Licensing authority
Michigan Board of Nursing
Source quotation
Welcome to the Michigan Board of Nursing website!
michigan.gov · State Board of Nursing
Nursing licensure · NLC status table · EMS licensure
MI
Michigan
Does this state recognize my multistate license?
Compact privilege unavailableMI
A Michigan license is required for this route.
Michigan is currently classified as pending NLC legislation on the NCSBN map. Michigan-specific compact privilege and home-state multistate upgrade provisions do not apply; state licensing requirements remain separate.
Supporting evidence and conditions
Michigan is currently classified as pending NLC legislation on the NCSBN map. Michigan-specific compact privilege and home-state multistate upgrade provisions do not apply; state licensing requirements remain separate.
Compact membership · NCSBN · nursecompact.com · source checked 9 Oct 2026
Multistate issuance · NCSBN · nursecompact.com · source checked 9 Oct 2026
- Law enacted
- No not enacted
- In force
- No not in force
- Issuing multistate licenses
- No not issuing multistate licenses
Each answer links to the state rule it comes from. Open “Source quotation” for the exact wording.
Licensing authority
Board contacts, official applications and governing rules.
Authority website
Conditions & source context
Exact NCSBN Visit Website target points to the current Michigan nursing Board page.
Licensing portal
Conditions & source context
Exact MiPLUS Login navigation target is captured; application/account/terms were not entered.
Contact
- Phone
- 517.241.0199
- BPLhelp@michigan.gov
- Address
- Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing, 611 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48933
Conditions & source context
Shared BPL contact identified in current NCSBN Michigan profile, not a claimed dedicated Board-only number.
Source quotation
Main Phone Number 517.241.0199 BPLhelp@michigan.gov Location Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Professional Licensing 611 W. Ottawa Lansing, MI 48933
ncsbn.org · NCSBN
Governing law
Michigan Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, Part 172 (Nursing)
Conditions & source context
Current compiled index states complete through PA 103 of 2026.
Source quotation
PUBLIC HEALTH CODE (EXCERPT) Act 368 of 1978 Part 172 NURSING
legislature.mi.gov · State statute
License requirements
License types, exams, expiration dates and multistate eligibility.
Licence types
RN
- State title
- Registered Nurse
- Multistate
- No
LPN
- State title
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Multistate
- No
Conditions & source context
Board guide identifies RN and LPN. The current NCSBN map classifies Michigan as pending NLC legislation; Michigan-issued multistate authority is unavailable under that current classification.
Source context Current normal-browser map places Michigan in the pending-legislation category, rather than an NLC State.
Source quotation
Registered Nurse (RN) by Examination or Endorsement $212.90 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) by Examination or Endorsement $212.90
michigan.gov · State Board of Nursing
Multistate licences issued
No
Conditions & source context
The dated normal-browser NCSBN map places Michigan in the green Pending NLC legislation category, distinct from NLC State and NLC enacted: Awaiting implementation. This verifies the current category;
Licence term
- Years
- 2
Conditions & source context
Applies to RN/LPN;
Source quotation
Your initial RN/LPN license is good for 2 years. All subsequent renewals will also be valid for 2 years.
michigan.gov · State Board of Nursing
NCLEX required to get licensed
Yes
Conditions & source context
Examination-route RN/LPN licensure; endorsement and qualifying Canadian reciprocity rules differ.
Source quotation
The board approves and adopts the examinations developed by the NCSBN, identified as the "NCLEX-RN" for the registered nurse and the "NCLEX-PN" for the practical nurse. Examinees shall achieve a passing score on the NCLEX computerized adaptive test.
ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us · State administrative code
Working across state lines
Compact membership, license privileges and application requirements.
