If you're trying to look up a company in the Mitten State, you might head straight for the Secretary of State’s website. It makes sense. That’s how it works in almost every other state. But here is the thing: Michigan likes to be a little different.
Honestly, if you spend an hour clicking around the Secretary of State (SOS) site looking for a corporate database, you’re going to end up frustrated. In Michigan, the "Secretary of State of Michigan business search" is actually handled by a completely different department called LARA. That stands for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
It's a weird quirk. While Jocelyn Benson (the current Secretary of State) handles your driver's license and elections, it's the Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau under LARA that keeps the receipts on every LLC, corporation, and limited partnership in the state.
If you're doing due diligence on a contractor or trying to see if your "Brilliant Bagels LLC" name is taken, you’ve gotta go to the right portal.
The Search Portal: Where to Actually Go
Basically, you’re looking for the MiBusiness Registry Portal. It’s the official database. No login required. No paywall for basic info.
When you get there, you’ll see a few different ways to hunt for info. Most people just type in a name and hope for the best, but the system is a bit finicky. It's not Google. It won't guess what you mean if you trip over a typo.
Search Methods That Actually Work
- Entity Name: The most common. You can search by "Begins with," "Exact match," "Keyword," or "Soundex."
- Entity ID Number: Every Michigan business gets a unique 9-digit ID (it usually starts with an 8). If you have this, use it. It’s the fastest way to bypass the clutter.
- Individual Name: Want to see what businesses a specific person is tied to? This is the tool.
- Filing Number: Usually only helpful if you’re looking for a very specific document.
How to Check If Your Name is Available
Let's say you're starting a business. You’ve got the perfect name. You've already designed the logo in your head. Stop. Before you spend a dime, you need to check the "Name Availability" filter in the advanced settings.
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Michigan law requires business names to be "distinguishable upon the record." This is where people get tripped up. Adding "LLC" or "Inc" to the end of a name that already exists doesn't make it distinguishable. Changing "The Bagel Shop" to "Bagel Shop, LLC" won't fly. Even changing "Smith’s" to "Smiths" (removing the apostrophe) is often rejected by the state examiners.
Pro-Tip: The "Begins With" Trick
Don't type your full desired name into the search bar. If you want "Grand Rapids Automotive Repair LLC," just search "Grand Rapids Automotive." This lets you see every variation that might be "too close" for the state's liking.
If a name is taken by a company that is "Dissolved" or "Inactive," you might think it's fair game. Sometimes it is. But in Michigan, a dissolved corporation's name is often protected for a period after the dissolution. Don't assume a "dead" company means the name is up for grabs immediately.
Reading the Search Results: What Does "Good Standing" Mean?
Once you click a business name in the search results, a side panel or new page pops up with the "Entity Profile." This is the gold mine.
You'll see the Registered Agent. That’s the person or company designated to receive legal papers if the business gets sued. If you're trying to serve someone or send a formal demand letter, this is the address you need.
You’ll also see the Standing.
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- Active: The business is up to date on filings.
- In Good Standing: They’ve filed their annual reports and paid their fees.
- Not in Good Standing: They missed a deadline. This is a huge red flag if you're about to sign a contract with them.
- Dissolved: The business no longer legally exists.
The 2025-2026 Scam Alert
There’s a real issue right now with businesses getting fake "Annual Statement Past Due" notices in the mail. They look official. They ask for $300 or more.
Don't fall for it. The actual LARA filing fee for an LLC annual statement is only **$25**. If you're ever unsure, just do a search for your own business in the portal. It will tell you exactly when your last report was filed. If the portal says you're "Active," you don't owe some random third party $300.
Looking Up Records and Filing History
One of the coolest (and most underused) parts of the Michigan business search is the View History & Filings button.
You can actually see the original Articles of Organization or Incorporation. Want to know when a company was actually formed? Check the PDF. Want to see if they’ve changed their name or moved their headquarters? It's all in the filing history.
In Michigan, these documents are usually free to view as scanned images (the little camera icon). This is different from many other states that charge $5 to $20 just to look at a PDF.
Beyond the LARA Search: DBAs and Trademarks
There’s a gap in the LARA database you need to know about.
If a business is a Sole Proprietorship or a General Partnership, they often won't show up in the state-level search. In Michigan, those "Assumed Names" (DBAs) are filed at the County Clerk level.
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If you're doing a search for "Tony's Landscaping" and nothing comes up on the LARA site, it doesn't mean the name is free. Tony might have a DBA registered in Wayne County or Kent County. You have to check the individual county records for those.
Trademarks
The state search only tells you if a name is registered in Michigan. It doesn't tell you if someone has a federal trademark. If you use a name that is federally trademarked, it doesn't matter if LARA approved your LLC name—you can still get a "Cease and Desist" in the mail from a company in California or Florida.
Actionable Steps for Your Search
If you're ready to get started, here's the workflow that makes the most sense.
- Start Broad: Use the "Keyword" search on the LARA portal to see any name that even smells like yours.
- Check the "Status": If you find a match, see if they are active. If they are "Dissolved," check the date.
- Verify the Agent: If you're doing due diligence on a contractor, make sure the Registered Agent address isn't just a random P.O. Box or a vacant lot.
- Check County Records: If the name is clear on LARA, hop over to the county clerk's website for the county where you'll be operating to check for DBAs.
- Use the USPTO: Always run your name through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's TESS database just to be safe.
If you find that your name is available but you aren't quite ready to file your full Articles of Organization, you can file a Name Reservation. It costs $25 and holds the name for six months. It’s a cheap way to buy some peace of mind while you get your funding or business plan in order.
Don't let the "Secretary of State" terminology confuse you. Stick to the LARA portal, keep your search terms broad, and always double-check the filing history for the most accurate picture of a Michigan business.
Next Steps for You:
Go to the official LARA Corporations Division website. Use the "Advanced Search" tab and select "Name Availability" from the dropdown. Enter the core of your business name—omitting "LLC" or "Inc"—and see what results pop up to ensure your brand is legally unique in the state of Michigan.