Introduction
Michigan is withdrawing from the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) effective March 28, 2026. This significant change affects thousands of physicians who hold Michigan licenses obtained through the IMLC or who planned to use the compact to practice in Michigan.
Under 2023 Public Act 124, Michigan's participation in the IMLC ends in March 2026, requiring physicians to apply directly to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for new licenses after this date. This guide explains the withdrawal timeline, impact on current license holders, and steps physicians should take to maintain or obtain Michigan licensure.
Key Dates and Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Michigan Legislature passes 2023 Public Act 124 |
| March 28, 2025 | 12-month withdrawal countdown begins |
| Through March 27, 2026 | Michigan continues processing IMLC applications |
| March 28, 2026 | Withdrawal effective—IMLC no longer available for Michigan |
| After March 28, 2026 | Direct application to LARA required |
What This Means for Physicians
If You Already Have a Michigan IMLC License
Good news: Your existing Michigan license remains valid.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| License validity | Remains valid per normal renewal schedule |
| Renewal process | Renew directly with Michigan LARA |
| License number | Unchanged |
| CME requirements | Follow Michigan requirements |
Your license was issued by Michigan—the IMLC was simply the application pathway. The license itself is a Michigan state license and remains valid regardless of IMLC status.
If You're Planning to Apply Through IMLC
Apply before March 28, 2026 to use the expedited IMLC process:
| Application Timing | Process |
|---|---|
| Before March 28, 2026 | IMLC expedited pathway available |
| After March 28, 2026 | Direct Michigan application required |
If You Need a Michigan License After March 2026
You'll need to apply directly to Michigan LARA:
- Traditional state application process
- Longer processing time (typically 4-8 weeks vs. 2-4 weeks IMLC)
- Michigan-specific documentation requirements
- Direct fee payment to Michigan
Why Michigan Is Withdrawing
Legislative Background
Michigan's participation in the IMLC was authorized under MCL 333.16189. The legislation included a sunset provision:
The IMLC authorization is repealed effective March 28, 2025, beginning a 12-month withdrawal process.
The withdrawal was not due to problems with the compact but rather legislative decisions about interstate agreements and state regulatory autonomy.
Withdrawal Mechanics
Under IMLC rules:
- Member states may withdraw with 12 months notice
- Withdrawal doesn't affect licenses already issued
- The state continues participating during the notice period
- After withdrawal, the state is no longer a compact member
Impact on Multi-State Practitioners
Telemedicine Providers
If you provide telemedicine to Michigan patients:
| Current Status | After March 2026 |
|---|---|
| IMLC license for Michigan | License remains valid, renew with LARA |
| Planning to add Michigan | Apply through IMLC before March 28, 2026 |
| No Michigan license planned | Apply directly to LARA after March 2026 |
Locum Tenens Physicians
For temporary assignments in Michigan:
- Before March 2026: Use IMLC for expedited licensing
- After March 2026: Direct LARA application required
- Planning tip: Obtain Michigan license now while IMLC available
Border State Physicians
Physicians in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, and nearby states who see Michigan patients:
- Consider obtaining Michigan license before March 2026
- IMLC pathway significantly faster than direct application
- License obtained now valid for years
How to Apply for Michigan License
Through IMLC (Before March 28, 2026)
- Verify IMLC eligibility at imlcc.org
- Create IMLC account and complete application
- Select Michigan as a desired state
- Pay IMLC fee (~$700) plus Michigan state fee
- Receive Michigan license (typically 2-4 weeks)
Direct to Michigan LARA (After March 28, 2026)
- Create LARA account at michigan.gov/lara
- Complete application for physician license
- Submit required documentation:
- Medical school transcripts
- Residency verification
- FCVS profile (recommended)
- Board certification
- Current license verification
- Pay Michigan fees
- Await processing (typically 4-8 weeks)
Michigan LARA Contact Information
Bureau of Professional Licensing
- Website: michigan.gov/lara
- Phone: (517) 241-0199
- Email: BPLHelp@michigan.gov
License Verification: https://aca-prod.accela.com/MILARA/GeneralProperty/LicenseeSearch.aspx
Michigan License Requirements
CME Requirements
Michigan has among the highest CME requirements in the nation:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total hours | 150 per triennial (3-year) cycle |
| Annual average | 50 hours per year |
| Credit type | AMA PRA Category 1 |
| Mandatory topics | Pain management (3 hrs), Opioids (1 hr one-time) |
| Documentation | Retain 4 years |
Renewal Cycle
Michigan uses triennial (3-year) renewal cycles:
- Higher total CME requirement (150 hours)
- Less frequent renewal paperwork
- Plan CME activities across 3 years
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial license | Varies |
| Triennial renewal | ~$200-300 |
| Late fee | Additional penalty |
Contact LARA for current fee schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my existing Michigan IMLC license be revoked?
