The Michigan LARA Osteopathic Physician License application is the form a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) files with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to practice osteopathic medicine in Michigan. Every D.O. who wants to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or perform surgery in the state must hold a current license through the Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, and the application is filed through the online MiPLUS portal.
Getting one box wrong on this form can delay your start date by weeks, push back your first paycheck, and even trigger a fitness review by the Board. According to LARA’s most recent licensing data, roughly 1 in 4 osteopathic applications come back with a deficiency notice on the first review, most often for missing fingerprints, unsigned good moral character questions, or training verifications that never arrive from the residency program.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📋 How to choose the right LARA osteopathic application (exam, endorsement, educational limited, or relicensure) and complete every field correctly the first time.
- 🧾 The exact documents, ID numbers, and verifications you must gather before you log in to MiPLUS.
- 🧑⚕️ Three full named-filer walkthroughs covering the most common D.O. paths into Michigan practice.
- ⚠️ The field-level mistakes that cause most rejections, plus how to cure a deficiency notice within the 60-day window.
- 💵 Current fees, statutory deadlines, and the penalties under MCL 333.16294 for practicing without a license.
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The Michigan LARA Osteopathic Physician License application is the official request a D.O. submits to the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery to be authorized to practice osteopathic medicine in Michigan. The Board issues licenses under Article 15, Part 175 of the Michigan Public Health Code. The form is the gateway document that proves a D.O. has met the education, exam, training, and character standards set in statute and Board rule.
There are four main versions of the application a D.O. may file. The Initial License by Examination is for new graduates who have passed COMLEX Levels 1, 2, and 3. The License by Endorsement is for D.O.s already licensed in another U.S. state. The Educational Limited License is for residents and interns in approved Michigan training programs. The Relicensure application is for D.O.s whose Michigan license has lapsed and who want it back.
Anyone who plans to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or perform osteopathic manipulative treatment in Michigan must file. That includes hospital-employed physicians, private-practice D.O.s, locum tenens, telehealth providers physically present or treating Michigan-located patients, and PGY-1 residents who need an educational limited license to function in their program. Practicing without a current license is a felony under MCL 333.16294, punishable by up to four years in prison and fines.
The current revision date printed on the LARA osteopathic application packet is Rev. 01/2026. Always confirm you have downloaded the current version from the LARA forms library before filing, since LARA refreshes its packets without notice and an outdated form can be rejected on intake.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Before you open MiPLUS and start typing, gather every supporting document in one folder. LARA will not hold an incomplete file open forever, and missing items are the number one reason applications stall. Below is the pre-filing checklist every D.O. applicant should complete first.
- Government-issued photo ID. Your driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. passport. The name on this ID must match the name you enter on the form, or you will need a name-change document. Without it, the fingerprint vendor cannot verify your identity.
- Social Security number. Required by MCL 333.16186 for child-support enforcement cross-checks. Missing or wrong SSNs trigger a hold and a request for a sworn correction.
- Medical school transcript and dean’s certification. Sent directly from your AOA-approved or LCME-approved medical school. If your school never sends it, your application sits in Pending Education status until it arrives.
- COMLEX-USA score release. Released by the NBOME directly to LARA through the score transfer service. USMLE scores can substitute under Board rule R 338.105 in limited cases.
- AOA Physician Profile or FCVS profile. Verifies your training and prior licenses. Order from the AOA or FSMB FCVS. Without it, endorsement applicants cannot proceed.
- Postgraduate training verification. Letter from your residency program director on program letterhead confirming dates and successful completion. Missing this stalls educational limited and exam-track files.
- Fingerprint background check (Live Scan, form RI-030). Run through an Identogo Michigan location using LARA’s ORI/agency code. Without prints on file, your application cannot be approved under MCL 333.16174.
- Malpractice and disciplinary history. Certified copies of any judgments, settlements, or board actions. Hiding history is grounds for denial and possible perjury referral.
