Searching for a business entity in Michigan has never been easier but knowing how to search effectively, understanding the results, and using the information strategically can make a massive difference whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or legal professional. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through every step, resource, and insight needed to master the Michigan business entity search.
What Is a Michigan Business Entity Search?
A Michigan business entity search allows individuals to retrieve information about businesses registered in the State of Michigan. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) maintains a public database that contains detailed information on corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other registered entities.
This database is crucial for:
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Checking business name availability
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Verifying business legitimacy
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Identifying business owners or registered agents
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Reviewing filing history and status
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Conducting due diligence before partnerships
How to Perform a Michigan Business Entity Search
Step 1: Visit the Michigan LARA Corporations Online Filing System
The first step is to navigate to the official LARA website for business entity searches.
Step 2: Choose the Right Search Option
You can search using multiple filters:
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Business Name
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Business Identification Number (ID)
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Individual Name
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Filing Number
Using the business name is the most common option for general users.
Step 3: Input the Search Term
Type the full or partial business name into the search bar. You can select whether the name contains, starts with, or exactly matches your input. This is useful when trying to check name availability for new business formation.
Step 4: Review the Search Results
The results will display a list of entities with matching names, their entity number, type, status, and address. Click on a specific business name to view detailed information, such as:
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Date of formation
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Registered agent information
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Annual reports filed
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Assumed names (DBAs)
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Filing history
Types of Business Entities You Can Search
Understanding entity types helps you interpret search results more effectively. Michigan registers a variety of business structures, including:
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Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
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Corporations (C-Corp and S-Corp)
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Nonprofit Corporations
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Professional Corporations
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Limited Partnerships (LPs)
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Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
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Sole Proprietorships with DBAs
Each type has specific characteristics, legal implications, and search identifiers.
Why Use the Michigan Business Entity Search?
1. Verify Business Legitimacy
Before doing business or forming partnerships, it’s critical to check whether a company is:
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In good standing
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Duly registered
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Compliant with state filings
2. Check Name Availability for New Businesses
Planning to register a new business in Michigan? Use the search to ensure your desired name is unique and not already in use or reserved.
3. Identify Registered Agents and Addresses
This is essential for:
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Serving legal documents
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Sending official correspondence
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Understanding who is authorized to act on behalf of the business
4. Track Business Filing History
Gain insight into how long a company has existed, whether it files annual reports on time, or if it has gone through name changes or structural updates.
5. Conduct Market Research and Due Diligence
Get the lay of the land in your industry or area by researching competitors, similar companies, and market saturation.
How to Interpret Michigan Business Entity Search Results
Entity Status
The status might be:
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Active – In good standing and compliant with filings
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Inactive – Business no longer operates or failed to file required reports
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Dissolved – Legally terminated
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Withdrawn – Voluntarily exited the state registry
Formation Date
Gives you an idea of how long the business has been operating.
Assumed Names (DBAs)
Many businesses register “doing business as” names for branding or diversification. These are publicly visible through the search.
Annual Report History
Shows compliance patterns, useful for judging business health and management efficiency.
How to Reserve or Register a Business Name in Michigan
If the business name is available:
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Navigate to the LARA COFS portal
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Create a secure account
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Submit the appropriate form (e.g., LLC Articles of Organization)
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Pay the filing fee (varies by entity type)
You can also file name reservations for a 6-month period to hold a business name while you prepare other documentation.
Common Issues in Business Entity Searches (And How to Solve Them)
1. No Matching Entity Found
Double-check for spelling errors or try a partial name search with broader filters.
2. Too Many Results Returned
Narrow your search by selecting “begins with” or “exact match,” or add a filing number if known.
3. Outdated Information
While the LARA system is updated frequently, some changes (like new annual reports or address changes) may take a few business days to reflect.
Helpful Tips for Michigan Business Searches
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Use quotation marks for exact matches
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Use the Business ID for the most precise results
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Bookmark your most used search links for frequent access
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Cross-reference data with other public resources like the IRS EIN lookup (if applicable)
Other Resources and Contact Information
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Michigan LARA Corporation Division Help Desk: (517) 241-6470
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Email: LARA-Corp@michigan.gov
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Online Services: Name changes, annual reports, articles of dissolution, and more can be filed online.
Conclusion: Your Gateway to Transparent Business Operations
The Michigan business entity search is more than just a name checker — it’s a critical tool for anyone operating, investing, or collaborating in the state. With accurate information, you can ensure full compliance, mitigate risk, and operate with confidence.
If you’re planning to launch your own business, evaluate competitors, or explore partnerships, this tool will save you time, reduce legal risk, and help you make smarter decisions.
