Life Insurance Licensing — Michigan

How to Become a Life Insurance Agent in Michigan

Everything you need to know to get your license, find your first agency, and start building a career selling life insurance in Michigan.

Regulator
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services
Exam provider
Pearson VUE
State population
10.0 million
Key markets
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren

The Michigan market

Michigan's large working-class and union-affiliated population creates steady demand for life insurance agents across term, whole life, and final expense products.

How to get licensed in Michigan

1
Complete pre-licensing education
Most states require 20–40 hours of pre-licensing coursework for the Life & Health (L&H) line. Courses are available online through providers like Kaplan, ExamFX, or StateRequirement.
2
Pass the state licensing exam
Schedule and pass your state's Life & Health insurance exam at an approved testing center. Passing scores typically range from 70–75% depending on the state.
3
Apply for your license
Submit your license application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) or your state's DOI portal. Most states complete licensing within 5–10 business days.
4
Get appointed with carriers
Once licensed, you'll need to be appointed by individual insurance carriers before selling their products. Your agency will typically handle this process.
5
Join an agency or IMO
Most life insurance agents start with an agency or IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) that provides leads, training, contracting, and back-office support.

What products can you sell?

A Life & Health license in Michigan allows you to sell:

  • Term Life Insurance
  • Whole Life Insurance
  • Universal Life (UL)
  • Indexed Universal Life (IUL)
  • Final Expense / Burial Insurance
  • Annuities
  • Health Insurance
  • Disability Income Insurance

Already licensed in Michigan? Find an agency.

Amerance Health connects licensed life insurance agents with agencies recruiting in Michigan and across the country. No job boards, no cold calls — we match you directly. Free for agents, always.

Apply now — it's free

Frequently asked questions

How do I become a licensed life insurance agent in Michigan?

Complete pre-licensing education (20–40 hours), pass the Michigan Life & Health exam at a Pearson VUE center, apply for your license through the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, then get appointed by the carriers you'll represent.

How long does it take to get licensed?

Most candidates complete the process in 3–6 weeks: 1–2 weeks of study, a few days to schedule and pass the exam, and 5–10 business days for the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services to process the application.

How much do life insurance agents earn in Michigan?

Earnings vary widely. Commission-only agents selling final expense or IUL typically earn $50,000–$120,000+ annually once established. Top producers with renewals and a strong book often earn significantly more.

Do I need a separate license for each product?

The Life & Health (L&H) line covers most life insurance products including term, whole life, IUL, final expense, and annuities. Some carriers require product-specific certifications on top of your state license.

Can I work remotely as a life insurance agent in Michigan?

Yes. Many life insurance agents operate remotely or in a hybrid model. You'll need to be licensed in every state where you sell — but your Michigan license is your starting point, and non-resident licenses are typically quick to obtain.