- Proof of any name change. Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order if your transcript and ID show different names.
- Application fee payment method. Credit card, debit card, or e-check inside MiPLUS. The current initial application fee is $168.60, plus separate fingerprint and verification fees.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official Michigan LARA Osteopathic Physician License application lives on the LARA Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery page. You will find the application packet PDF, the instructions, the fingerprint Live Scan form RI-030, and the verification request templates. The PDF is mainly for reference because LARA strongly prefers electronic filing through MiPLUS.
To file electronically, create a free MiPLUS account using a personal email address you will keep for years. The portal sends every status update, deficiency notice, and approval to that email, so a hospital address you might lose access to is a poor choice. Once your account is verified, search for Osteopathic Physician under the Apply for a License tab and select the correct sub-type: exam, endorsement, educational limited, or relicensure.
Paper filing is still allowed in narrow cases, mainly for applicants without internet access or those instructed by LARA staff. Mail completed paper packets to Bureau of Professional Licensing, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909. Paper filings take roughly 4 to 6 weeks longer than MiPLUS submissions because the agency must scan, key, and route every page by hand.
If you need help, LARA’s licensing line is (517) 241-0199, open weekdays. The Michigan Osteopathic Association also maintains plain-language guides through the MOA member portal for D.O.s navigating their first Michigan application.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Michigan LARA Osteopathic Physician License Application Line by Line
The application is broken into seven logical sections inside MiPLUS. Each section maps to a part of the paper packet so the field names below match what you see on screen and on PDF. Treat each H3 below as one field, page, or grouping, and follow the six-element template: what it asks, how to answer, an example, an edge case, the most common mistake and its consequence, and a misconception to retire.
Section 1, Box 1: Full Legal Name
This field asks for your full legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card. Enter last name, first name, and middle name in the boxes provided, in upper or mixed case as the form allows. Do not abbreviate, drop a hyphen, or use a nickname.
For example, Aisha Renee Patel writes Patel in the last-name box, Aisha in the first-name box, and Renee in the middle-name box. If your legal name has a suffix like Jr. or III, enter it in the suffix field.
The most common nuance is a recent name change. If your medical school transcript shows your maiden name and your driver’s license shows your married name, you must enter your current legal name and attach the marriage certificate or court order under the Name Change Documentation upload.
The most common mistake is using a nickname like Lisa when your SSA record says Elisabeth. The direct consequence is a Social Security cross-check failure, which puts your file in Pending Identity Verification until you upload a sworn correction. A common misconception is that the Board will accept a maiden-name diploma without a name-change document, but Board staff will hold the file until they see the bridge document.
Section 1, Box 2: Other Names Used
This field asks for every other name you have ever used, including maiden names, prior married names, and professional aliases. List each one on its own line. Leave blank only if you have truly never been known by another name.
For example, Dr. Janet Lim, formerly Janet Tran, writes Janet Tran (maiden, 1998–2019). Endorsement applicants often have several aliases across states.
The nuance is professional name versus legal name. Some D.O.s publish under a hyphenated name but hold a license under the unhyphenated form. Both must be listed so the Board’s NPDB query catches every record.
The most common mistake is omitting a maiden name to avoid disclosing a divorce. The direct consequence is a discrepancy when LARA queries the National Practitioner Data Bank, which can be treated as a material misstatement and grounds for denial. The misconception is that omitting a name is harmless because LARA cannot find it; in reality, NPDB and FSMB queries surface every alias.
Section 1, Box 3: Date of Birth
This field asks for your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format. Use leading zeros for single-digit months and days. Do not use dashes if the boxes show slashes.
For example, Marcus Reed, born March 4, 1985, enters 03/04/1985. MiPLUS will reject any other format.
The nuance is applicants whose passports show only a year of birth, which happens with some foreign-trained D.O.s. Those applicants must attach an ECFMG-verified birth document.
