Michigan licenses nail technicians as manicurists through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) under the Michigan Board of Cosmetology. You need a Michigan manicurist license to legally perform manicures, pedicures, artificial nail application, and other nail services for compensation anywhere in Michigan.
Michigan requires 600 hours of approved training (or a 6-month apprenticeship) plus written and practical exams administered through PSI Services. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $225. Most people complete the full process in 4 to 6 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Michigan Nail Technician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Manicurist |
| Governing Agency | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) |
| Board | Michigan Board of Cosmetology |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 9th grade completion or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a LARA-licensed school OR 6-month apprenticeship (480 hours)* |
| State Board Exam | NBCP written + practical exam (administered by PSI) |
| Passing Score | 70% (written) / 75% (practical) |
| Exam Fee | $161 (paid to PSI) |
| License Application Fee | $63 (includes 2-year license) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$225 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (August 31 expiration) |
| Renewal Fee | $48 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | michigan.gov/miplus |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To pursue a manicurist license in Michigan, you must be at least 17 years old, have completed a 9th-grade education or equivalent, and be of good moral character.
The good moral character requirement does not automatically disqualify applicants with criminal history. If you have had a judgment of guilt in a criminal proceeding, you may still qualify if you can demonstrate rehabilitation or if the offense is not reasonably related to manicuring services.
Step 2: Complete Your Training Requirements
Michigan offers two pathways to meet the training requirement:
Option 1: Cosmetology School (600 hours)
Complete a 600-hour course of study at a LARA-licensed school of cosmetology. Full-time programs typically take 4 to 6 months. The curriculum must include a minimum of theory courses and practical coursework covering:
*Note: The 600-hour requirement applies to individuals who begin training on or after July 1, 2024 per 2024 Act 78. If you started training before this date, the previous 400-hour requirement (145 hours theory + 205 hours practical) still applies.
- Manicuring and pedicuring techniques
- Nail anatomy, disorders, and conditions
- Artificial nail application (tips, wraps, acrylics, gels)
- Sanitation and infection control
- Laws and rules
- Personal hygiene
- Salon management
- Artistic principles
Option 2: Apprenticeship (6 Months / 480 hours)
Complete a 6-month apprenticeship (minimum 480 hours) in a licensed cosmetology establishment where manicuring services are offered. The supervising practitioner must have held their license for at least 3 years. Apprenticeship requirements include instruction in all areas outlined in the school curriculum, monthly timesheet reporting to LARA, exams every 3 months by the supervising licensee, and an average of not less than 80 hours of instruction per month.
Distance Education: Per 2021 rules, distance education is permitted for theory hours if the instructor is trained in the modality and technology verifies student identity.
Important: After completing your apprenticeship, you must take the manicurist examination and cannot work again until you have received your manicurist license.
Michigan’s 400-hour requirement is around the national average. See how all states compare in our nail technician license requirements by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
After completing your training, you must pass both the written (theory) exam and practical exam. Michigan uses the National Barber Cosmetology Program (NBCP) examination administered by PSI Services.
Once LARA confirms your eligibility (after reviewing your school completion or apprenticeship documentation), you will receive an approval letter to schedule your exams. Register through PSI Exam Online or call 855-579-4635.
Exam fees (paid to PSI): $161 total for both exams.
Written (Theory) Exam: Computer-based with 100 multiple-choice questions. You have 2 hours to complete the exam. Topics include sanitation and infection control, nail anatomy and disorders, manicuring and pedicuring procedures, artificial nail application, product chemistry, and Michigan laws. A passing score of 70% is required.
Practical Exam: You will demonstrate hands-on skills including filing nails, cleaning under free edges, removing polish, sanitation procedures, nail tip application, and nail wrap application. All tasks must be performed in the order listed. A passing score of 75% is required.
Same-Day Licensing: If you meet all licensure eligibility requirements after passing the theory portion, you may receive a temporary license at the PSI Exam Center. Your final license will be mailed within seven days of passing. With this temporary license, you can begin working immediately as a licensed manicurist in Michigan.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
Submit your licensure application online through the MiPLUS portal where you will also pay your licensing fees. The application fee is $63 (includes 2-year license fee). Any additional documentation must be mailed to LARA at Bureau of Commercial Services, Licensing Division, Cosmetology, P.O. Box 30244, Lansing, MI 48909.
License Renewal
Michigan manicurist licenses expire biennially on August 31st. Renewal notices are mailed approximately 60 days before expiration. The renewal fee is $48, payable online only through the MiPLUS portal.
Michigan does not require continuing education for manicurist license renewal. You simply complete the online renewal attestation certifying you have met all requirements.
Late Renewal: If you renew late, LARA assesses an additional $20 late fee. If you fail to renew online and/or fail to meet all renewal requirements by the expiration date, you cannot legally practice and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Relicensure (Lapsed License): If your license has lapsed for more than 3 years, you may need to pass the examinations or establish that you held an active license in good standing elsewhere within the preceding 3 years.
Transferring an Out-of-State Nail Technician License to Michigan
Michigan offers license reciprocity (endorsement) for manicurists licensed in other states. To qualify, you must hold an active license in good standing from a state with licensing requirements that are substantially equal to Michigan’s 400-hour standard.
