You're ready to launch. You’ve got the logo, the hustle, and a name that sounds like a million bucks. But then you hit the wall: the Michigan secretary of state business entity search.
Most people think it’s a quick "is my name taken?" check. Honestly, it is so much more than that. If you just type a name and hit enter, you're probably missing 70% of the data that could save your backside during a lawsuit or a big contract negotiation.
Here is the kicker: in Michigan, you aren't actually looking for the "Secretary of State" for business filings. That's a common mistake. You’re actually dealing with LARA—the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Specifically, the Corporations Division.
The New MiBusiness Registry Era
As of mid-2025, Michigan completely overhauled its system. The old, clunky database is gone. The new MiBusiness Registry Portal is what we use now. It's faster, sure, but it changed how you have to hunt for information.
If you're trying to see if "Great Lakes Tacos" is available, don't just search the full name. The system is picky. It’s better to search "Great Lakes" and sift. Why? Because Michigan law requires your name to be "distinguishable." That’s a legal term that basically means "not confusingly similar."
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If "Great Lake Tacos LLC" exists, you probably can't have "Great Lakes Taco Inc." even though the plural and the designator are different.
How to Actually Use the Search (Like a Pro)
You've got four main ways to dig through the LARA database. Most folks stick to the name search, but that’s amateur hour.
- Entity Name: Good for checking availability. Pro tip: Leave out "LLC" or "Inc." when searching. If you include them, you might accidentally miss a conflict.
- Individual Name: This is the "detective" mode. Want to know every business a specific person is tied to? This is how you find it.
- Entity ID: Every business gets an 8-digit ID. This is the "Social Security Number" for the company. If you have this, you get the exact record instantly.
- Soundex: This is Michigan's secret weapon. It searches by how a name sounds phonetically. It catches things like "Koffee" vs "Coffee."
The "Distinguishable" Trap
I see entrepreneurs trip over this constantly. They find a name that isn't exactly the same and think they're in the clear.
Michigan's MCL Section 450.4205 (for LLCs) is pretty strict. Adding "The" at the beginning? Doesn't count. Swapping "and" for "&"? Nope. The state wants to make sure the public doesn't get confused.
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Interestingly, Michigan is one of the few states where making a word plural can sometimes create distinguishability, but it’s a gamble. Don't bet your filing fee on it. If LARA rejects your filing, you don't always get that money back.
Beyond Name Checks: The Due Diligence Goldmine
Why else should you use the Michigan secretary of state business entity search?
If you’re about to sign a lease or hire a contractor, search them first. Look for the "Active" status. If it says "Dissolved" or "Insolvent," run.
You can also see the Registered Agent. This is the person legally responsible for receiving lawsuits (service of process). If a company’s registered agent is "John Doe" at a vacant lot in Detroit, that’s a massive red flag.
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Check the Filing History too. In the new portal, you can view PDF copies of the actual Articles of Organization. You can see who the original organizers were and if they’ve filed their annual reports. If they haven't filed an annual report in two years, the state will eventually "administratively dissolve" them.
What About DBAs?
Here is another point of confusion. If you are a Sole Proprietorship using an "Assumed Name" (DBA), those records are often kept at the County Clerk level, not LARA.
However, if an LLC or Corporation wants a DBA, they file a "Certificate of Assumed Name" with LARA. So, your search needs to be two-fold. Search the state database for the corporate side, and if you're really being thorough, check the county records where the business actually operates.
Actionable Next Steps
Don't just search and hope. Follow this workflow:
- Broad Search First: Search only the most unique word in your business name using the "Contains" filter.
- Use Soundex: Run your name through the Soundex filter to see if anything sounds too similar.
- Check "Good Standing": Ensure the result shows an "Active" status and that all annual reports are up to date.
- Reserve the Name: If your name is clear but you aren't ready to file, use the Application for Reservation of Name. It costs $25 for an LLC and holds the name for 6 months.
- Trademark Check: Remember, just because LARA says a name is "available" doesn't mean you aren't infringing on a federal trademark. Always cross-reference with the USPTO database.
If you find the exact name you want and it's attached to a "Dissolved" entity, you might be able to grab it. But be careful—if that entity was dissolved recently, there’s often a "protection period" where the name stays reserved for the original owners to revive it.
Start your search on the official Michigan LARA Corporations Division website. Avoid third-party sites that charge you a fee just to search public data. The state’s portal is free, and in 2026, it’s the only source of truth you should trust.