The common mistake is transposing month and day, especially for applicants used to the DD/MM/YYYY European format. The consequence is a mismatch with your fingerprint background check, which forces a re-scan at your expense. The misconception is that a small typo is fixable by phone call; LARA requires a written sworn correction.
Section 1, Box 4: Social Security Number
This field asks for your nine-digit Social Security number with no dashes. It is required by MCL 333.16186 for child-support enforcement and IRS Form 1099 reporting on any state payments.
For example, Aisha Patel enters 123456789. MiPLUS masks the number after entry.
The nuance is foreign-trained D.O.s without an SSN. They must apply for one through the Social Security Administration before filing or request an exemption with proof of nonresident status.
The most common mistake is typing an Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN) in the SSN box. The direct consequence is an automatic hold and a request for the correct number, which adds 2 to 3 weeks. The misconception is that LARA will accept an SSN application receipt; it will not. Statute requires the actual number.
Section 1, Box 5: Mailing Address
This field asks for the address where LARA should mail your wall license and any paper notices. Enter street, city, state, and ZIP. P.O. boxes are accepted here.
For example, Marcus Reed enters PO Box 482, Toledo, OH 43604 while his Michigan move is pending.
The nuance is that out-of-state addresses are allowed during application, but once licensed, the Board expects you to update to a Michigan address through MiPLUS within 30 days of any change under R 338.7011.
The common mistake is using a hospital address that mail clerks may not deliver to the right physician. The consequence is missed renewal reminders, which can cause an unintended lapse and a relicensure fee. The misconception is that email notice replaces mail; the Board still mails the paper license.
Section 2: Education
This section asks for every osteopathic medical school you attended, with dates and degree awarded. Enter the school name, city, state or country, dates of attendance in MM/YYYY format, and the degree (D.O., M.D. for endorsement, MBBS for foreign-trained). Use the official school name, not an abbreviation.
For example, Aisha Patel enters Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI, 08/2020 to 05/2024, D.O.
The nuance is dual-degree applicants. If you also hold a PhD or MPH from the same institution, list it on a separate line; the Board credits research time toward training in some cases.
The common mistake is entering the wrong year of graduation by confusing the conferral date with the hooding ceremony date. The consequence is a transcript mismatch and a Pending Education hold. The misconception is that the school’s transcript office will fix the date for you; LARA only accepts a sworn applicant correction plus a corrected transcript.
Section 3: Postgraduate Training
This section asks for every internship, residency, and fellowship you have completed or are completing. Enter program name, city, state, specialty, dates in MM/YYYY format, and whether you completed the program. List programs in chronological order.
For example, Janet Lim enters Michigan State University Internal Medicine Residency, East Lansing, MI, 07/2025 to 06/2028, In Progress.
The nuance is applicants who switched programs mid-training. List both programs, with the reason for transfer in the explanation upload. Hiding a transfer is treated as a material misstatement.
The common mistake is leaving out a one-month rotation that was technically a separate program number. The consequence is an NPDB mismatch and a deficiency notice. The misconception is that only completed programs matter; the Board wants every program, complete or not.
Section 4: Examination History
This section asks for every osteopathic and allopathic licensing exam you have ever taken, including failed attempts. List COMLEX Levels 1, 2-CE, 2-PE (if applicable), and 3, with dates and pass or fail. USMLE attempts must be listed too if relevant.
For example, Aisha Patel lists COMLEX Level 1, 06/2022, Pass; COMLEX Level 2-CE, 09/2023, Pass; COMLEX Level 3, 11/2024, Pass.
The nuance is applicants with failed attempts. A fail does not bar licensure, but hiding it does. The Board cross-checks NBOME records and will catch every attempt.
The common mistake is omitting a failed Level 1 attempt from years ago. The consequence is denial for material misstatement and a possible report to NPDB. The misconception is that very old fails are forgiven; they are not, but they are routinely approved when disclosed.
