How to Search Michigan Professional Licenses (Start Here)
Professional and occupational licenses in Michigan are issued by state licensing boards, each profession has its own board with its own search tool. There is no single database of all licenses in Michigan.
What this page covers: Michigan professional license verification databases, medical, legal, real estate, contractor, financial, and other regulated professions. What it does not cover: Business entity filings (those are with the Secretary of State) or association memberships (those are private organizations).
Where to start: Identify the profession, then go to the specific licensing board for Michigan. For attorneys, go to the state bar. For doctors, the medical board. For contractors, the contractor licensing authority. The databases below are organized by profession.
Common mistake: A professional license and a business registration are different. A license authorizes a person to practice a profession. A business registration authorizes a company to operate. They are filed with different agencies.
Central licensing portal
Medical board (MD)
Nursing board
Insurance licensing
To receive and maintain a license in Michigan
Contractor licensing
Population
10,140,459
Households
4,023,700
Median Income
$68,505
Median Home Value
$199,100
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by Sam Rokni, Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: Michigan professional & occupational licenses URL verified against the official state publisher at www.michigan.gov on the review date. 4 primary .gov sources cited below.
Michigan Professional & Occupational Licenses, Key Facts (2026)
Doctors, lawyers, contractors, nurses, real estate agents in Michigan, who's licensed and how to verify in 2026.
State-only
License jurisdiction
Not federal
~22%
U.S. workforce licensed
Up from 5% in 1950
1,100+
Licensed occupations
NCSL national database
Free
Official verification
Never pay 3rd parties
Compacts
Cross-state reciprocity
Nursing/medical/PT
Active license
100%
Continuing-ed current
70%
No disciplinary actions
30%
No complaint history
20%
Criminal background
10%
Unit: % verified by 'active license' alone.
What Changed in 2026, Michigan Professional & Occupational Licenses
2026
Michigan professional & occupational licenses portal active
The official Michigan portal at www.michigan.gov continues to serve as the canonical entry point for professional & occupational licenses in 2026.
2026
Latest federal complement for professional & occupational licenses
The NCSL National Occupational Licensing Database at www.ncsl.org provides federal-level context that complements Michigan state records.
2026
Michigan access in 2026
For 2026, Michigan continues to publish professional & occupational licenses information through state-authorized portals; check www.michigan.gov for current fees and processing times.
2026
Federal records framework refresh
Federal record types (federal liens, federal land, federal vital statistics) continue to live OUTSIDE Michigan's state portal, see the Primary Sources below for additional official portals.
The 4-Step Michigan License Verification
1
Step 1, Identify the profession
Each occupation has its own Michigan board (medical, bar, contractor, real-estate, cosmetology, etc.).
2
Step 2, Confirm the state
Licenses are state-issued. A Michigan license is NOT automatically valid in other states (unless via compact).
3
Step 3, Use the official board lookup
Every Michigan board has a free verification tool. Never pay a third party for verification.
4
Step 4, Check disciplinary history
Active license ≠ clean record. Always check the Michigan board's disciplinary actions search.
Five Things People Get Wrong About Michigan Professional & Occupational Licenses
MYTH"You need a paid site to verify a license."
FACTEvery licensing board runs a free lookup, that's the primary source. Paid sites resell the same data, sometimes stale.
MYTH"A clean lookup means no complaints ever."
FACTBoard lookups show public discipline, formal actions. Complaints that closed without action typically never appear.
MYTH"A license only works in the state that issued it."
FACTCompacts changed that: nursing (NLC), medicine (IMLC), and others let one license or an expedited pathway cover many states. Check the compact map.
MYTH"There's one national license database."
FACTLicensing is state-by-state, board-by-board. A nurse, a contractor, and a barber in Michigan are verified in three different systems.
MYTH"Inactive means revoked."
FACTInactive usually means not currently practicing, retired, lapsed, or paused. Revoked is a discipline status, and boards label the difference.
