How to get a real estate license in Grand Rapids, MI
There is no separate Grand Rapids real estate license. Agents in Grand Rapids hold a Michigan salesperson license from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), the same as everywhere else in the state. Here is what that means locally, with the full steps in the Michigan guide.
The Michigan steps at a glance
- Meet the basics
- Take 40 hours of prelicensure education
- Apply in MiPLUS
- Pass the PSI exam
- Add your employing broker
Full Michigan guide · Renewal and CE rules
Grand Rapids by the numbers
- Active licensees
- 1,596
- Brokers
- 113
- Associate brokers
- 417
- Salespersons
- 1,066
- Licensed broker companies
- 303
- First licensed in the last 12 months
- 127
Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) real estate licensee list (public record), as of October 23, 2026. Counted by the city and ZIP code of the address on file with the state (county from the ZIP code, using Census 2020 ZIP areas). Active means an active license.
Picking a brokerage in Grand Rapids
The Michigan guide explains when you need to work under a broker. Many new agents talk to a few local offices before they decide. These franchise offices list an address in Grand Rapids.
Offices in Grand Rapids
3 real estate franchise offices list an address in Grand Rapids: 2 Century 21 and 1 Coldwell Banker.
- CENTURY 21 Affiliated 2090 Celebration Drive NE, 49525 (616) 369-4040 · Office site
- CENTURY 21 Circle 300 Ottawa Avenue NW, 5th Floor, 49503 (616) 655-1530 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors 4488 Cascade Rd SE, 49546 (616) 957-1680 · Office site
Source: All The Places (CC-0), from each brand's public office locator, as of October 18, 2026. Not affiliated and not a recommendation; confirm details with the office.
Agents and offices in Grand Rapids
Questions
Do I need a separate license to sell real estate in Grand Rapids?
Not for the real estate license itself: the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) issues it and it covers all of Michigan. The city may have its own business license rules, so check with the city.
Where do I take the course if I live in Grand Rapids?
Any school approved by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) works, in a classroom or online where the state allows it. Check the approval before you pay.
Nearby city guides: Sparta · Rockford · East Grand Rapids · Ada · Caledonia · Wyoming · Byron Center · Grandville
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source.
Licensed already?
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