Section 5: Good Moral Character Questions
This section asks a series of yes-or-no questions about your criminal, disciplinary, malpractice, substance use, and physical/mental fitness history. Each question must be answered. Click Yes or No and attach a written explanation and certified records for every Yes.
For example, Marcus Reed answers Yes to a 2014 DUI, attaches the certified court disposition, and writes a one-page personal statement describing rehabilitation.
The nuance is expunged or sealed records. Michigan still requires disclosure under R 338.7001 even if the underlying record is sealed in another state.
The most common mistake is checking No on a malpractice settlement that closed without a payment. The consequence is denial for material misstatement; even no-pay claims are reportable. The misconception is that arrests without conviction need not be disclosed; the form asks about charges, not just convictions.
Section 6: Fingerprint Live Scan (Form RI-030)
This section asks you to upload proof that you completed an electronic fingerprint Live Scan through an authorized Identogo Michigan site using LARA’s ORI code. Enter your TCN (Transaction Control Number) in the box provided.
For example, Janet Lim enters TCN MI20260128-000123 after her Lansing Live Scan appointment.
The nuance is out-of-state applicants. They may use a hard-card FD-258 fingerprint card mailed to LARA only with prior written approval; otherwise they must travel to a Michigan Identogo site.
The common mistake is scheduling the Live Scan under a different agency code than LARA’s. The consequence is the prints never reach the Board, and you pay again. The misconception is that prior fingerprints from another state transfer; they do not under MCL 333.16174.
Section 7: Affidavit and Signature
This section asks you to sign under penalty of perjury that every answer is true. In MiPLUS this is an electronic signature; on paper it is a wet signature in blue or black ink, dated.
For example, Aisha Patel types her full legal name, checks the affirmation box, and clicks Submit on May 14, 2026.
The nuance is power-of-attorney signatures. The Board does not accept POA signatures on this affidavit; only the applicant can sign.
The common mistake is signing before all uploads are complete. The consequence is a locked file that requires staff intervention to unlock for additional uploads. The misconception is that you can edit answers after signing; you can only respond to deficiency notices, not amend the original answers.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three named D.O.s walking through the application from start to finish. Each scenario shows the most important fields and exactly what the filer enters. Use these as a model for your own filing, but always confirm details against your own documents.
Scenario 1: Dr. Aisha Patel, Initial License by Examination
Aisha just graduated from MSUCOM, passed COMLEX Level 3, and is starting an internal medicine residency in Detroit on July 1.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| License Type | Initial License by Examination |
| Full Legal Name | Patel, Aisha Renee |
| Date of Birth | 07/22/1998 |
| SSN | 987654321 |
| Mailing Address | 512 Oak Ridge Dr, East Lansing, MI 48823 |
| Medical School | Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, 08/2020–05/2024, D.O. |
| Postgraduate Training | Henry Ford Hospital Internal Medicine, 07/2024–present, In Progress |
| Exam History | COMLEX 1 Pass 06/2022; COMLEX 2-CE Pass 09/2023; COMLEX 3 Pass 11/2024 |
| Good Moral Character | All No |
| Fingerprint TCN | MI20260510-004821 |
| Application Fee | $168.60 paid by e-check |
Scenario 2: Dr. Marcus Reed, License by Endorsement from Ohio
Marcus is an Ohio D.O. with eight years of practice moving to Toledo’s sister hospital in Monroe, Michigan.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| License Type | License by Endorsement |
| Full Legal Name | Reed, Marcus Allen |
| Other Names Used | None |
| Date of Birth | 03/04/1985 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 482, Toledo, OH 43604 |
| Medical School | Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, 08/2010–05/2014, D.O. |
| Postgraduate Training | ProMedica Family Medicine Residency, 07/2014–06/2017, Completed |
| Other State Licenses | Ohio #57.012345, Active since 2017 |
| Good Moral Character | Yes to one 2014 DUI; certified disposition uploaded |
| Fingerprint TCN | MI20260512-007215 |
| FCVS Profile | FSMB FCVS #883421, transferred to LARA 05/2026 |
