
The Michigan insurance exam pass rate is approximately 55–65% on the first attempt, based on industry estimates. Pass rates vary by line of authority and how thoroughly candidates prepare. Candidates who complete their full pre-licensing course with practice exams typically pass at higher rates than those who rush through the material. If you fail, there is no limit on retakes — each attempt costs $41. A diagnostic score report is emailed after a failed attempt, highlighting the topic areas where you lost the most points.
Can I take the Michigan insurance pre-licensing course online?
Yes — online self-study is the most popular method for Michigan insurance pre-licensing. Approved providers including Kaplan, ExamFX, Xcel Solutions, and others offer fully online courses with forced progression (you must complete each section before advancing). After completing the required hours and passing the course certification exam with 70%+, your completion is transmitted electronically to DIFS. You can also take the state exam online through PSI's remote proctoring service.
How much do insurance agents make in Michigan?
Insurance agents in Michigan earn an average of $56,000–$64,000 per year, according to 2024–2025 data from Salary.com, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed. Entry-level agents typically start at $35,000–$50,000 with base salary plus commissions. Experienced commercial lines agents and agency owners in major markets like Detroit and Troy/Metro Detroit suburbs commonly earn $85,000–$120,000+. Income is highly scalable — agents who build a strong book of business earn renewal commissions that compound over time.
Do I need a college degree to get a Michigan insurance license?
No college degree is required to get a Michigan insurance producer license. The only educational requirement is completing a state-approved pre-licensing course (20 hours per line of authority) and passing the PSI state exam. Candidates with certain professional designations (CLU®, CPCU®, CFP®, and others) may even qualify for an exemption from the pre-licensing education requirement.
Does Michigan require fingerprinting for an insurance license?
No — Michigan does not require fingerprinting for insurance producer license applicants. This is different from many other states that mandate fingerprint-based background checks. Michigan does ask background questions on the NIPR application, and applicants with prior criminal convictions are strongly encouraged to review Chapter 12 of the Michigan Insurance Code and DIFS's published Guiding Principles before applying. Visit michigan.gov/difs to learn more.
Does Michigan have insurance license reciprocity?
Yes — Michigan offers reciprocal licensing for insurance agents licensed in other states. If your home state has a reciprocity agreement with Michigan, you can apply for a Michigan non-resident producer license without completing Michigan's pre-licensing coursework or retaking the PSI state exam. Michigan has reciprocity with most U.S. states. Apply through NIPR at nipr.com and maintain your home-state license in good standing. Contact DIFS at michigan.gov/difs for the current list of reciprocal states.
How do I renew my Michigan insurance license?
Michigan insurance licenses must be renewed every two years. To renew, you must complete 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE), including at least 3 hours of ethics. CE can be completed through DIFS-approved providers online or in-person. Renewal applications are filed through NIPR. It's important to complete CE before your license expiration date — licenses that lapse require reinstatement and may require retesting.
Can I get a Michigan insurance license with a criminal record?
Possibly — Michigan evaluates applicants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. DIFS uses the guidelines in Chapter 12 of the Michigan Insurance Code and published Guiding Principles to assess whether an applicant's conviction history is disqualifying. Factors considered include the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and evidence of rehabilitation. Applicants with prior convictions are strongly encouraged to review the DIFS guidance at michigan.gov/difs before investing time and money in the licensing process.
Income Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on publicly available data and vary significantly by state, market, experience level, employer type, and individual effort. Past or average earnings are not a guarantee of future results. CertLaunch makes no income guarantees of any kind.
Sources:
Licensing requirements, exam fees, and course availability change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board before enrolling or submitting any application. Learn how we source our data.