Michigan Real Estate License Background Check: What You Need to Know

Michigan Real Estate License Background Check: Quick Guide

You do not need a criminal background check or fingerprinting to start your pre-licensure courses. Michigan LARA uses self-disclosure through the MiPLUS portal during your application. While a past record is rarely an automatic disqualification, failing to disclose one is an integrity violation that leads to an immediate denial.

Navigating the Michigan real estate licensing process is straightforward, but for many aspiring agents, the background check feels like a "black box" of uncertainty.

While Michigan’s 2020 policy shift made the process more accessible, it also placed a higher premium on applicant integrity. Understanding how LARA (the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) evaluates "Good Moral Character" is the difference between a smooth career launch and a permanent application denial.

Is a criminal background check required for a Michigan real estate license?

Yes, but it works differently from most states.

Michigan doesn’t use mandatory third-party fingerprinting as an upfront step the way many other states do. Instead, LARA relies primarily on voluntary disclosure through the MiPLUS application. When you apply, you must answer good moral character questions truthfully, certifying that you can serve the public in a fair, honest, and open manner.

That said, LARA does conduct background checks to verify criminal history. Fingerprinting instructions are delivered through MiPLUS if they are needed, typically triggered by your disclosures or the nature of your application. 

If fingerprinting is required, you will use a Live Scan service provider approved by the Michigan State Police. Costs typically range from $20 to $77, depending on the provider. Over 80% of background checks are completed within 48 hours of fingerprinting, though some can take up to 30 days. FBI-related ones can take up to six weeks.

The bottom line: The most important step isn’t fingerprinting, it’s honest disclosure. Michigan's system is built around what you report and whether it reflects good moral character, not just a database check.

What Michigan Changed in 2020, and Why It Matters

In late 2020, Michigan passed legislation that significantly redefined how criminal history is weighed in professional licensing decisions. Under the updated law (Occupational Code, MCL 339), only certain serious offenses can prevent someone from obtaining a professional license, such as a real estate salesperson license.

Specifically, the law states that a licensing board or agency shall not, by itself, treat a criminal conviction as conclusive proof that an applicant lacks good moral character. LARA must evaluate whether:

• The offense has a direct and specific relationship to the duties of a real estate licensee
• The conviction demonstrates risk to public safety
• The applicant has demonstrated rehabilitation

There’s one categorical exception. Michigan law states that LARA shall not issue a broker's license to a new applicant whose criminal history includes embezzlement or misappropriation of funds. Other than that, no conviction is an automatic disqualifier. LARA must review your specific circumstances.

A Criminal Record Does Not Mean Automatic Denial

Michigan's approach to criminal history in real estate licensing is case by case. When LARA reviews an application with a disclosed offense, it considers:

• Whether the crime is directly related to the real estate profession
• The seriousness and how recent the offense was
• Evidence of rehabilitation (completed programs, letters of support, stable employment history)
• Whether issuing a license would create a risk to the public

For example, a DUI on your record does not automatically disqualify you. LARA will look at whether you are a recent offender, a repeat offender, or if the offense rose to felony level. Misdemeanors unrelated to financial crimes or fraud are often treated differently than offenses involving dishonesty or breach of trust.

LARA is really evaluating whether you answered honestly, if the offense is reasonably related to the profession, and if you can demonstrate you have moved forward responsibly.

What happens if I don't disclose a criminal record on my Michigan real estate application?

If the MiPLUS application asks about criminal or civil judgments, disclose them. Providing context and documentation is much easier to resolve than leaving it out and raising concerns about honesty. Non-disclosure can result in denial, not for the offense itself, but for the integrity concern it creates.

When disclosing, be factual and brief. Include:

• What happened and when
• The outcome (disposition, sentence, completion of any probation or program)
• What has changed since then

Gather your court records before you begin the application so you’re ready to upload documents if MiPLUS requests them.

Request a Preliminary Determination Before You Invest Time and Money

Michigan gives applicants a valuable option, a Good Moral Character Preliminary Determination request through MiPLUS. This lets LARA review your disclosed history before you complete your pre-licensing course, sit for the exam, or pay additional fees.

To request one, submit your court documentation and a written explanation through MiPLUS. LARA will make an initial assessment if your history would likely result in denial.

Two important conditions:

1. The preliminary determination is based only on the documents you provide, it’s not a full investigation.
2. It’s not binding and doesn’t guarantee approval.

That said, if you have a meaningful prior offense and are genuinely unsure if it could block your license, requesting this review first is the smartest thing to do. It takes weeks, not months, and can save you thousands of dollars in course and exam fees.

How to Request a Preliminary Determination:

1. Download the Form: Access the "Good Moral Character Preliminary Determination" request via the LARA MiPLUS portal.
2. Compile Documentation: Gather all court records, police reports, and a written explanation of the circumstances surrounding any past offenses.
3. Submit via MiPLUS: Upload your documents and pay the non-refundable $45.00 fee.
4. Await Review: LARA typically issues a determination within 45 days of receiving a complete request.

What Happens If Fingerprinting Is Triggered

If LARA requires fingerprinting as part of your application:

1. You’ll receive instructions from MiPLUS (watch your email closely after submitting).
2. Locate a Live Scan fingerprinting provider authorized by the Michigan State Police.
3. Bring the Live Scan Fingerprint Background Check Request form from LARA (provided via MiPLUS).
4. Pay the combined state/FBI search fee and any vendor service fee, total typically ranges from $20 to $77.
5. The provider electronically sends your prints to the Michigan State Police.

Keep a copy of your form and receipt. Processing usually takes about 48 hours, but some background checks, especially those involving FBI database matching, can take up to six weeks. A longer wait doesn't necessarily mean there’s a problem.

Smart Steps Before You Apply

Review your own record first. If you have a prior criminal case, civil judgment, or disciplinary issue, pull the court records before beginning your application. That way, if MiPLUS asks for supporting documents, you are ready to upload them immediately.

Request a preliminary moral character determination if needed. If you’re not sure if your history could affect your application, use this option before spending money on courses and exams.

Use MiPLUS carefully. Keep your profile information accurate and check your email. Outstanding-item notifications and fingerprint instructions are sent through the system, missing them creates delays that are avoidable.

Consult a licensing attorney if your situation is complex. For felony convictions, fraud-related charges, or prior disciplinary actions in another state, legal guidance before applying is worth the cost.

Final Thoughts

Don’t stress about the Michigan real estate background check, but be prepared for it. The process is built around honesty, good moral character disclosures, and documentation, not just a pass/fail database check. The 2020 legislative reform further ensures that most past offenses are evaluated on their own merits, not used as automatic denials.

The path forward is simple. Be honest, respond quickly, keep an eye on your MiPLUS notifications, and use the preliminary determination option if you’re unsure. This approach helps you move through the Michigan licensing process with fewer surprises.