How to Get Your Life Insurance License in Michigan
Last reviewed 2026-08-02 · Verify details with the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS)
Life insurance agents in Michigan are licensed by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) under the Insurance Producer License (Life line of authority). Here's the whole process — education, exam, and application — in plain English.
Michigan life license at a glance
The process, step by step
- 1Complete the 20 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education for the life line. Online self-paced courses count in Michigan.
- 2Schedule and pass the Michigan life insurance exam with PSI. Budget 1–2 weeks of study; the exam covers policy types, riders, underwriting basics, and Michigan insurance law.
- 3Complete any background disclosure questions on your application honestly — undisclosed history is the #1 cause of application denials.
- 4Submit your license application (Online via NIPR after completing pre-licensing education and passing the exam) and pay the fee. Most approvals come through within days.
- 5Get appointed with carriers through your upline or IMO, and set up your sales stack — leads, dialer, and CRM — so you can start writing business immediately.
Good to know: Resident producer licenses are perpetual as long as the 24-hour CE requirement (including 3 hours of ethics) is met every 2 years; pre-licensing certificates are valid for 12 months.
Step 6: set yourself up to actually sell
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Start 14-Day Free TrialFrequently Asked Questions
Does Michigan require pre-licensing education for a life insurance license?
Yes. Michigan requires 20 hours of approved pre-licensing education for the life line before you can sit the exam.
Who administers the Michigan life insurance exam?
The Michigan licensing exam is administered by PSI. You schedule directly with them after meeting any education requirements, and testing is available at physical centers and often via online proctoring.
How often do I renew a Michigan insurance license?
You'll need 24 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.
Can I sell insurance in other states with a Michigan license?
Your Michigan license covers Michigan residents. To sell in other states you apply for non-resident licenses — usually a fast, exam-free application through NIPR once you hold a resident license in good standing. Many telesales agents license in 10+ states this way.
Other states
Sources: www.michigan.gov · nipr.com
Licensing requirements, fees, and providers change. This guide is informational only and was last reviewed on the date shown above — always confirm current requirements with the state insurance regulator before enrolling in courses or scheduling an exam.