Planning to start or running a business in Michigan? Well, one thing that can come handy for you is knowing how to use the LARA Michigan business entity search. Verifying a company’s status, checking the availability of a business name, or going through compliance-documents is everything you can do via this incredible tool provided by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
In this guide, you will learn how to truly use LARA business entity search, detailed importance of what every entrepreneur and professional should know, and even more practical tips to avoid common watch outs. Once finished with this read, you will have confidence to approach the system for any of your business goals while making you stay within lines in the laws of Michigan.
Table of contents
What Is LARA?
LARA is an acronym for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, a government agency in Michigan tasked with business filings, licensing, and regulatory oversight. Out of many services, the tool Michigan business entity search is a life-saving tool for a lot of entrepreneurs, investors, attorneys, and consumers.
The search tool can be accessed via the LARA Corporations Online Filing Systems (COFS), letting you:
- Verify existing business entities
- Check name availability for businesses
- See filing history and legal status
- Read registered agents information
- Get certificate of good standing
Why Use the LARA Michigan Business Entity Search?
Verify Legitimacy of a Business
Signify that before entering into contracts or business agreements, ensure the business is registered and in good shape in the state of Michigan.
Check Availability for New Businesses
If starting an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit, confirm whether the desired business name is available and not used.
Remain Compliant
Be able to track and manage compliance activities-notably annual filings, addressing updates and/or agents, or status renewals-through the LARA system.
Competitive or Partnership Intelligence
Researching competitors or partners can help inform strategy or yield key insights from public filings.
How to Use LARA Michigan Business Entity Search
Step 1: Visit the Official Search Portal
You need to go to the COFS online Business Entity Search Page.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Criteria
You can search by:
- Entity Name
- Business ID
- Individual Name (e.g., Registered Agent)
- Filing Number
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure of the full name, partial search terms or wildcard characters can be used (for example “tech” to find all business names with “tech”).
Step 3: Review the Search Results
Each result will show very basic information such as:
- Entity Name
- Type (LLC, Corp, Nonprofit, etc.)
- Status (Active, Dissolved, etc.)
- Establishment Date
- Registered Agent details
Step 4: Click Through to See More
Click on any of these results to know all about filing history, latest annual reports, and certificates.
Step 5: Order Certified Documents (Optional)
Do you need official documentation for legal or financial use? The system enables requesting:
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Certified copies of filings
Primary Characteristics of the LARA Search Tool
Real Time Updates
There is regular updating in the LARA system so that you are always working with valid, well-timed information.
Filing History Access
Be able to see all amendments, dissolutions or merger filings to understand what has transpired in a company’s lifecycle fully.
Document Downloads
Downloadable in PDF format, with most documents simplifying record-keeping and due diligence.
Use Cases for Different Audiences
Entrepreneurs and Startups
- Check name availability before registering
- Verify structures or statuses of competitors
- Keep your business compliant
Legal and Financial Professionals
- Due diligence for mergers or acquisition
- Observe compliance of client
- Obtain official documents for use in courts or loans
Consumers and Job Seekers
- Legitimacy check against possible employers
- Verify that the contractor/vendor is registered properly
Compliance Tips for Michigan Businesses
- Punctuality in Filing Annual Report
Franchise tax assessment, usually along with the annual report, attempts to disqualify any company that does not answer in a timely manner from being able to exist in Michigan. - Go with the Current Registered Agent
Any reason that does not require current contact with the registered agent results in losing good standing with the state. - Continue Checking Entity Status
LARA system check once every quarter seems reasonable for any newly-started business. - Procurement of Certificate of Good Standing
Commonly requested as part of many loan applications, contracts, and government dealings.
Conclusion
The LARA Michigan business entity search is an indispensable tool for anyone doing business in Michigan from entrepreneurs forming a new LLC to professionals conducting due diligence. By understanding how to use it effectively, you gain access to essential business data that can inform decisions, ensure compliance, and empower your success.
Want to learn more about forming a business in Michigan or staying compliant with local laws? Explore our business resources, or subscribe for regular updates on legal and business best practices.
FAQ
Is LARA Michigan business entity search a paid service?
No. This completely free offering of searching a business entity is supplemented with a charge for certified-document production.
How often is LARA updated?
In most cases, real-time or update the system within one business day after any filings.
Can I reserve a business name using LARA?
Yes, you may file a name reservation, for a fee, through COFS portal, assuring that your preferred name is reserved for six months.
What’s the difference between “Active” and “In Good Standing”?
Active means that the business exists legally while In Good Standing means that it is “current on all required filings.
