Michigan Secretary of State Business Search
Free access to Michigan's official Secretary of State business entity database (Michigan MiBusiness Registry (mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us)). Search corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and verify business entities registered in Michigan. Complete step-by-step guide and FAQ included.
Michigan Business Database
Direct link to Michigan MiBusiness Registry - Free Michigan business search
How to Search Michigan Business Entities
Step 1: Access the Official Michigan MiBusiness Registry Website
Navigate to the official Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) MiBusiness Registry portal at mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us/search/business or mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us/. You can also access it through michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps or michigan.gov/lara/online-services. These are the free, government-operated databases for all Michigan business entities.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
Select how you want to search: by entity name (most common), individual name, identification number, or filing number. The entity name search allows you to refine results using options like 'Begins With', 'Exact Match', 'Keyword', or 'Soundex'. The individual name search is useful for finding businesses associated with a particular person.
Step 3: Enter Search Criteria
Type the business name in the search field. Try variations: with and without business suffixes (LLC, Inc, Corp, L.L.C.), partial names if exact match doesn't work, and check for common abbreviations. Michigan's search supports multiple search modes including 'Contains', 'Starts With', or 'Exact Match'. The search is case-insensitive.
Step 4: Review Search Results
Browse the results list to find your business. Each result shows the entity name, entity type, status, identification number (Entity ID), filing date, resident agent name, and annual report due date. Click on an entity name to view detailed information. Michigan's database typically shows multiple results if there are similar business names, so review carefully to find the correct entity.
Step 5: View Detailed Entity Information
The detailed view shows identification number (Entity ID), entity name, entity type (LLC, Corporation, etc.), status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved), jurisdiction of formation, filing date, registered office address, resident agent name and address, common shares (for corporations), initial filing date, last report with officers and directors, inactive date (if applicable), and filing history. You can also view document images and assumed names.
Step 6: Verify Business Status and View Filing History
Check that the business status is 'Active' or shows 'Good Standing'. If it shows 'Inactive', 'Dissolved', or 'Revoked', the business may not be in good standing with the state. Active status indicates the business is current with all required filings. Michigan requires annual reports for most business entities. Use 'View History & Filings' to see past filings including annual reports, Articles of Incorporation, and other documents. You can download document images for printing.
Official Michigan Business Database
The Michigan Secretary of State maintains the official business entity database through <strong className="text-white">Michigan MiBusiness Registry (mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us)</strong>. This free government database contains information about all business entities registered in Michigan.
What's Included in the Database:
- • Corporations: C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit corporations, Professional corporations
- • LLCs: Limited Liability Companies (domestic and foreign), Professional LLCs
- • Partnerships: General partnerships, Limited partnerships, Limited liability partnerships
- • Foreign Entities: Out-of-state businesses registered to do business in Michigan
- • Professional Entities: Professional corporations and professional LLCs
- • Business Trusts: Statutory trusts and other business structures
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for a business in Michigan?
To search for a Michigan business, visit the official Michigan MiBusiness Registry portal at mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us/search/business or mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us/. You can also access it through michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps or michigan.gov/lara/online-services. You can search by entity name, individual name, identification number (Entity ID), or filing number. The database includes corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities registered in Michigan.
What is the official Michigan Secretary of State business search website?
The official Michigan business entity search portal is the MiBusiness Registry, operated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), available at mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us/search/business or mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us/. You can also access it through michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps or michigan.gov/lara/online-services. This is the free, government-operated database where you can search for all business entities registered in Michigan, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
What information can I find in the Michigan MiBusiness Registry database?
The Michigan MiBusiness Registry database provides identification number (Entity ID), entity name, entity type (Corporation, LLC, Partnership), status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved), jurisdiction of formation, filing date, registered office address, resident agent name and address, common shares (for corporations), initial filing date, last report with officers and directors, annual report due date, inactive date (if applicable), filing history, document images, and assumed names.
Is the Michigan business search free?
Yes, the Michigan MiBusiness Registry is completely free. The official search portals (mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us and michigan.gov/lara) provide free access to search and view business entity information. Some third-party sites may charge fees, but the official state database is free to use.
How do I verify a Michigan business is legitimate?