NLC law enacted
- Status
- No
Conditions & source context
The dated normal-browser NCSBN map places Michigan in the green Pending NLC legislation category, distinct from NLC State and NLC enacted: Awaiting implementation. This verifies the current category;
NLC law in force
- Status
- No
Conditions & source context
The dated normal-browser NCSBN map places Michigan in the green Pending NLC legislation category, distinct from NLC State and NLC enacted: Awaiting implementation. This verifies the current category;
Issuing multistate licences
- Status
- No
Conditions & source context
The dated normal-browser NCSBN map places Michigan in the green Pending NLC legislation category, distinct from NLC State and NLC enacted: Awaiting implementation. This verifies the current category;
Apply from another state
Eligibility, application fees, background checks and temporary licenses.
Endorsement available
Yes
Conditions & source context
RN rule R 338.10206 and separate LPN rule R 338.10211 establish routes; Canadian reciprocity is distinct.
Source context Separate LPN endorsement rule.
Source quotation
An applicant who currently holds an active practical nurse license in good standing from another state and who has never been licensed as a practical nurse in this state may apply for a license by endorsement.
Source quotation
An applicant who currently holds an active registered professional nurse license in good standing in another state and who has never been licensed as a registered professional nurse in this state may apply for a license by endorsement.
ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us · State administrative code
What it is called
Licensure by Endorsement
Conditions & source context
U.S. endorsement and Canadian reciprocity should be handled using the respective rule.
Source quotation
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RN LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT FOR THOSE LICENSED AS A REGISTERED NURSE IN ANOTHER STATE OR CANADA
michigan.gov · State Board of Nursing
Where to apply
Conditions & source context
Official MiPLUS Login target; current nursing guide directs applicants to MiPLUS.
What you must provide
Current license and examination
- Detail
- U.S. RN/LPN endorsement requires an active unencumbered other-state license and prior NCLEX-RN/NCLEX-PN; Canadian routes accept specified predecessor examinations under their respective rules.
Application, fee and background checks
- Detail
- Submit online application and fee, then use the emailed Application Confirmation instructions for CBC.
Licensure verification and education
- Detail
- Provide verification from every jurisdiction where a license is or was held and final official transcripts from the school or approved credentialing service. Applicants licensed less than five years and without qualifying approved/accredited education need additional program evidence; international credentials may require evaluation, with specified five-year U.S.-practice exemptions.
Training
- Detail
- One-time human-trafficking training and two hours implicit-bias training within the five years before issuance.
Other application requirements
- Detail
- Good-moral-character questions and supporting disclosures; SSN or lawful/exempt affidavit; working knowledge of English through approved educational or examination evidence.
Conditions & source context
RN and LPN endorsement education/transcript conditions are preserved separately in supporting excerpts; this is a summary of requirements, not a determination of individual eligibility.
Source context RN education/accreditation, international-evaluation and transcript conditions.
Source quotation
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RN LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT FOR THOSE LICENSED AS A REGISTERED NURSE IN ANOTHER STATE OR CANADA (These are in addition to the requirements stated above that apply to All applicants) Must possess an active, unencumbered license in another U.S State and have been initially licensed by taking the NCLEX-RN examination in another state or must be currently licensed in good standing in Canada and was initially licensed by passing the NCLEX-RN examination or the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination before 2015. - Verification of licensure will be required to be submitted directly to this office by the licensing agency of any state of the United States or Canada in which you hold or ever held a license. Final, Official Transcripts - This must be submitted directly to our office from the nursing school attended or an approved credentialing service. Transcripts must be translated into English. Transcripts can be emailed to bpldata@michigan.gov or mailed to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909. If an applicant has been licensed as a Registered Nurse in another state or Canada for less than 5 years and did not complete an approved Michigan registered nurse program or a registered nurse program that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), the applicant would additionally be required to have one of the following submitted for review directly to this office: For graduates of schools located in the United States: Either one of the following: A letter to the department from the program, on official program letterhead, signed by the director of nursing, attesting that the program curriculum complies with both of the following: The registered nurse education program includes courses providing theory and clinical practice that comply with R 338.10306 to R 338.10308. The registered nurse education program curriculum contains the core curriculum for registered professional nurse students, as that term is defined in R 338.10301(l). If the program is closed, a letter from the state board of nursing where the program was located attesting that the nursing program was in good standing when the applicant completed the program. For graduates of schools located outside of the Unites States or Canada: Shall have one of the following submitted directly to this office that shows he or she graduated from a program with substantially equivalent education credentials for review: A Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) professional report from TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) A certification from the TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) Certification Program (CP) An Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials for Boards of Nursing from Josef Silny & Associations, Inc. International Education Consultants (JS&A). If an applicant is a graduate of a Registered Nurse education program that is located outside of the United States or Canada, has passed the NCLEX-RN examination, and has maintained an active license with no disciplinary sanctions in the United States for at least 5 years immediately preceding the application for a Michigan license, then the applicant shall be exempt from obtaining an evaluation or certification of his or her educational credentials through TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) or JS&A.
