Michigan does not reduce neatly to one generic “mortician license” checklist. Michigan’s page is especially useful for fees and renewal timing, while the detailed education/exam route lives in LARA’s mortuary science license guide and linked trainee materials. Start by choosing the license type that matches the work you want to do, then verify the current application packet with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Licensing rules can change. Treat this page as a planning guide, not legal advice. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is the final authority.
Quick Answer
Michigan licenses the practice of mortuary science, defined as embalming, funeral directing, or both. Use the LARA mortuary science page for MiCLEAR application and renewal, current fees, resident trainee details, administrative rules, and license verification.
Which Michigan License Do You Need?
| Likely license | Who it fits | Education signal | Supervised-work signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortuary Science Licensee | People practicing mortuary science in Michigan, including embalming, funeral directing, or both. | LARA links a separate mortuary science license page and licensing guide; verify current education and exam requirements in that guide before applying. | Michigan uses a resident trainee category; LARA links resident trainee reports and FAQs. |
| Resident Trainee | People completing Michigan supervised training before full mortuary science licensure. | Verify current trainee eligibility with LARA before starting supervised work. | Resident trainee status is the supervised training route. |
Michigan License Paths
Mortuary Science Licensee
Who this is for: People practicing mortuary science in Michigan, including embalming, funeral directing, or both.
Education: LARA links a separate mortuary science license page and licensing guide; verify current education and exam requirements in that guide before applying.
Exams: Michigan mortuary science examination; National Board Exam components as required by the licensing guide.
Supervised work: Michigan uses a resident trainee category; LARA links resident trainee reports and FAQs.
Cases or reports: Resident trainee reports are handled through LARA’s mortuary science resources.
Fees and renewal: Initial fee is $250 through September 30, 2025, then $325 beginning October 1, 2025. Mortuary Science Licensee renewal is $230 through September 30, 2025, then $305 beginning October 1, 2025; renewal is on October 31 of odd-numbered years.
Planning note: LARA warns about fraudulent emails impersonating officials; verify communications through official Michigan.gov/LARA channels.
Resident Trainee
Who this is for: People completing Michigan supervised training before full mortuary science licensure.
Education: Verify current trainee eligibility with LARA before starting supervised work.
Exams: Exam requirements apply before full mortuary science licensure.
Supervised work: Resident trainee status is the supervised training route.
Cases or reports: Use LARA’s resident trainee report and FAQ resources.
Fees and renewal: Initial resident trainee fee is $45; annual renewal is $30. Resident trainee renews every year on January 31.
Planning note: Trainee status and reports should be set up before relying on supervised work for licensure.
What Can Delay Your Michigan License?
- Michigan does not use the same license labels as many states; the core individual credential is a mortuary science license.
- Fee amounts changed beginning October 1, 2025, so old school handouts may be stale.
- Resident trainee renewal is annual on January 31, while full mortuary science renewal is tied to October 31 of odd-numbered years.
Official Michigan Links
- Official LARA mortuary science page with fees, renewal, rules, MiCLEAR, and lookup links.
- Official licensing guide identified by search-layer.
- Resident trainee report and FAQ page.
- State license fee statute.
Plan Your Next Step
If you are still choosing a school or deciding whether this state is worth the move, model the time and money path before you apply:
- Compare mortuary schools - tuition, completion, and program fit
- Run the ROI Calculator - tuition, lost income, and payback timing
- Check Michigan salary data - state wage context before committing
- View the Market Map - compare Michigan with nearby states
- Back to license requirements by state - compare rules before relocating
Sources and Method
This page was rebuilt from official Michigan board, state agency, statute, rule, application, fee, and lookup sources found with AnySearch, search-layer, and direct source extraction. Source notes are stored in data_sources/licensing/state-licensing-sources.json; structured facts are stored in data_sources/licensing/state-licensing-requirements.json.