How to Do a Michigan Business Entity Search

Michigan’s business landscape continues to thrive with over 900,000 small businesses currently operating in the state. Whether you’re planning to join this vibrant business community or conducting due diligence on existing companies, performing a Michigan business entity search is an essential first step. Unlike many states that use their Secretary of State’s office for business searches, Michigan has its own unique system through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the exact process of conducting a Michigan business entity search, provide state-specific insights, and explain what to do with your search results.

What is the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)?

In Michigan, business entity searches are handled through LARA’s Corporations Division rather than the Secretary of State. LARA maintains the official database of all registered business entities in Michigan, including:

• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
• Corporations
• Partnerships
• Nonprofits
• Foreign entities authorized to do business in Michigan

The LARA Business Entity Search portal is the official tool for checking if your desired business name is available or for finding information about existing Michigan businesses.

How to Use the Michigan LARA Business Entity Search Tool

Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform a thorough search using Michigan’s official business entity search portal:

Step 1: Access the LARA Business Entity Search Tool

Navigate to the official LARA Business Entity Search page at https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/SearchApi/Search/Search.

Step 2: Choose Your Search Method

The LARA search tool offers multiple search options:

• Search by Entity Name: Most common for name availability checks
• Search by Individual Name: For finding businesses associated with specific people
• Search by ID Number: If you know the entity’s identification number
• Search by Filing Number: For locating specific business filings

Step 3: Enter Your Search Parameters

When using the “Search by Entity Name” option:

1. Type your desired business name in the search field
2. Select a search type from the dropdown menu:
   • Begins with: Finds entities starting with your search term
   • Exact match: Finds entities with precisely the name you entered
   • Keyword: Finds entities containing your search term anywhere in their name
   • Soundex: Finds entities with names that sound similar to your search term

Pro Tip: For the most thorough results, conduct multiple searches using different parameters. For the best results, leave out designators like “LLC” or “Inc.” and punctuation marks when searching. Using our business name checker can also help verify availability.

Step 4: Review the Search Results

After clicking “Search,” you’ll see a results page displaying:

• Business entity names matching your search criteria
• Entity ID numbers
• Old ID numbers (if applicable)
• Entity addresses
• Entity status (active, dissolved, etc.)

The results can be sorted by clicking on the blue column headers.

Step 5: Access Detailed Business Information

To view comprehensive information about a specific business:

1. Click on the business name in the results list
2. You’ll be taken to a detailed information page showing:
   • Date of formation/incorporation
   • Business purpose
   • Date of dissolution (if applicable)
   • Most recent annual report filing
   • Registered agent name and address
   • Registered office mailing address
   • Filing history

You can also click “View assumed names for this business entity” to see any DBA (“doing business as”) names the company has registered.

Understanding Michigan Business Entity Statuses

When reviewing search results, you’ll see various status designations. Here’s what they mean:

• Active: The business is currently in good standing with the state
• Not in Good Standing: The business has failed to file required reports or pay fees
• Dissolved/Withdrawn: The business has been formally terminated
• Revoked: The state has revoked the business’s authorization to operate
• Expired: The business registration has lapsed (common with assumed names)
• Pending: A filing for this entity is being processed

Understanding these statuses is crucial when researching competitors or forming your own business in Michigan.

Sample Michigan Business Entity Search Walkthrough

Let’s simulate a search for “Great Lakes Brewing”:

1. Go to the LARA Business Entity Search page
2. Select “Search by Entity Name”
3. Enter “Great Lakes Brewing” (without quotation marks)
4. Choose “Begins with” from the dropdown
5. Click “Search”

Results might show:

• Great Lakes Brewing Company, LLC (ID: 802341) – Active
• Great Lakes Brewing Solutions, Inc. (ID: 74930C) – Dissolved
• Great Lakes Brewing Supply Co. (ID: F1234) – Active

Clicking on “Great Lakes Brewing Company, LLC” reveals:

• Formed on 06/12/2015
• Purpose: “Manufacture and sale of craft beverages”
• Most recent report: 02/15/2025
• Registered agent: Jane Smith
• Address: 123 Brewery Lane, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

What Makes Michigan’s Business Entity Search Unique

Michigan’s business search system has several distinctive features:

1. LARA vs. Secretary of State: Unlike many states, Michigan doesn’t use the Secretary of State for business searches.
2. Soundex Search Option: Michigan offers a phonetic search capability that can find names that sound similar but are spelled differently.
3. Historical Records Access: You can view previous filings and name changes, which isn’t available in all states.
4. Assumed Names Section: Michigan’s system clearly displays any DBAs separately from the main business name.
5. Customer ID Number (CID) System: Michigan assigns a unique CID to each business entity, which is required for filing updates.