You must provide verification of licensure sent directly to LARA from your current state’s licensing agency (email to bpldata@michigan.gov or mail to Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909).
Work Experience Credit: If your previous state has lower hour requirements, Michigan credits 100 hours of training for every 6 months of licensed work experience. Complete the Verification of Work Experience form if applicable.
Michigan evaluates each reciprocity applicant individually. If your original state’s requirements are not substantially equivalent to Michigan’s, you may be required to take additional training or pass Michigan’s exams.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Michigan provides comprehensive licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants through legislation signed by Governor Whitmer on June 9, 2021:
License Without Examination: LARA must issue a manicurist license without examination to individuals who are members of the Armed Forces, uniformed services, veterans, or dependents of any of these, and who hold a valid license in that occupation from another state.
Temporary 6-Month Licenses for Military Spouses: Military spouses stationed in Michigan can receive a temporary 6-month license if they hold an out-of-state license in good standing and provide proof of their spouse’s active duty assignment to Michigan. Renewable for one additional 6-month term.
Fee Waivers: Michigan waives the initial license and application processing fees for veterans (with DD214/DD215), active servicemembers, and their dependents.
Expedited Processing: LARA commits to processing completed licensing applications from military families within 48 hours.
What Can You Do with a Michigan Manicurist License?
A Michigan manicurist license authorizes you to perform:
- Manicures (cleansing, filing, shaping, buffing, polishing nails of hands)
- Pedicures (cleansing, filing, shaping, buffing, polishing nails of feet)
- Cleansing, massaging, stimulating, and beautifying the skin of hands, arms, and feet
- Repair of nails
- Creation and decoration of artificial nails (tips, acrylics, gels, wraps)
Manicurists in Michigan must work in a licensed establishment. If you want to open your own nail salon, you will need a separate establishment license from LARA.
A manicurist license does not authorize you to perform hair services or skincare services beyond the hands, arms, and feet. If you want a broader scope of practice, consider a cosmetology license (1,500 hours) which includes all nail services plus hair and skin care.
Becoming a Nail Instructor in Michigan
To become a manicurist limited specialist instructor in Michigan, you must hold a valid Michigan manicurist license, have graduated from high school or obtained an equivalent diploma, complete 300 hours of instructor training at a licensed school of cosmetology, and pass the state instructor examination administered by PSI Services.
Michigan Nail Technician Salary
According to BLS data, nail technicians in Michigan earn a median annual salary of approximately $25,000 to $30,000. Earnings vary significantly based on location (Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor areas tend to pay higher), specialization (nail art, enhancements), experience, and whether you work as an employee or rent a booth. Tips typically add 20% to 30% to base compensation, so actual take-home pay is often higher than reported figures.
Employment for nail technicians in Michigan is projected to grow approximately 13% by 2026, faster than average.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a nail technician license in Michigan?
Most people complete the process in 4 to 7 months. A full-time 600-hour training program typically takes 4 to 6 months. The 6-month apprenticeship pathway takes the full 6 months. After completing training, exam scheduling and license processing add another 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a nail technician license in Michigan?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $225: $161 in exam fees paid to PSI and $63 application fee paid to LARA. Tuition at Michigan nail programs typically ranges from $4,000 to $10,000 (higher with the increased hour requirement).
Does Michigan require continuing education to renew a manicurist license?
No. Michigan does not require any continuing education hours for manicurist license renewal. You simply pay the $48 renewal fee and complete the online attestation every two years by August 31st.
Can I transfer my out-of-state nail technician license to Michigan?
Yes, through reciprocity. Your original state must have substantially equivalent requirements to Michigan’s 600-hour standard (400 hours for those who started training before July 1, 2024). If your state had fewer hours, Michigan credits 100 hours of training for every 6 months of licensed work experience. If requirements are not equivalent, you may need to pass Michigan’s exams.
Does Michigan offer an apprenticeship pathway for nail technicians?
Yes. Michigan offers a 6-month apprenticeship (minimum 480 hours) in a licensed cosmetology establishment where manicuring services are offered. After completing the apprenticeship, you must still pass the state board exams before you can work as a licensed manicurist.
Can I get my license the same day I pass my exams?
Yes. If you meet all licensure requirements after passing the theory portion of the exam, you may receive a temporary license at the PSI Exam Center. You can begin working immediately as a licensed manicurist. Your final license will be mailed within seven days.
Can a cosmetologist do nail services in Michigan?
Yes. A Michigan cosmetology license includes authorization to perform all manicuring services. Cosmetologists do not need a separate manicurist license.
How do I verify a Michigan manicurist license?
Use the LARA license verification portal at michigan.gov/lara to search for licensed professionals and establishments. You can verify license status and check for any disciplinary actions on record.
For a comparison of nail technician licensing requirements across all states, see our complete nail technician license guide.
Official Resources
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Bureau of Professional Licensing
PO Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 241-0199
Email: bpldata@michigan.gov
Website: michigan.gov/lara
Apply for a License (MiPLUS Portal):
michigan.gov/miplus
Manicurist Licensing Guide:
Michigan Manicurist Licensing Guide
Limited Cosmetology License Requirements:
LARA Limited Cosmetology Licenses
Exam Registration (PSI):
PSI Exams
Phone: 855-579-4635
License Verification:
LARA License Verification Portal