No. Licenses issued through IMLC are Michigan state licenses. The withdrawal affects only the application pathway—existing licenses remain valid and are renewed directly with Michigan LARA.
Can I still renew my Michigan license after the withdrawal?
Yes. You'll renew directly with Michigan LARA according to Michigan's normal renewal schedule. The IMLC withdrawal doesn't change the renewal process for existing licenses.
What if my IMLC application is pending on March 28, 2026?
Contact both the IMLC and Michigan LARA. Applications submitted before the deadline should be processed, but confirm your specific situation with both entities.
Is Michigan rejoining the IMLC in the future?
There's no current legislation to rejoin. Michigan would need to pass new legislation to re-enter the compact. Monitor Michigan legislative updates for any changes.
How does this affect my other IMLC licenses?
It doesn't. Your IMLC licenses in other states are unaffected by Michigan's withdrawal. The IMLC continues operating in 41 other states plus DC and Guam.
Action Items for Physicians
If You Need Michigan License—Act Now
| Priority | Action | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| HIGH | Apply through IMLC if eligible | Before March 28, 2026 |
| MEDIUM | Gather documentation for direct application | If missing IMLC deadline |
| ONGOING | Plan for Michigan CME requirements (150 hrs/3 yrs) | Continuous |
If You Have Existing Michigan License
| Priority | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | No immediate action needed | License remains valid |
| MEDIUM | Note renewal date | Per Michigan schedule |
| ONGOING | Maintain 150 CME hours per 3-year cycle | Continuous |
Timeline Recommendations
| Your Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Need Michigan license, IMLC eligible | Apply through IMLC by February 2026 |
| Need Michigan license, not IMLC eligible | Prepare LARA application materials |
| Have Michigan license via IMLC | No action needed—renew with LARA when due |
| May need Michigan license in future | Consider applying through IMLC now |
Key Takeaways
- Michigan withdraws from IMLC effective March 28, 2026
- Existing licenses remain valid—only application pathway changes
- Apply through IMLC before March 28, 2026 if you need Michigan license
- After March 2026, apply directly to Michigan LARA
- Michigan has 150 CME hours per 3-year cycle—plan accordingly
- Telemedicine and locum tenens physicians should obtain license now while IMLC available
Conclusion
Michigan's IMLC withdrawal represents a significant change for physicians who practice or plan to practice in Michigan. While existing licenses remain valid, the expedited IMLC pathway closes on March 28, 2026. Physicians who anticipate needing Michigan licensure should apply through the IMLC before this deadline to take advantage of the faster processing time.
Use CredentialMate to track your Michigan license status, monitor the withdrawal timeline, and ensure you don't miss critical deadlines—whether you're applying before the cutoff or managing your existing Michigan license.
References
[1]: Michigan Legislature - MCL 333.16189 https://www.legislature.mi.gov/
[2]: Michigan LARA - Bureau of Professional Licensing https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/medicine
[3]: Michigan License Verification https://aca-prod.accela.com/MILARA/GeneralProperty/LicenseeSearch.aspx
[4]: Interstate Medical Licensure Compact https://www.imlcc.org
[5]: IMLC - Participating States https://www.imlcc.org/a-faster-pathway-to-physician-licensure/
[6]: FSMB - Michigan Medical Board https://www.fsmb.org/contact-a-state-medical-board/