Search Michigan Business Entities
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    How To Search Michigan Business Entities

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    Between 65,000 and 75,000 new entities are formed annually in Michigan. These entity formations are typically required to register with the Division of Corporations in the Office of the Michigan Secretary of State before commencing business operations.

    Searches for Michigan business entities may be done by anyone including members of the general public, investors, potential partners, consumers of the products and services offered by businesses, and government agencies. Conducting a business search is important for ensuring that a business is in good standing with the state and may be trusted.

    Choose Your Search Criteria

    You may generally search by:

    • Entity Name
      Entity Name

      Provide part of or the entire business name.

    • Individual Name
      Individual Name

      Search by the name of the resident agent or general partner of the entity.

    • Identification Number
      Identification Number

      A unique serial number assigned to a registered Michigan business.

    • Filing Number
      Filing Number

      The number assigned by the state when the entity is registered.

    Review Search Results

    Upon choosing your search criteria and entering the search text, select the 'search' button and the system will return a list of results resembling the search text. Select the desired result by clicking the hyperlink to reveal a summary screen of the business details. You may also reach the summary screen directly by entering an ID number.

    From the summary screen, select a filing or activity type to view specific documents or history. This typically provides information such as the business ID number, old ID number, and address.

    Access Detailed Information

    To access detailed information, click on the hyperlink of the business name in the search results. This typically provides the following:

    • Entity Name – The legal name of the business.
    • Entity ID Number – Unique identification number assigned to the business.
    • Date of Incorporation – The date the business was incorporated in Michigan.
    • Entity Type – LLC, corporation, nonprofit, etc.
    • Date of Dissolution – Date of dissolution, if the entity has been dissolved.
    • Business Term – The duration of the business’s existence (e.g., perpetual).
    • Resident Agent Info – Name and address of the registered agent.
    • Governing Act – The act under which the entity was formed.
    • Authorized Shares – Total number of authorized shares (for corporations).
    • Business Filings – List of all submitted business filings.
    • Comments/Notes – Any additional notes recorded with the entity.

    Further Assistance

    For further information on finding a Michigan business, contact the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

    How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Michigan?

    MIMI

    Finding the owner of a business entity in Michigan is important for certain reasons, such as verifying the legitimacy of a business and conducting due diligence before doing business or investing in a business. In some instances, companies publish ownership information online on their websites. However, if you cannot find this information online, you may search for any of the following options:

    Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info

    • Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
      Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

      The Michigan LARA’s Corporations Division provides detailed business entity records through its online system. You may perform a search by providing the business name or identification number to access information such as resident agents’ information, which may include ownership details.

    • County Clerk's Offices
      County Clerk's Offices

      Local county clerk offices maintain records for businesses operating under assumed names (DBAs). These records often list the individual owners of sole proprietorships or partnerships, making them a useful resource for identifying business owners.

    • Better Business Bureau (BBB)
      Better Business Bureau (BBB)

      The BBB provides information about local businesses, including ownership details for registered entities. Their records generally contain public-facing details, allowing members of the public to find business ownership information.

    Why Conduct a Michigan Entity Search?

    A Michigan entity search may be done for any of the following reasons:

    • To confirm the legitimacy of a business before making purchases or entering agreements
    • To assess potential investments by checking registration status and business longevity
    • To verify the standing and legitimacy of supplier businesses
    • To detect fraudulent businesses and protect against scams
    Consumer Trust + Due Diligence
    Consumer Trust + Due Diligence

    A Michigan entity search helps consumers confirm the legitimacy of a business before making purchases or entering agreements. It ensures the business is registered, active, and compliant with state regulations, promoting trust among consumers and potential partners.

    Investor Research
    Investor Research

    Investors may use Michigan entity searches to assess potential investments by checking the business's registration status, operational longevity, and any business terms. This helps minimize risks and allows potential investors in a business to make sound investment decisions.

    Supplier Verification
    Supplier Verification

    Verifying supplier businesses through the Michigan business search tool ensures their legitimacy and good standing. This protects businesses from unreliable or fraudulent suppliers.

    Fraud Prevention
    Fraud Prevention

    Entity searches in Michigan help detect fraudulent businesses by confirming official registration and business status. Hence, an entity search protects individuals and organizations from scams, ensuring their financial interests remain secure.

    Who Holds Data for Michigan Business Entity Search?

    The following agencies may hold relevant information about Michigan business entities:

    What Entities Can You Register in Michigan?

    Michigan Entities

    Pursuant to Michigan laws, persons looking to set up business formations in the state may choose from sole proprietorships, co-partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies.

    Sole Proprietorships

    A sole proprietorship in Michigan is a business or entity owned by a single person. This individual is responsible for all the debts incurred in the business. A sole proprietor formation operating under a name different from the name of the individual (owner) must file a Certificate of Persons Conducting Business Under Assumed Name with the county clerk in all the counties where business is transacted.

    Co-Partnership

    A business formed as a co-partnership is an entity jointly owned by two or more individuals who are personally responsible for any debts incurred by the business. Typically, co-partners enter into an agreement governing the co-partnership operations.

    Limited Liability Partnership

    A limited liability partnership is an entity formed by two or more individuals. These individuals are personally liable for all debts incurred by the business, except debts arising from acts committed by another partner or representative of the partnership not working under the direction or supervision of the partner at the time the acts leading to the liability happened.

    Limited Partnership

    This business structure is usually formed by two or more persons and has one or more limited partners and one or more general partners. The limited partners are responsible only for the debts and obligations of the amount they have contributed, while the general partners are liable for all debts and obligations of the limited partnership.

