Michigan Medical License

Table Of Content

Eligibility Requirements

Education
•Graduate from an accredited medical (MD) or osteopathic (DO) school.
• International graduates must hold ECFMG certification if trained outside the U.S. or Canada.
Postgraduate Training
• Complete two years of approved postgraduate training in an ACGME- or AOA-accredited program.
• In specific cases, the Michigan Board may consider equivalent professional experience.
Good Moral Character
• Applicants must meet Michigan’s Good Moral Character (GMC) standards under state law.
Examination Requirements
• Pass a Board-approved exam (USMLE, COMLEX-USA, or equivalent).
• All exam attempts and timelines must comply with Michigan Board rules.

Application Process

Apply online through the Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing (MiPLUS) portal.
Select the appropriate application type:
• Full License by Examination
• Full License by Endorsement (expedited)
• Educational Limited License (training license)
Submit Required Documentation:
• Medical school diploma and transcript
• ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
• Postgraduate training verification
• Exam score reports (USMLE/COMLEX)
• Professional recommendation letters
• Proof of licensure in another state (for expedited applicants)
Complete Fingerprinting & Background Check:
• Must complete ICHAT (Michigan) and FBI fingerprints.
Board Review:
• The Michigan Board reviews and verifies all documents before issuing the license.

Special / Limited Licenses

Educational Limited License (ELL)
• For residents or fellows in Michigan training programs after acceptance into an ACGME/AOA-accredited program.
Temporary / Teaching License
• For physicians visiting Michigan to teach, supervise, research, or provide specialized services under institutional sponsorship.
Volunteer License
• Allows qualified physicians to offer free/charity care in approved programs.

Continuing Education Requirements

Physicians must complete 150 CME hours every 3 years.
– Minimum 75 hours Category 1 CME.

Mandatory Topics Include:
•3 hours Pain Management & Palliative Care
• 1 hour Medical Ethics
• 2 hours Human Trafficking Training
• 3 hours Opioids/Controlled Substance-specific CME (only if holding a Controlled Substance License)

Expiration & Renewal

Licenses follow a triennial (3-year) renewal cycle.
Renew using the MiPLUS online system.
Physicians must attest to CME completion; proof is required only if audited.
Controlled Substance Licenses renew separately.

Expedited Licensure (If Already Licensed in Another State)

To qualify for expedited licensing in Michigan, applicants must:

Have practiced for at least 3 years in the U.S. or Canada.
Hold a current unrestricted medical license in another state.
Have no disciplinary actions or investigations.
Hold ABMS or AOA board certification, or be ECFMG-certified (for IMGs).
Provide two professional recommendation forms from supervising physicians or department chairs who have directly evaluated clinical competence.
Complete a Michigan state and FBI criminal background check.

Processing Time

Standard processing typically takes 6–10 weeks, depending on:
– Background checks
– Training verification
– Completeness of documentation
Expedited licensure may be faster if the applicant meets the 3-year practice requirement and holds board certification.
• Delays commonly occur due to incomplete forms, pending exam verification, or fingerprint delays.

Helpful Links

Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing (MiPLUS) Portal
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl
Michigan Board of Medicine – Licensing Informationhttps://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-prof/medicine
Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgeryhttps://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-prof/osteopathic
Michigan Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA)https://www.michigan.gov/lara
CME Requirements – Michiganhttps://www.cmepassport.org/staterequirement/michigan