Source context Separate LPN education/accreditation and credential-evaluation conditions; Canadian examination alternatives differ from RN.
Source quotation
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT FOR THOSE LICENSED AS A LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE IN ANOTHER STATE OR CANADA. (These are in addition to the requirements stated above that apply to All applicants) Must possess an active, unencumbered license in another state and have been initially licensed by taking the NCLEX-PN examination in another state or must be currently licensed in good standing in Canada and was initially licensed by passing the NCLEX-PN or the Practical Nurse Registration Examination. - Verification of licensure will be required to be submitted directly to this office by the licensing agency of any state of the United States in which you hold or ever held a license. Final, Official Transcripts - This must be submitted directly to our office from the nursing school attended or an approved credentialing service. Transcripts must be translated into English. Transcripts can be emailed to bpldata@michigan.gov or mailed to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909. If an applicant has been licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse in another state or Canada for less than 5 years and did not complete an approved Michigan Licensed Practical nurse program or a Licensed Practical nurse program that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), the applicant would additionally be required to have one of the following submitted for review directly to this office: For graduates of schools located in the United States: Either one of the following: A letter to the department from the program, on official program letterhead, signed by the director of nursing, attesting that the program curriculum complies with both of the following: The practical nursing education program is not less than 40 weeks in duration and includes courses in both theory and clinical practice that comply with R 338.10306, R 338.10307, and R 338.10309. The practical nursing education program curriculum contains the core curriculum for licensed practical nurse students, as that term is defined in R 338.10301(k). If the program is closed, a letter from the state board of nursing where the program was located attesting that the nursing program was in good standing when the applicant completed the program. For graduates of schools located outside of the United States or Canada: Shall have one of the following submitted directly to this office that shows he or she graduated from a program with substantially equivalent education credentials for review: Obtain a professional report evaluation of your education completed by the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) of TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) Have a full course-by-course credential evaluation of your education certified by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member organization Obtain an evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials for Boards of Nursing from Josef Silny & Associations, Inc. International Education Consultants (JS&A). This must be submitted directly to our office from TruMerit (formerly CGFNS), JS&A, or NACES agency and meet the standards set forth by the Board. If an applicant is a graduate of a Licensed Practical Nurse education program that is located outside of the United States or Canada, has passed the NCLEX-PN examination, and has maintained an active license with no disciplinary sanctions in the United States for at least 5 years immediately preceding the application for a Michigan license, then the applicant shall be exempt from obtaining an evaluation or certification of his or her educational credentials through TruMerit (formerly CGFNS), NACES, or JS&A.