| Application Fee | $168.60 plus $35 verification fee |
Scenario 3: Dr. Janet Lim, Educational Limited License (PGY-1)
Janet is starting an MSU internal medicine residency on July 1 and needs an educational limited license to admit patients.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| License Type | Educational Limited License |
| Full Legal Name | Lim, Janet Mei |
| Other Names Used | Janet Tran (maiden, 1998–2019) |
| Date of Birth | 11/15/1999 |
| Program Director Letter | Uploaded, signed by Dr. R. Smith on MSU letterhead |
| Medical School | Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, 08/2022–05/2026, D.O. |
| Postgraduate Training | MSU Internal Medicine Residency, 07/2026–06/2029, In Progress |
| Exam History | COMLEX 1 Pass 06/2024; COMLEX 2-CE Pass 09/2025 |
| Good Moral Character | All No |
| Fingerprint TCN | MI20260420-002930 |
| Name Change Doc | Marriage certificate uploaded |
| Application Fee | $78.60 (educational limited) |
How to File the Completed Form
The Michigan LARA osteopathic application can be filed two ways. The fastest and Board-preferred path is online through MiPLUS. The slower paper path is by mail to the Bureau of Professional Licensing in Lansing. There is no fax or in-person filing option for new applications.
For online filing, log into MiPLUS, complete every section, upload all PDFs in clear black-and-white scans under 25 MB each, and pay the $168.60 application fee by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or e-check. MiPLUS produces a confirmation page with your application number; save it as a PDF and email it to yourself. Online files reach a reviewer within 5 to 7 business days.
For paper filing, print the packet, complete every box in blue or black ink, attach a money order or cashier’s check for $168.60 payable to State of Michigan, and mail to Bureau of Professional Licensing, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909. Send by USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt so you keep proof of mailing. Paper files take 4 to 6 weeks longer and are more error-prone because manual data entry can introduce typos.
For both paths, the fingerprint Live Scan must be completed at an Identogo Michigan location for $62.75 paid directly to the vendor. Verifications of medical school, training, and other state licenses must be sent directly from the source institution to LARA, never through the applicant. Keep a copy of every receipt, TCN, and confirmation page for at least five years.
What Happens After You File
After submission, MiPLUS shows your file in Submitted status. A LARA technician opens the file within 5 to 7 business days and confirms whether every required attachment is present. If something is missing, the file moves to Deficient and you receive an email and MiPLUS message explaining what to fix.
You have 60 days to cure a deficiency, measured from the date of the deficiency notice, under R 338.7041. Missing the cure window means the application is closed and the $168.60 fee is forfeited. You can request a one-time 30-day extension in writing if you show good cause, such as a slow training verification from your residency program.
Once complete, your file routes to a Board analyst for a substantive review. Clean files (no Yes answers, no malpractice, no discipline) typically receive approval in 4 to 8 weeks. Files with any Yes answer route to a Board committee meeting, which adds 2 to 4 months depending on the meeting calendar published on the Board page.
When approved, MiPLUS issues your license number electronically and the wall certificate is mailed within 10 business days. Your license is then verifiable on the LARA Verify a License tool and reportable to NPDB and FSMB.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Using a nickname instead of your legal SSA name. This triggers a Social Security cross-check failure that holds your file for weeks.
- Omitting a maiden or prior name. NPDB and FSMB queries surface every alias and the omission can be charged as a material misstatement.
- Transposing the date of birth. A 03/04 and 04/03 swap produces a fingerprint mismatch and forces a costly re-scan.
- Leaving any Good Moral Character question blank. Blank answers are treated as incomplete and the file cannot move to substantive review.
- Answering No to a no-pay malpractice settlement. Even no-pay claims are reportable and a No answer is grounds for denial.
- Forgetting to list a failed COMLEX attempt. NBOME confirms every attempt and an omission is denied for material misstatement.
