In Michigan the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) licenses RNs for the Board of Nursing through the MiPLUS portal. One payment of US$212.90 covers the application and the first two-year licence; you then complete a fingerprint criminal background check, two hours of implicit bias training and a one-time human trafficking training, and your school sends the transcript. You must pass the NCLEX-RN within three years of graduation. Michigan is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
✓ Checked against Michigan LARA's official pages on October 7, 2026
At a glance
RegulatorMichigan Board of Nursing, administered by LARA's Bureau of Professional Licensing
ExamNCLEX-RN, through Pearson VUE (US$200)
FeeUS$212.90 application + two-year licence, by card only
Also requiredfingerprint background check, 2 hours implicit bias training, one-time human trafficking training
Time limitpass within 3 years of graduation, or a skills-competency certification first
CompactNo: Michigan issues single-state licences only
The steps, in order (graduates of a Michigan program)
Tick each step as you finish it; your progress is saved on this device.
8 steps
If you were educated outside the United States
The exam is the same; the path to being allowed to write it is longer. These are the extra steps.
4 steps
Documents to have ready
MiPLUS Registered Nurse application and US$212.90 (card only)
Fingerprint criminal background check per the Application Confirmation letter
Certificates for 2 hours of implicit bias training (within 5 years) and the one-time human trafficking training
Final official transcript or Michigan Nursing School Certification Form sent by the program
Social Security number, or the SSN affidavit if exempt
Verification of licensure from any state or country where you have held a licence
International graduates: TruMerit CES report or JS&A evaluation, translated transcripts, English proficiency evidence
Fees
RN by examination: application + two-year licencecard only; non-refundable
US$212.90
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.
US$200
Fingerprint background checkpaid to the fingerprint vendor
varies
Implicit bias and human trafficking trainingspaid to the training provider
varies
Relicensure after a lapse
US$232.90
How long it takes
Background-check instructions arrive by email after you submit the application.
Pass the NCLEX-RN within 3 years of graduation (or of the credentials evaluation for international graduates).
After skills-competency certification: 1 year to pass.
Extension requests: at least 30 days before the next Board meeting; up to 6 months.
Retake after 45 days (Pearson VUE rule).
Mistakes that cost people time or money
The implicit bias training must be within five years of licence issue, not of application; do it in your final year.
One payment covers the first two years; there is no separate licence fee after the pass.
Michigan has no graduate permit for new RNs, so negotiate a start date after your result.
Michigan is not in the compact: if you live across the border in Ohio or Indiana, consider where you want your primary licence.
Questions people ask about Michigan
How do I register for the NCLEX in Michigan?
Apply in MiPLUS and pay US$212.90, complete the fingerprint background check from the confirmation email, finish the implicit bias and human trafficking trainings, and have your school send the final transcript. LARA makes you eligible and Pearson VUE (US$200) emails the Authorization to Test.
How much does a Michigan RN licence cost?
US$212.90 for the application and first two-year licence, US$200 to Pearson VUE, the fingerprint vendor's fee and the cost of the two short trainings.
Can I work in Michigan before I pass the NCLEX-RN?
No. Michigan does not issue a graduate permit; its temporary licence is for licensed Canadian nurses waiting to take the NCLEX.
Is Michigan a compact state?
No. Michigan issues single-state licences only.
How long do I have to pass the NCLEX-RN in Michigan?
Three years from graduation. After that you must obtain a written certification of skills competency from an approved program (then one year to pass) or a Board-approved extension of up to six months.
What trainings does Michigan require for a nursing licence?
Two hours of implicit bias training completed within the five years before the licence is issued, and a one-time training on identifying victims of human trafficking.
Official links and sources
Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on Michigan LARA's and NCSBN's own pages on October 7, 2026; when a detail matters to you, confirm it there:
This guide explains the process; it is not legal or immigration advice. Decisions about your eligibility are made by Michigan Board of Nursing (LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing).
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