Source quotation
THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO ALL APPLICANTS Criminal Background Check - Once the online application is completed and submitted you will be emailed an Application Confirmation letter containing instructions to complete the Criminal Background Check (except those applicants seeking relicensure if the license expired within the last three years). Good Moral Character Questions - Documentation and explanation will be required if you answer "yes" to either question to show at the current time you have the ability to, and are likely to, serve the public in a fair, honest and open manner, that you are rehabilitated, or that the substance of the former offense is not reasonably related to the occupation or profession for which you are seeking a license. Human Trafficking Training - Beginning January 6, 2022, completion of a one-time training to identify victims of human trafficking is required for individuals seeking licensure that meets the standards of Administrative Rule 338.10105. Implicit Bias Training - Beginning June 1, 2022, completion of 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years immediately preceding issuance of the license or registration is required. Social Security Number (SSN) - An individual applying for licensure is required to provide his or her social security number at the time of application. If exempt under law from obtaining an SSN or you do not have an SSN, the SSN affidavit form will be required to be uploaded at the time the application is submitted. Verification of Licensure - Verification of licensure must be submitted directly to our office by the licensing agency of any state of the United States or country in which you hold or ever held a license. The verification must show that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application. Verification can be emailed to bpldata@michigan.gov , mailed to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909, or obtained by visiting www.nursys.com and choosing Request Verification under the Verification for Endorsement section. Professional Education - Name of school attended, and name of educational program completed. English Language Proficiency - An individual applying for licensure must demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language. This can be established if either the applicant's required health professional educational program was taught in English, a transcript establishes the applicant earned not less than 60 college level credits from an English-speaking graduate or undergraduate school, or that the applicant obtained a passing score on an approved English proficiency exam as established by the department under R 338.7002b(2) of the Public Health Code - General Rules.
michigan.gov · State Board of Nursing
Application fee
- Amount
- 212.9
- Per
- application
- Includes
- Application fee plus two-year license fee
- Also payable
Fingerprint/CBC vendor charge
License verification if charged by originating jurisdiction or Nursys
- License types
- RN
- LPN
Conditions & source context
Current posted guide amount; application checkout collection and refund terms were not accessed.
Source quotation
Application Fee + 2 year license fee: (Must be paid by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover credit or debit card) Registered Nurse (RN) by Examination or Endorsement $212.90 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) by Examination or Endorsement $212.90
michigan.gov · State Board of Nursing
Background check
- Required
- Yes
- State check
- Yes
- FBI check
- Yes
- Fingerprints
- Yes
Conditions & source context
RN and LPN endorsement rules require state/FBI fingerprints;
Source quotation
Satisfies the requirements of section 16174(3) of the code, MCL 333.16174, by providing the applicant's fingerprints to the department of state police to have a criminal background check conducted by the department of state police and the FBI.
ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us · State administrative code
Nursys verification
- Required
- No
- Verification for endorsement
- Yes
Conditions & source context
Verification is required, but Nursys is an express alternative to direct Board transmission rather than mandatory in every case. The FAQ’s $30 fee is for sending Michigan verification outward, not verified as the cost for every originating jurisdiction.
Source quotation
Verification can be emailed to bpldata@michigan.gov , mailed to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909, or obtained by visiting www.nursys.com and choosing Request Verification under the Verification for Endorsement section.
michigan.gov · State Board of Nursing
Renewal and education
Renewal dates, required education and reinstatement options.
Renewal interval (years)
2
Source quotation
Your initial RN/LPN license is good for 2 years. All subsequent renewals will also be valid for 2 years.
michigan.gov · State Board of Nursing
Renewal competency and CE
RN
- Hours
- 25
- Mandated topics
Pain and symptom management
- Hours
- 2
Implicit bias
- Hours
- 2
- Can overlap total if qualifying
- Yes
LPN
- Hours
- 25
- Mandated topics
Pain and symptom management
- Hours
- 2
Implicit bias
- Hours
- 2
- Can overlap total if qualifying
- Yes
Conditions & source context
Implicit-bias training is one hour per license-cycle year and qualifying credit may overlap the 25 hours; do not report 27 hours as universally required. First renewal requires CE for initial RN/LPN licenses issued on/after May 8, 2024. Board-approved activities and applicable waiver provisions matter; 25 hours does not require buying 25 hours of courses.
Source context One hour per year gives two hours for ordinary RN/LPN two-year renewals; overlap is conditional.
