Michigan Occupational Therapist Licensing Guide

Michigan OT License Overview

Michigan has joined the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, but the state is not yet issuing or honoring compact privileges. Until Michigan begins processing privileges, travelers must obtain a Michigan-specific license through the endorsement process before practicing here.

Michigan has passed laws to join the OT Compact, but the Bureau does not expect the compact's privilege to practice process to begin in Michigan until early 2028. Until then, travel OTs and OTAs need a full Michigan license.

How to Get a Michigan OT License by Endorsement

Michigan uses an online portal endorsement process for Occupational Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $187.40 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Michigan board portal
2. Request license verification from current state (via NBCOT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification: Verification of licensure must be sent directly to Michigan BPL by the licensing agency of every state/country the applicant holds or held a license (emailed to [email protected] or mailed). NBCOT sends exam-score certification separately. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: Criminal Background Check (fingerprint-based); instructions emailed in the Application Confirmation letter after the application is submitted. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website for status updates on your application.

Michigan OT License Fees

Endorsement application and renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Michigan Temporary OT License

We have not found a temporary license option on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Michigan OT License Processing Time

Michigan Occupational Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks (per official MiPLUS guidance) to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 5 weeks (assuming perfect submission, immediate jurisprudence exam pass, and current state verification within 1 week).

Common sources of delay:

• Board processes applications in order received with no expedited pathway; applications submitted after monthly cutoff wait an additional 4-6 weeks
• Jurisprudence exam requirement must be completed and passed before board can issue license; delays occur if applicant fails on first attempt
• Out-of-state license verification through NBCOT or direct board contact can take 2-3 weeks if prior state board is slow to respond
• You must have completed at least 2 hours of implicit bias training in the 5 years before your Michigan license is issued

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

Michigan OT Continuing Education

Michigan requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Occupational Therapist license renewal.

• Mandatory topics: implicit bias training (at least 1 hour for each year of the license cycle)

Michigan OT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $165.40 via Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs portal
• Renewal timing: Based on initial licensure issuance date.
• CE topics: implicit bias training (at least 1 hour for each year of the license cycle)
• Renewal window: Renewal may be filed no sooner than 90 days prior to the license expiration date; renewal postcard/email sent ~90 business days before expiration.

Michigan Licensing Board and Resources

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (517) 241-0199

Email: [email protected]