Michigan Business Name Reservation Process

If you find your desired business name is available and want to reserve it:

1. Complete an “Application for Reservation of Name” form (available online at LARA’s website)
2. Pay the $25 fee for LLCs (or $10 for corporations)
3. Submit online through LARA’s filing system or mail to: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau P.O. Box 30054 Lansing, MI 48909

A Michigan business name reservation lasts for six months and cannot be renewed more than once.

After Your Michigan Business Entity Search: Next Steps

If Your Desired Name is Available:

1. Reserve the Name (Optional): Reserve your business name for up to 6 months for a $25 fee if you’re not ready to form immediately.
2. Check Domain Availability: Verify if a matching domain name is available for your website.
3. Perform a Trademark Search: Check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database to ensure your name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks.
4. Form Your Business Entity: File the appropriate formation documents with LARA:
   • For LLCs: Articles of Organization ($50 filing fee)
   • For Corporations: Articles of Incorporation ($60 filing fee)
   • For Professional Services: Professional Service Corporation or PLLC documents
5. Obtain Necessary Licenses: Research and apply for any required state and local business licenses.

If Your Desired Name is Not Available:

1. Modify Your Business Name: Add or change words to make your name distinguishable.
2. Consider a DBA/Assumed Name: Register an assumed name under your legal business entity.
3. Research the Existing Business: If the name belongs to an inactive or dissolved entity, you might be able to use it.

Michigan LLC Formation Fees and Requirements

For those proceeding with business registration after completing their name search, here are the key fees and requirements:

• Articles of Organization Filing Fee: $50
• Name Reservation Fee: $25 (optional)
• Annual Statement Filing: $25 (due February 15 each year)
• Certificate of Good Standing: $10 (if needed for loans or contracts)
• Assumed Name Registration: $25 per name

Expedited processing options are available for an additional fee:

• Same-day service: $50
• 24-hour service: $100
• 2-hour service: $500
• 1-hour service: $1,000

For complete guidance on forming your Michigan LLC, check out our Michigan LLC formation guide.

Michigan Business Entity Search FAQs

How long does a name reservation last in Michigan?

A business name reservation in Michigan lasts for six months from the date of filing. It can be renewed once for an additional six months by paying the fee again before the initial reservation expires.

What do the different business status labels mean in Michigan?

Michigan uses several status designations:

• Active: In good standing with all requirements met
• Not in Good Standing: Failed to file annual reports or pay fees
• Dissolved: Formally terminated either voluntarily or by state action
• Revoked: State has rescinded the right to operate
• Expired: Registration has lapsed (typically for assumed names)

Can I reserve or register a business name online in Michigan?

Yes, Michigan allows both online name reservation and business registration through LARA’s online filing system. Online filings are typically processed faster than mail submissions.

What are the filing fees for business registration in Michigan?

Basic filing fees include $50 for LLC formation, $60 for corporations, and $25 for name reservations. Annual maintenance fees include $25 for annual statements. Expedited processing is available for additional fees ranging from $50 to $1,000.

What should I do if my desired business name is taken in Michigan?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you can:

1. Modify the name to make it distinguishable
2. Use an assumed name (DBA) for marketing purposes
3. Consider a different business structure
4. Check if the existing entity is active (dissolved entities’ names may become available)

For assistance with any of these alternatives, our business name services can help you find and secure the right name for your business.

Resources for Michigan Business Formation

Here are some official resources to help with your business entity search and formation:

• Michigan LARA Business Entity Search Portal
• Michigan LARA Business Services
• Michigan Business One Stop
• Michigan Small Business Development Center

Explore Business Entity Searches in Other States

Looking to conduct business entity searches in other states? Check out our guides for:

• Delaware Business Entity Search
• California Business Entity Search
• Florida Business Entity Search
• New York Business Entity Search
• Texas Business Entity Search
• Ohio Business Entity Search
• Illinois Business Entity Search
• Pennsylvania Business Entity Search
• Georgia Business Entity Search
• New Jersey Business Entity Search
• North Carolina Business Entity Search
• Washington Business Entity Search
• Virginia Business Entity Search
• Massachusetts Business Entity Search
• Arizona Business Entity Search

Conclusion

A Michigan business entity search is the crucial first step in establishing your business presence in the state. Unlike many other states, Michigan’s process is handled through LARA rather than the Secretary of State, but the comprehensive search capabilities make it straightforward to check name availability and research existing businesses.

Once you’ve completed your search, you can confidently move forward with name reservation, business formation, and getting your Michigan business up and running. With the state’s business-friendly climate and growth initiatives, your new venture will be joining one of the most dynamic business communities in the Midwest.

Ready to form your Michigan business? Get started with BusinessAnywhere and let our experts handle the paperwork while you focus on building your business.