To verify a Michigan business, search the MiBusiness Registry database for the business name, check that the status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing', verify the resident agent and address match what you expect, review recent filing history including annual reports, check the identification number (Entity ID), and cross-reference with business licenses if applicable. Always use the official Michigan MiBusiness Registry database for verification.
Can I search Michigan businesses by owner name?
The Michigan MiBusiness Registry database allows you to search by individual name, which may include business owners, officers, or directors. You can also search by entity name, identification number (Entity ID), or filing number. To find businesses by owner name, use the individual name search function, or check the officers and directors information in the detailed entity view.
What types of business entities are registered in Michigan?
Michigan registers various business entity types including corporations (C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit), Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), partnerships (General, Limited, Limited Liability), professional entities, and foreign entities registered to do business in Michigan. All of these can be searched through the official Michigan MiBusiness Registry database.
How do I check if a business name is available in Michigan?
To check if a business name is available in Michigan, use the official Michigan MiBusiness Registry at mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us/search/business or michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps. Search for the exact name you want to use using different search modes ('Contains', 'Starts With', 'Exact Match'). If no results appear, the name may be available. However, you should also check for similar names and consult with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for official name availability confirmation before filing.
Does Michigan require annual reports?
Yes, Michigan requires annual reports for most business entities including corporations and LLCs. These reports must be filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to maintain active status. Failure to file annual reports can result in the business being marked as 'Inactive' or 'Dissolved'. Annual reports can be filed online through the MiBusiness Registry Portal. Check the entity's filing history in the business search database to verify current compliance.
What is an identification number (Entity ID) in Michigan?
An identification number (Entity ID) in Michigan is a unique identifier assigned to each business entity when it is registered with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You can use this Entity ID to search for a specific business entity in the Michigan MiBusiness Registry database. The Entity ID appears in search results and detailed entity information.
What is a resident agent in Michigan?
A resident agent in Michigan (also called a registered agent) is a person or business entity designated to receive legal documents, tax notices, and other official correspondence on behalf of a business entity. The resident agent must have a physical street address in Michigan (not a P.O. Box) and be available during normal business hours. This information is publicly available in the Michigan MiBusiness Registry database.
How do I view document images in Michigan?
To view document images in Michigan, search for the business entity in the MiBusiness Registry, click on the entity name to view detailed information, and then select 'View History & Filings' or 'View Document Images'. This will allow you to access and download past annual reports, original Articles of Incorporation, and other filed documents. Document images can be printed or downloaded for your records.
What are assumed names in Michigan?
Assumed names in Michigan (also called 'doing business as' or DBA names) are alternate names under which a business entity operates. You can view assumed names for a business entity by searching for the entity in the MiBusiness Registry and selecting the 'Assumed Names' option in the detailed entity view. This shows all names the business uses in addition to its legal entity name.
About Michigan Secretary of State Business Search
What is the Michigan SOS Business Search?
The Michigan Secretary of State business search is the official government database that contains information about all business entities registered in Michigan. This includes corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other business structures operating in MI.
When you search "secretary of state mi business search," you're looking for this official database to verify business registrations, check entity status, and conduct due diligence on Michigan businesses.
What Information Can You Find?
- •Business entity name and type (Corporation, LLC, etc.)
- •Registration date and current status
- •Registered agent information
- •Principal office address
- •Officers and directors (for corporations)
- •Annual report filing status
Why Use the Official Michigan SOS Database?
The official Michigan Secretary of State database (Michigan MiBusiness Registry (mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us)) is the most reliable source for business entity information. It's free, updated in real-time, and provides authoritative data directly from the state government. Unlike third-party services that may charge fees or have outdated information, the official database ensures you're getting accurate, current business entity data for Michigan. Always verify business entities through the official MI SOS database before entering into business relationships or financial transactions.
Trusted by Business Professionals
Streamlined Processing
Verify business entities instantly for faster underwriting and loan processing
Research Made Easy
Access comprehensive business data across all states for thorough due diligence
Stay Compliant
Keep track of your business filings and ensure regulatory compliance
Chrome Extension
Professional Business Research Tool
Get instant access to business entity searches across all 50 states directly from your browser. Perfect for processors, underwriters, researchers, and business owners.
Save $16
Join 2,000+ users saving time with business verification