Primary Sources and Official Record Portals
- www.michigan.gov, Official Michigan Professional & Occupational Licenses , State portal for Michigan professional & occupational licenses
- NCSL National Occupational Licensing Database , All-state licensing database
- USA.gov, Licenses & Permits , Federal licensing portal
- DOL Occupational Licensing , Dept of Labor licensing resources
- FTC Licensing Reports , FTC licensing economic analysis
- Minneapolis Fed, Licensure Data , Workforce licensure trends
- CLEAR Licensing Dashboard , Licensure regulation dashboard
Related Licenses Resources
📍 Other Michigan records:
- Michigan Court Records →
- Michigan Criminal Records →
- Michigan Property Records →
- Michigan Vital Records →
- Michigan Voter Records →
- Michigan Wants & Warrants →
- Michigan Recorded Documents →
🇺🇸 Licenses in other states:
- Alaska
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
National: U.S. Licenses hub →
Related Public Records
More Michigan records: Court records · Criminal records · Wants & warrants · Property records · Vital records · Voter records · Recorded docs
National view of this topic: All states: Licenses
Licenses Databases
25 official Michigan licenses sources.
Licenses
MICHIGAN ACUPUNCTURIST LICENSING GUIDE
Official Free
Permit and license lookups for Michigan run through here. Confirm details with the official license and permit office before relying on them.
Adult Foster Care (AFC) & Homes for the Aged (HFA)
Official Free
Information on Adult Protective Services, Independent Living Services, Adult Community Placement Services, and HIV/AIDS Support Services. Aging, Community Living and Supports Bureau (ACLS Bureau). Information on child support services for participants and partners. Programs for healthy children & families, including immunization, lead poisoning prevention, prenatal smoking cessation, and many others. Information on the Children's Foster Care program and becoming a Foster Parent.
MI | ASC gov
Official Free
License and permit records for Michigan, issued credentials and active-status checks. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official license and permit office.
🌐 asc.gov
Asbestos
Official Free
This website may be used to search for currently accredited individuals, licensed contractors, and certified training providers. You may also search asbestos abatement projects scheduled in the state of Michigan and in-state asbestos training courses being offered by asbestos training providers approved to teach in the state of Michigan.
Printed Attorney Directory Now Available
Official Free
For those who prefer the convenience of a printed book, the State Bar of Michigan’s 2025 Directory of Michigan Attorneys is a must-have for your office.
State of Michigan - DIFS Locators
Official Free
Permit and license lookups for Michigan run through here. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official license and permit office.
STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF LIFELONG EDUCATION, ADVANCEMENT, AND POTENTIAL
Official Free
LANDMARK BUILDING • 105 W. ALLEGAN STREET • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48933. I. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION. On 4/8/25, I conducted an onsite inspection at the camp facility with Ms.
Charities: Disclaimer
Official Free
a registered charity, public safety organization (police or fire group), or professional fundraiser by name, EIN, or Attorney General file number. a list of charities by purpose, geographical area, or combination of factors. After your search returns one or more charities or public safety groups, you may click on the organization name for a summary of information from our database for that organization.
Child Care Licensing | MiLEAP
Official Free
For questions or additional information, email us at mileap-cclb-filterfirst@michigan.gov. to view Filter First resources for schools and child care centers. The new Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) Child Care Hub Information Records Portal (CCHIRP) system has launched. This new system provides an enhanced experience for managing licenses and simplifying the way you communicate information with MiLEAP and the State of Michigan.
Statewide Detail for Licensed Child Welfare Agencies
Official Free
License and permit records for Michigan, issued credentials and active-status checks. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
MDARD - Grain Dealers
Official Free
Permit and license lookups for Michigan run through here. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official license and permit office.
Active/Escrow License Search - MLCC AIMS - State of Michigan
Official Free
Michigan Liquor Control Commission · × · Some text in the modal.
LEO - FDA's MQSA EQUIP Initiative for Mammography Facilities (posted 11/10/2016)
Official Free
Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer. Since the quality of mammograms is one of the most important determinants of the accuracy of mammography, the production of high quality clinical images by certified mammography facilities is one of the primary goals of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).
Notary application
Official Free
A notary public is an officer commissioned by the Michigan Secretary of State to serve as an unbiased and impartial witness on business, public and other documents. The most common function of the notary is to prevent fraud by attesting to the identity of a person signing a document. A notarization.
1 IC4175 (Revised Mar. 2024) Department of Natural Resources, Forest
Official Free
NURSERIES · This is a directory of Michigan nurseries sell seedlings for forestry and wildlife · plantings. The list is organized by region, but all nurseries ship statewide. The · DNR Wyman Nursery grows for state land only. The J. W. Toumey Nursery · primarily grows seedlings for U.S.
