Key Takeaways

  • The Michigan Secretary of State business search is managed through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website.
  • Users can perform searches for corporations, LLCs, LLPs, LPs, and nonprofits registered in Michigan.
  • The search tool provides access to detailed business information including filing history, status, registered agent, and formation date.
  • The Michigan SOS business search can also verify name availability before filing new entity paperwork.
  • Entity records are maintained by the Corporations Division under the Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau (CSCL).
  • Businesses and individuals use this database for due diligence, compliance checks, and preventing fraud.

Performing a Michigan SOS corporation search is easy, as the state has developed a more streamlined online method that allows you to search for a business entity by a number of search criteria.

Performing a Michigan Secretary of State Corporation Search

You can search for a corporation easily on Michigan's Secretary of State website.

  1. Navigate to the corporation search page on the Michigan SOS website.
  2. If searching by name, select the topmost option on the webpage, enter the business name, and click "search."
  3. Your search will most likely return a list of the corporations that meet the search criteria. You will need to scroll through the results to find the entity you are looking for.
  4. Select the correct entity, and you will be able to view all of the public details and records of the company.

You can also use the search page to search for corporations by keyword or by the corporation ID number.

What Information You Can Find in a Michigan SOS Business Search

When you perform a Michigan Secretary of State business search, the database will return a variety of details about registered entities. The search results typically include:

  • Entity name and ID number
  • Business type (LLC, Corporation, LP, LLP, etc.)
  • Formation or registration date
  • Current status (active, dissolved, withdrawn, expired)
  • Registered agent information
  • Principal office address
  • Annual report filings and due dates
  • Document filings and amendments

You can also access the filing history of the entity, including articles of incorporation, amendments, and certificates of good standing. This transparency allows business owners, investors, and legal professionals to confirm the legitimacy of Michigan-registered companies.

Michigan Name Availability Search

You can also use the Michigan Secretary of State corporation search website to search to see if the name you would like to use for your corporation is available. To search for the availability of your business name, you will need to do the following:

  1. Navigate to the Michigan Secretary of State webpage.
  2. Type the proposed name into the search field and select the type of entity you would like to search for from the drop-down menu.
  3. Click "search."
  4. If the name is available, you will receive a result of "no conflict found." If the name is not available, you will be taken to another window.

Tips for Conducting a Michigan Business Name Search

When checking name availability using the Michigan Secretary of State business search, make sure to:

  • Avoid punctuation and capitalization—the search engine is not case-sensitive and may ignore common symbols.
  • Use keywords—if you don’t know the exact name, search using one or two distinctive words.
  • Check similar names—the Michigan LARA system may flag potential conflicts if the proposed name closely resembles another.
  • Review naming rules—Michigan law requires certain designators like “LLC,” “Corporation,” or “Inc.” depending on the entity type.

If your proposed name is available, you can reserve it for 6 months by filing a Name Reservation Request with LARA’s Corporations Division

Michigan Business Corporation Registry Search

The filings for corporations in the State of Michigan are handled by the Corporations Division of the Corporations, Securities, & Commercial Licensing Bureau, which falls under the domain of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The registry is responsible for maintaining the filing records of all of the business entities in the state.

The registry will hold records for the following types of business entities:

  • Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Limited Partnerships
  • Limited Companies
  • Limited Liability Partnerships

How to Access Michigan Corporation Records Online

The Corporations Division of LARA maintains the state’s official business registry through its online search portal. Users can access records by:

  1. Visiting the Corporation Division’s Business Entity Search on the LARA website.
  2. Entering the company name, identification number, or keyword.
  3. Selecting the matching entity from the results list.
  4. Viewing the detailed record, including its status, filings, and registered agent.

This online tool is free and available to the public. For official documentation—such as a Certificate of Good Standing or certified copies of filings—users may order directly from the portal for a nominal fee.

The LARA Corporations Division manages all filings under the Michigan Business Corporation Act and related statutes, ensuring compliance with state corporate governance requirements.

Reasons to Do a Business Entity Search

There are many reasons to perform a business entity search. Some of the most common reasons people perform a business entity search include the following:

  • To check the availability of a business name for your LLC
  • To look up a business and check its status with the state or obtain specific business info
  • To determine if your business has been officially formed as an LLC in your state
  • To perform administrative tasks that are required for your business

Common Uses of the Michigan Business Search Tool

The Michigan Secretary of State business search serves both legal and practical purposes. It’s commonly used for:

  • Business due diligence—before entering into contracts or partnerships, verify that the business is active and properly registered.
  • Investor research—check an entity’s legitimacy and filing history before investing.
  • Vendor verification—ensure suppliers and subcontractors are licensed and in good standing.
  • Fraud prevention—confirm a business’s registration details to avoid scams or misrepresentations.
  • Trademark and name conflicts—identify similar names to avoid infringement or branding disputes.

These searches provide vital transparency and are essential for anyone forming, acquiring, or working with a Michigan-based company.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Michigan Secretary of State business search used for?

It’s a public database for finding information on registered businesses in Michigan, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.

2. Is there a fee to use the Michigan business entity search?

Basic searches are free, but obtaining certified documents or certificates through LARA may require a small fee.

3. How can I find my business ID number in Michigan?

You can locate your entity ID by searching your company name on the LARA business entity database.

4. Can I check if my LLC name is available in Michigan?

Yes, use the name availability feature on the Michigan LARA site to confirm if your desired name is free to register.

5. What if my business is inactive or dissolved?

The database will show your entity’s current status and history. To reinstate an inactive entity, file the necessary reinstatement documents through LARA’s Corporations Division.

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