To meet Michigan’s esthetician license requirements, you need to be at least 17 years old with the equivalent of a ninth-grade education, complete 400 hours of training at a licensed cosmetology school (or a six-month apprenticeship), pass a two-part exam administered by PSI, and submit an application to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) with a combined application and two-year license fee of $63.1State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Michigan Esthetician Licensing Guide
Who Qualifies to Apply
You must be at least 17 at the time you apply. The education floor is lower than most people assume: Michigan asks for the equivalent of a ninth-grade education, not a high school diploma or GED.1State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Michigan Esthetician Licensing Guide
The application asks about felony convictions, and LARA applies a “good moral character” standard. A record does not automatically disqualify you. LARA weighs each applicant individually, looking at whether the offense relates to esthetics work, how long ago it happened, and any evidence of rehabilitation. If you have a conviction and want to know where you stand before paying for school, you can request a preliminary determination from LARA for an informal read on your record.2State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Encouraging Returning Citizens Through Workforce Opportunities
Training Hours
You need at least 400 hours of training at a licensed school of cosmetology. The curriculum covers skin care techniques, sanitation protocols, and Michigan laws governing esthetics.1State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Michigan Esthetician Licensing Guide
Instead of classroom training, you can complete an apprenticeship of at least six months in a licensed cosmetology establishment that offers skin care services.1State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Michigan Esthetician Licensing Guide
Passing the Licensing Exam
The order here surprises people. You apply to LARA through its MiPLUS portal first. Only after LARA determines you’re eligible can you register with PSI Services, which administers Michigan’s esthetician examination.3PSI licensure:certification. Michigan Esthetician Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
The exam has two sections. The written theory portion covers skin care knowledge, safety, and sanitation. The practical portion asks you to demonstrate hands-on esthetic techniques. You must pass both. The combined exam fee is $144, paid to PSI. A retake of a single section costs $85.3PSI licensure:certification. Michigan Esthetician Examination Candidate Information Bulletin
Submitting the Application
Once you’ve completed training and passed both exam sections, you submit your license application through MiPLUS. The combined application and two-year license fee is $63, payable by Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.1State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Michigan Esthetician Licensing Guide
You’ll provide proof of identity, verification of your completed training hours from your school or apprenticeship program, and your exam results. LARA reviews the submission and you can track status through MiPLUS.
If You’re Already Licensed in Another State
Michigan offers a reciprocity pathway for estheticians who hold a current license elsewhere. You don’t repeat training or retake the exam, provided your existing credentials meet Michigan’s standards. The application fee is still $63.1State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Michigan Esthetician Licensing Guide
The documentation to watch is verification of licensure. It must be sent directly from your current state’s licensing agency to LARA; you can’t hand-carry it. Verification can be emailed to LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing or mailed to its Lansing office. If you trained out of state but aren’t currently licensed, you’ll send official transcripts directly from your school instead. Training that falls short of Michigan’s 400-hour minimum may trigger additional coursework or testing.1State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Michigan Esthetician Licensing Guide
Keeping the License Active
Your esthetician license runs for two years. Renewal goes through MiPLUS and costs $48.4Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. License Renewal Fees LARA sends renewal notices before expiration, but don’t lean on the reminder.
Each renewal cycle requires at least one hour of continuing education in safety, sanitation, and infection control. Approved courses come through professional organizations and educational institutions. Hold onto your completion records. LARA runs random compliance audits and you’ll need to prove you finished the coursework if you’re pulled.
Opening a Shop Is a Separate License
One point worth flagging before you plan next steps: your personal esthetician license lets you work on clients, but it does not let you open a business. Running your own shop, studio, or salon suite requires a separate cosmetology establishment license, with its own application, fee ($75 initial, $50 to renew every two years), floor plan, and a state inspection before you can serve anyone on the premises.5Michigan.gov. Michigan Cosmetology Establishment Licensing Guide