- Scheduling a Live Scan with the wrong ORI code. The fingerprints never reach LARA and you pay the $62.75 fee again.
- Asking your medical school to send the transcript to you instead of LARA. Self-sent transcripts are not accepted and your education stays Pending.
- Submitting before all uploads are complete. MiPLUS locks the file on submit and unlocking requires staff intervention.
- Paying with a personal check by mail. Paper applications require a money order or cashier’s check; personal checks are returned and the file sits.
- Using a hospital email for your MiPLUS account. If you change jobs you lose access to the renewal reminders and can let the license lapse.
- Forgetting to update your address within 30 days. Failure to update is a separate violation under R 338.7011 carrying its own fine.
Dos and Don’ts
Do save every TCN, transcript request receipt, and MiPLUS confirmation page, because LARA staff often ask for proof of mailing during deficiency cures.
Do request your AOA Physician Profile or FCVS profile before you start the application, because it can take 3 to 6 weeks to assemble and is the slowest moving piece.
Do read every Good Moral Character question twice and answer Yes when in doubt, because over-disclosure is forgiven and under-disclosure is denied.
Do use a personal email for MiPLUS so you keep account access through job changes and renewals.
Do call LARA at (517) 241-0199 if a deficiency notice is unclear, because phone clarification is faster than written back-and-forth.
Do keep your fingerprint Live Scan within 90 days of submission, because older prints expire and must be redone.
Don’t sign and submit the affidavit until every upload is loaded, because MiPLUS locks the file on submit.
Don’t rely on your residency coordinator to remember the verification deadline, because program directors are busy and missed verifications are the top cause of cure-window expiration.
Don’t answer No on any criminal question hoping a sealed record will not surface, because Michigan requires disclosure even of expunged records.
Don’t pay with a personal check on a paper filing, because LARA only accepts money orders or cashier’s checks.
Don’t use a P.O. box on Section 5 if you can avoid it, because USPS occasionally returns wall certificates as undeliverable to P.O. boxes.
Don’t forget to update your name and address within 30 days of any change, because the duty continues for the life of the license.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Filing solo through MiPLUS is well within reach for most D.O.s, but some filers benefit from an attorney or a credentialing service. Below are five pros and five cons of each path.
Pros of filing on your own: you save $300 to $1,500 in attorney or service fees, you control the timeline and uploads directly, you build familiarity with MiPLUS for future renewals, you avoid third-party data sharing, and you can call LARA directly to clarify deficiencies.
Cons of filing on your own: you bear sole responsibility for missed deadlines, you must learn statute and rule citations, you may answer Good Moral Character questions imprecisely, you cannot rely on a professional’s NPDB experience, and you may delay your start date if you misjudge a Yes answer.
Pros of filing with a healthcare attorney or credentialing service: they spot disclosure issues before you sign, they communicate with LARA on your behalf, they coordinate transcripts and verifications, they prepare personal statements for any Yes answer, and they have prior relationships with Board analysts.
Cons of filing with help: the cost is $300 to $1,500 or more, you still must gather your own documents, communication adds a layer that can slow simple files, some services upsell unnecessary add-ons, and you lose the direct learning that helps with later renewals.
Comparing Michigan LARA Osteopathic License Pathways
Many D.O.s are not sure which application sub-type is theirs. The table below contrasts the three most common paths.
| Path | Who It Is For |
|---|---|
| Initial License by Examination | New D.O. graduates who passed COMLEX Levels 1, 2, and 3 and have completed or are in postgraduate training |
| License by Endorsement | D.O.s already licensed and in good standing in another U.S. state for at least one year |
| Educational Limited License | Residents and interns in Michigan postgraduate training programs who need licensure to function in the program |
A second comparison filers ask about is MiPLUS Online vs. Paper Filing.
| Filing Channel | Key Tradeoffs |
|---|---|
| MiPLUS Online | 5 to 7 business day intake, e-check or card payment, instant confirmation, preferred by LARA |
| Paper Filing | 4 to 6 weeks longer intake, money order only, manual data entry risk, allowed for narrow exceptions |
Key Agencies, Statutes, and Programs That Interact With This Form
The application sits inside a network of agencies and rules. The Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery is the licensing authority. The Bureau of Professional Licensing inside LARA processes applications. The NBOME supplies COMLEX scores. The AOA supplies the Physician Profile. The FSMB FCVS provides verified credential packets used in endorsement.