Source quotation
An individual applying for licensure or registration renewal, reregistration, or relicensure under article 15 of the code, MCL 333.16101 to 333.18838, except those licensed under part 188 of the code, MCL 333.18801 to 333.18838, shall have completed a minimum of 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the applicant's license or registration cycle. Unless prohibited by the code or rules, this training may be used to satisfy other training or continuing education requirements for license renewal.
Source context Nursing rule expressly allows implicit-bias overlap and disallows human-trafficking CE credit.
Source quotation
Except for the implicit bias training required under R 338.7004 that may be used to comply with R 338.7004 and a continuing education requirement, an applicant may not earn continuing education credit for the human trafficking requirement
Source context Do not carry forward an obsolete general first-renewal exemption.
Source quotation
If your initial Michigan RN or LPN license was issued on or after May 8, 2024, you are required to complete CEs for your first renewal.
Source quotation
Michigan nurses are required to earn 25 hours of continuing education within the 2-year period preceding the date of renewal. At least 2 of these hours must be in pain and pain symptom management. No more than 12 credit hours may be earned during a 24-hour period.
michigan.gov · State Board of Nursing
State-specific requirements
Human trafficking
- Applies to
- RN/LPN renewal
- Deadline
- Before renewal
- Detail
- Certify completion of one-time training meeting R 338.10105; does not count for CE under R 338.10602.
Implicit bias
- Hours
- 2
- Applies to
- RN/LPN ordinary two-year renewal
- Deadline
- Each renewal cycle
- Detail
- One hour for each license-cycle year; no carry-forward. Qualifying training may also count toward required CE.
Conditions & source context
Opioid/controlled-substances training is not asserted as a universal RN/LPN renewal requirement; the guide scopes it to relevant controlled-substance licensees/prescribers/dispensers.
Source context One-time trafficking training is separate from the 25 CE hours.
Source quotation
an applicant may not earn continuing education credit for the human trafficking requirement
Source context Implicit-bias credit is cycle-specific.
Source quotation
A licensee or registrant shall not carry forward implicit bias training hours earned during 1 renewal cycle to the next renewal cycle.
Source quotation
Human Trafficking Training - Licensees seeking renewal must certify on their renewal application that prior to renewing their license they have completed a one-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking that meets the standards in Administrative Rule 338.10105. Implicit Bias Training - Licensees and registrants are required to complete 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of their license or registration cycle. Please note, this is not a one-time training and must be completed for each renewal cycle prior to the renewal being completed.
michigan.gov · State Board of Nursing
License verification
Official license-verification links and the information available from each source.
Licence lookup
Conditions & source context
Exact official Verify a License navigation target is captured; no licensee search or discipline result was queried.
Military and spouse options
Licensing routes for service members and eligible military spouses.
Ask the board of nursing
Michigan's published rules don't answer these. Ask before you apply — michigan.gov.
- Jurisprudence exam. Does Michigan require a jurisprudence or ethics exam?
- Criminal-history requirements. What criminal-history requirements apply to nursing licensure in Michigan?
- How long it takes. How long will Michigan take to process my application?
- Temporary licence. Can I start working in Michigan before full approval?
- Approved CE providers. Where do I find CE that Michigan will accept?
- If your licence lapses. My Michigan licence expired — what is the reinstatement process?
- What the lookup shows. What does Michigan's lookup disclose?
- Military pathway. Does Michigan have a faster route for military training or veterans?
- How it works. What are the military licensing requirements in Michigan?
- Where to read it. Where does Michigan document its military pathway?
- Military spouses. Does Michigan extend its military pathway to spouses?
Where the sources disagree or go quiet
Worth asking about directly.
Is there an available temporary license for ordinary U.S. RN/LPN endorsement, distinct from Canadian RN pending-examination temporary authority?
What current vendor, total cost and out-of-state collection procedure apply to Michigan endorsement fingerprints?