Transfer Your Nursing License to Michigan: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)
Does my nursing license transfer to Michigan?
Michigan is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so no out-of-state license — multistate or single-state — authorizes practice there. Every incoming RN applies to the Michigan Board of Nursing for licensure by endorsement: $212.90 ($212.90 combined application fee + 2-year license fee; fingerprint background-check vendor fee paid separately), no verified processing time, and the NCLEX is not retaken.
Moving to Michigan from a specific state?
Pick your current state — the checker returns your exact pathway.
Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Plan the timeline first. Because Michigan recognizes no outside license, you cannot legally work a single shift there until its own license (or temporary permit, where offered) is in hand — and unlike compact states, there is no shortcut for travel or telehealth work either.
Not an NLC member — every out-of-state RN must obtain a Michigan license by endorsement; apply online through the MiPLUS portal (www.michigan.gov/miplus).
Michigan requirements at a glance
| Exam | NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys |
|---|---|
| Fees | $212.90 ($212.90 combined application fee + 2-year license fee; fingerprint background-check vendor fee paid separately) |
| Processing time | board does not publish an endorsement processing timeline |
Comparing Michigan with other states? Check RN endorsement requirements by state in the Endorsement Requirement Finder.
Step by step
- Confirm Michigan's current requirements on the Michigan Board of Nursing website — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Michigan Board of Nursing (application linked on this page).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check (instructions emailed after applying via MiPLUS).
- Complete a one-time human trafficking victim identification training.
- Complete 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years before licensure.
- Submit verification of licensure from every state where you hold or ever held a license.
- Have final official transcripts sent directly from your nursing program to the Bureau.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Pay the fees listed above, and allow for the processing time shown there.
Official links
Coming from a specific state?
Direction matters — these guides cover the exact move into Michigan:
Nearby states
Nursing license transfer into the states bordering Michigan:
Michigan for other professions
- Cosmetology / Barber in Michigan
- Real Estate in Michigan
- Contractor in Michigan
- Teaching in Michigan
- CPA / Accounting in Michigan
- Electrician in Michigan
- Plumber in Michigan
- Engineering in Michigan
- Pharmacy in Michigan
- Physical Therapy in Michigan
- Psychology in Michigan
- Counseling in Michigan
- Social Work in Michigan
- Occupational Therapy in Michigan
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to retake the NCLEX to get licensed in Michigan?
No. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys. No state requires a second NCLEX.
Is Michigan in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
No. Michigan does not participate as of 2026-07-21, so compact multistate licenses carry no practice privilege there.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Michigan LARA/BPL — Michigan Nursing Licensing Guide ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Michigan LARA — Board of Nursing ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · Corrections log · spot an error? hello@licensereciprocity.com