MDARD - Pesticide Applicator Certification
Official Free
Individuals who apply pesticides for agricultural or commercial purposes in Michigan may be required to become certified or registered with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). To be awarded a certification or registration credential by MDARD, applicators must apply for the credential and pass exam(s) to demonstrate their knowledge of responsible and legal pesticide use.
Licensing & Permits
Official Free
Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau. Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules Go to Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules · Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules. I Need to. Go to I Need to. Start a Business, File Annual.
Chapter 5: Distressed Vehicles Page 1 Revised March 2026 Chapter 5
Official Free
Salvage Vehicle Inspector. After reviewing the documents, the inspector · will schedule a vehicle inspection. The inspector will ensure that: 1) The VINs and the parts identification numbers are correct. 2) The applicant has proof of ownership of repair parts used. 3) vehicle complies with the vehicle standards of the Code.
Michigan Online Educator Certification System
Official Free
The Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) is a secure web-based system that allows educators to register and create private accounts and have access to all of their certification data, apply for certificates and endorsements, and renew their certificates.
michigan mortuary science licensee licensing guide
Official Free
Regulatory Affairs (LARA) regulates the practice of mortuary science in Michigan. Before you can be · eligible for licensure, you must meet certain training requirements, pass a national examination, and · pass a state board examination. The national examination is offered through The International · Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.
Lobby Search
Official Free
Permit and license lookups for Michigan run through here. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
Scheduled Maintenance
Official Free
The website you are attempting to reach is temporarily unavailable due to scheduled maintenance · We apologize for any inconvenience
Occupational Focus: Nurse Practitioners
Official Free
In 2024, there were approximately 7,900 Nurse practitioners in Michigan representing 0.2 percent of the state’s total employment. Nationally, this occupation accounted for 307,390 workers, also making up 0.2 percent of overall U.S. employment. The median hourly wage for Nurse practitioners in Michigan was $60.40 per hour.
Electrical Division
Official Free
Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer. The Electrical Section is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Michigan Electrical Code and the electrical provisions of the Michigan Residential Code by conducting inspections of electrical wiring and installations.
Communication Corporation of Michigan - MPSC - ITSP Search
Official Free
These companies have registered with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) per Commission Order U-11900 and Sec. 211a of the Michigan Telecommunications Act (MTA)
Michigan Counties
83 Michigan counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net, top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Which Michigan counties publish local licensing online
16 of Michigan's 83 counties run their own online source for local licensing, based on what this directory indexes. Every other county is covered by the statewide systems listed above, click a county for its full records page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I verify a Michigan professional license?▼
Most Michigan professional and occupational licenses (medical, legal, contracting, real estate, cosmetology, etc.) can be verified through the Official Michigan Professional & Occupational Licenses at www.michigan.gov. Look for the 'License Lookup' or 'Verify a Licensee' tool, searches are typically by name or license number and return active/inactive status.
How do I apply for a Michigan business license?▼
Michigan business licensing combines state, county, and city permits depending on activity. The Official Michigan Professional & Occupational Licenses at www.michigan.gov is the primary state portal; local business-tax certificates are issued by the city or county where you operate. The federal usa.gov permits guide is a helpful starting overview.
Is a Michigan license required to work in my profession?▼
That depends on the profession. Michigan, like most states, licenses regulated occupations such as healthcare, legal, construction, real estate, cosmetology, security, and many trades. The Official Michigan Professional & Occupational Licenses publishes the full list and exemption criteria at www.michigan.gov.
How do I report a complaint against a Michigan licensee?▼
Complaints against licensed professionals in Michigan are filed with the issuing board or division under the Official Michigan Professional & Occupational Licenses. Most boards accept online complaint submissions at www.michigan.gov, plus mail-in forms. Each board reviews complaints under the standards in Michigan's occupational code.
Does Michigan recognize licenses from other states?▼
Many Michigan boards offer license-by-reciprocity, license-by-endorsement, or expedited pathways for applicants already licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction. The Official Michigan Professional & Occupational Licenses at www.michigan.gov publishes the reciprocity rules per profession; some require additional Michigan-specific exams or jurisprudence tests.