    Limited Liability Company

    Entities formed as a limited liability company are created by an organizer who may, but is not required to be a member of the company. Such entities are separate from their members and liability is restricted to financial contributions made by members. Per law, members of limited liability companies are considered owners of the company. Except where the Articles of Organization make a provision for the management of the company operations by managers, LLC company management is undertaken by its members.

    Corporation

    Michigan considers a corporation as an association of persons, founded by law, and existing as an entity, with powers and liabilities independent of those of the members of the entity. A corporation may be a profit corporation or a non-profit corporation. In profit corporations, the owners are shareholders, while the owners of non-profit corporations are members or sometimes shareholders. Generally, a corporation's management comprises directors and officers, typically elected by the members or shareholders of the entity. The governance of corporations is set forth by laws, corporation bylaws, and the decisions or resolutions of the corporation's members or shareholders.

    Doing Business As (DBA)

    A Doing Business As (DBA) name, also called an Assumed Name, is a name that allows a Michigan business or entity to operate its business using a name separate from its legal business name. A DBA is generally important for businesses, especially in sole proprietorships as it allows the owners to use an assumed name rather than their personal names to operate their businesses.

    How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Michigan?

    In order to avoid infringing another business' name, you must perform a diligent search of entity names before registering your business with the State of Michigan.

    Your search should involve state-registered names, trademarks, federally registered marks, and domain names.

    To perform a check if a business entity name has been taken, conduct the following searches:

    How Do I Set up a Business Entity in Michigan?

    If you are looking to start a business in Michigan, you may follow these steps:

    • Choose Your Business Structure: Decide whether you will operate as a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, co-partnership, corporation, or under a Doing Business As (DBA) name.
    • Select a Unique Name for Your Business: Make sure the name is available and complies with Michigan naming standards.
    • Register Your Business: Register your chosen entity type with the Michigan Secretary of State. DBAs must register with the relevant county.
    • Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): Required for hiring employees, taxes, and opening bank accounts.
    • Open Business Bank Accounts: Keeps business finances separate and builds business credit.
    • Apply for Necessary Licenses and Permits: Apply at the city, county, or state level depending on your business type.
    • Secure Business Insurance: General liability, workers’ compensation, or business owner’s policies may be required.

    How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Michigan?

    • Registration Costs: Formation costs vary between $50 and $500. For example, forming an LLC costs $50. Expedited processing may add $50–$1,000. DBAs cost $25 (county fees may vary).
    • Registered Agent Fees: $50–$300 per year if using a professional service.
    • Licensing and Permits: Local licenses range from $50 to $200. Additional zoning or health permits may apply.
    • Business Insurance: General liability coverage typically costs $500–$1,000 annually.

    Additional Information Available on the Michigan LARA Website

    Michigan Entities

    The Michigan LARA website provides the following information and services to visitors:

    FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Michigan

    Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding business entity searches in Michigan.

    1. Why would I need to search for a business entity in Michigan?

      Performing a Michigan business search helps verify business status, confirm compliance with state regulations, foster trust, and reduce potential risks that may be associated with transacting with the business.

    2. What types of entities can I search for in Michigan?

      A Michigan business search allows you to find limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, and DBA names in the state.

    3. Where can I perform a business entity search in Michigan?

      You may perform a business entity search in Michigan using the LARA business search tool on the Secretary of State website.

    4. What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Michigan?

      To conduct an entity search in Michigan using the LARA business search tool, you need to have the business name, individual name, identification number, and filing number.

    5. How do I find the official name of a Michigan business?

      If you have the filing number, identification number, or the name of the resident agent of a business, you may provide it in the search criteria field of the LARA business search tool to find the official name of the business.

    6. Can I search for foreign entities in Michigan?

      Yes, you may search for foreign entities in Michigan using the LARA business search tool. The tool provides access to local and foreign entities registered in Michigan.

    7. What information can I find in the Michigan entity search?

      In a Michigan entity search performed via the LARA business search tool, you may find details such as the identification number, entity type, date of incorporation, entity purpose, the name and address of the resident agent, the total authorized shares, and the filings of a business.

    8. How do I verify if a Michigan business is in good standing?

      By performing a Michigan business search and checking the details of the search result, you may determine if a business is in good standing in the state.

    9. Can I search for an entity in Michigan by its owner’s name?

      You may use the LARA business search tool to find the owner of a Michigan entity if the owner is the business resident’s agent. Otherwise, you may search online or use other resources to find ownership information about a Michigan entity.

    10. How often is the Michigan business entity database updated?

      The business entity database is regularly updated by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Changes and modifications are reflected in the database within a few days.

    11. Can I obtain copies of business filings in Michigan?

      Yes. To obtain copies of business filings in Michigan, contact the Corporations Division of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

    12. How do I find out who the registered agent of a Michigan business is?

      The registered agent or resident agent of a Michigan business may be found using the LARA business search tool. By providing the business or entity name in the search criteria field, you may access the name of the business resident agent in the search result.

    13. How can I search for Michigan businesses by their tax ID number?

      Tax ID number is not one of the search options offered by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs in its business search system. If you intend to use the tax ID number to find a Michigan business, contact the Michigan Department of Treasury.

    14. What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Michigan search?

      If you cannot find a business entity in a Michigan search and you are sure the entity exists, contact the Corporations Division of the State Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. In addition, you may consult with a professional search firm experienced in performing comprehensive business entity searches.

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