CPA License Renewal in Michigan (2026)

CPA license renewal in Michigan is handled by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing - Board of Accountancy, which requires Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Michigan CPA renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle24 months
Deadline ruleIndividual CPA (licensed accountant) licenses expire biennially on a fixed date of July 31 (every two years). A renewal notice is mailed about 60 days before expiration; renewal can be filed via MiPlus no sooner than 90 days before expiration. The deadline is the same fixed date for all licensees, not staggered by birth month or last name.
CE hours required80 hours
Renewal fee$200.00
Online renewalYes
Governing bodyMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing - Board of Accountancy

Go to the official Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing - Board of Accountancy renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing - Board of Accountancy. automated research workflow (official michigan Board of Accountancy), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for CPAs in Michigan

Michigan requires at least 40 hours of CPE for EACH year of the 2-year license cycle (80 hours per biennial cycle). Each year, 8 of the 40 hours must be in auditing and accounting and 2 hours must be in professional ethics, of which 1 hour must satisfy R 338.5215(1)(h) (ethics covering Michigan statutes and administrative rules). No more than 50% of required CPE may come from self-study. There is no separate state ethics exam; the ethics is satisfied via qualifying CPE. A new licensee is exempt from CPE for the first 12 months after original licensure. Out-of-state residents may instead meet the CPE rules of the state where their principal place of business is located.

Need approved hours? Compare Michigan CPA CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your CPA license in Michigan

  1. Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing - Board of Accountancy portal.
  2. Complete the required 80 CE hours.
  3. Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
  4. Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.
Good to know: Renewal is online-only via MiPlus (Visa/Mastercard/Amex/Discover or e-check); mailed or in-person payments are not accepted. Renewal is by attestation - the licensee certifies CPE compliance rather than uploading certificates at renewal, so there is no CE Broker-style centralized tracking system. No fixed late/penalty fee is published; a license that lapses must go through relicensure (2-year CPA relicensure application fee is $320, and requires 40 CPE hours completed within the 12 months immediately preceding the application). This record covers the active individual CPA LICENSE (unrestricted practice of public accounting), distinct from a CPA registration (title-only, $50 biennial renewal) and the CPA firm license. Source guide revision date 1/26/2026.

CPA license renewal in Michigan: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my CPA license in Michigan?

Michigan CPA licenses renew every 24 months. Individual CPA (licensed accountant) licenses expire biennially on a fixed date of July 31 (every two years). A renewal notice is mailed about 60 days before expiration; renewal can be filed via MiPlus no sooner than 90 days before expiration. The deadline is the same fixed date for all licensees, not staggered by birth month or last name.

How many CE hours are required to renew an CPA license in Michigan?

Approximately 80 continuing-education hours per cycle. Michigan requires at least 40 hours of CPE for EACH year of the 2-year license cycle (80 hours per biennial cycle). Each year, 8 of the 40 hours must be in auditing and accounting and 2 hours must be in professional ethics, of which 1 hour must satisfy R 338.5215(1)(h) (ethics covering Michigan statutes and administrative rules). No more than 50% of required CPE may come from self-study. There is no separate state ethics exam; the ethics is satisfied via qualifying CPE. A new licensee is exempt from CPE for the first 12 months after original licensure. Out-of-state residents may instead meet the CPE rules of the state where their principal place of business is located. Confirm the current requirement with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing - Board of Accountancy.

Can I renew my Michigan CPA license online?

Yes — Michigan offers online renewal through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing - Board of Accountancy. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Michigan CPA license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing - Board of Accountancy promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

Other license renewals in Michigan