Statutorily, the application is governed by Article 15, Part 175 of the Public Health Code, with key sections at MCL 333.17501 (definitions) and MCL 333.17511 (license requirements). Fingerprint authority comes from MCL 333.16174. The unauthorized practice penalty is at MCL 333.16294.
Federal interactions are limited but real. The National Practitioner Data Bank is queried on every application and any malpractice payment is reported there for life. The DEA controlled substance registration is a separate federal step taken after Michigan licensure issues, through DEA Diversion Control.
Recent Board guidance also matters. The Board’s 2025 Policy Statement on Telehealth Licensure makes clear that any D.O. treating a Michigan-located patient by video must hold a Michigan license, and the 2024 Disciplinary Subcommittee Bulletin reaffirms that no-pay malpractice settlements are still reportable on the Good Moral Character section.
FAQs
Do I need a Michigan license to do telehealth visits with Michigan patients from another state?
Yes. Under the Board’s 2025 telehealth policy, any D.O. treating a patient physically located in Michigan must hold a Michigan license, regardless of where the physician sits.
Can I start residency before my educational limited license is issued?
No. You may orient and shadow, but you cannot write orders, prescribe, or bill until MiPLUS shows the license as Active.
How long does the Michigan LARA osteopathic application take?
No fixed timeline applies, but clean MiPLUS files average 4 to 8 weeks. Files with Yes answers or missing verifications can take 3 to 6 months.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the Full Legal Name box?
No maiden name unless that is your current legal name. Enter your current legal name and disclose the maiden name in Other Names Used.
Should I check Yes on Good Moral Character if a malpractice case settled with no payment?
Yes. No-pay settlements are still reportable on the Michigan application and an undisclosed claim is grounds for denial.
Do I have to disclose an expunged DUI from another state?
Yes. Michigan requires disclosure of arrests and charges even where the underlying record is sealed or expunged in the original jurisdiction.
Can I use fingerprints from my Ohio license application?
No. Michigan requires a fresh Live Scan through Identogo using LARA’s ORI code under MCL 333.16174.
Is the application fee refundable if I am denied?
No. The $168.60 fee is non-refundable once the application is opened by a technician.
Do I list COMLEX Level 1 if I took it years ago and barely remember the date?
Yes. Every COMLEX attempt must be listed; LARA pulls dates directly from NBOME so any mismatch is flagged.
Can my residency program director sign the affidavit on my behalf?
No. Only the applicant can sign the affidavit; power-of-attorney signatures are not accepted.
Do I need a separate DEA registration after Michigan licenses me?
Yes. The DEA controlled substance registration is a federal step filed through DEA Diversion Control after your Michigan license is active.
Will the Board approve me if I had a failed COMLEX Level 1 attempt?
Yes. A failed attempt does not bar licensure as long as you eventually passed; only hiding the fail is a problem.
Do I write my training program’s address or my home address in Section 5?
No to the program address by default. Use the address where you actually receive mail, because LARA mails the wall license there.
Can I file a paper application instead of using MiPLUS?
Yes, but only in narrow cases. LARA prefers MiPLUS and paper filings take 4 to 6 weeks longer to process.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Michigan LARA Dentist License Application (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Michigan LARA Medical License Application + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Michigan LARA Nurse Practitioner Certification + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Michigan LARA Pharmacist License Application + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Michigan LARA Physician Assistant License (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Michigan LARA Veterinarian License Application + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Medical License Application (MD) (w/Examples) + FAQs