Michigan (MI) Secretary of State (SOS) LLC & Business Search

The State of Michigan provides an online business entity search through their Corporations Online Filing System with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The business search facility enables you to find businesses that have been registered in Michigan by several search perimeters including:

• Entity name
• Individual name
• Identification number
• Filing number

Search by entity name

The business entity database can be searched by entity name which can filtered by begins with, exact match, keyword and soundex.

The results generated are displayed in a list showing all businesses that match your search criteria. The list displays the entity name, ID number, old ID number and address.

You can view further details about the businesses displayed in the list by clicking on the entity name highlighted in blue. This will open the business’ record which will show all publicly available information including:

• ID number
• Entity type
• Old ID number
• Date of organization in Michigan
• Purpose
• Term
• Resident agent details
• Registered office address
• Act formed under
• Managed by
• Total authorized shares
• Assumed names
• Filings
• Notes

You can also request certificates but a fee may apply.

Search by individual name

The database can be searched by individual name which can also be filtered by begins with, exact match, keyword and soundex.

The search will produce a list of businesses that have a person with that name as the agent, director or other named role in the business. The table of results displays the name, position, individual’s address, entity name, ID number and old ID number.

Further information about these businesses can viewed by clicking on the entity name highlighted in blue. This will provide a range of information such as date of organization, address, agent details and filings, as well as more information as listed above in search by entity name.

Search by identification number

If you know the business’ unique identification number you can search the database by this.

This search should produce a single result for a business as the number is unique to them and so the search takes you straight into the business record. This displays a range of information about the business such as business name, address, agent details and filings, as well as more details as listed above under search by entity name.

Search by filing number

You can also search the database by filing number if you know the filing number for the document.

The search results should generate a single record as the filing number should be unique to the document. The list should contain one document and display the name of the filing, year filed, date filed and filing number. You can view the document by clicking on the view PDF in the right-hand column which is highlighted in blue. This will download the PDF so you can view it and you can also order certified copies of the documents for a fee.

Contact details

Website: https://www.michigan.gov/lara

Phone: (517) 241-9223

Address: Ottawa Building, 611 W. Ottawa, PO Box 30004, Lansing, MI 48909

Hours: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.00pm

Email: corpsmail@michigan.gov

How to register a business in Michigan?

If you are setting up a business in Michigan you will need to register it before you start operating. Sole proprietorships and partnerships aren’t required to register but other business types are. These steps can help you get registered:

1. Choose a name for your business. You should check whether the name is already in use in Michigan by doing a business entity search on the Corporations Online Filing System.
2. Decide what business structure you are going to set your business up in as it will impact how you operate and the set-up.
3. Limited liability companies and corporations will need to file registration paperwork to register their business. This needs to be filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Limited liability companies will need to complete Articles of Organization and corporations will need to file Articles of Incorporation, these forms can be found on the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website. Fees apply for filing these which start at $50 but can be hundreds of dollars for corporations with a larger number of employees.
4. You will also need to register for tax with the Michigan Treasury Online.

How much does a Michigan business entity search cost?

There are no charges for doing a business entity search on the Michigan Corporations Online Filing System, although some fees may apply for certified certificates.

How can I get a business license in Michigan?

There isn’t a general business license that applies to all businesses at a state level in Michigan but there may be other licenses that may be required. Most businesses may need a sales and use tax license which is free to apply for. Other licenses may apply depending on your industry or profession, you can search the Michigan.gov website for more information about these licenses.

In addition, you may be required to have local licenses for your municipality which you will need to check with them. Licenses fees can vary depending on the location and type and these start from a small amount to several hundred dollars.