The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Michigan Business Entity Search

Starting a business in Michigan? The Michigan Business Entity Search is your first essential step. It’s an online tool provided by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) that lets you find, verify, and research existing businesses in the state. Whether you’re checking if your desired business name is available, verifying competitors, or confirming the legitimacy of a partner, this tool gives entrepreneurs everything they need to start right.

What Is the Michigan Business Entity Search?

The Michigan Business Entity Search is an online database managed by the Corporations Division of LARA. It allows anyone to search registered business entities in Michigan — including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofits.

It’s not just for government or legal professionals. Everyday entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors use it to ensure their business names are unique, confirm existing registrations, and even access filing history or contact details for other companies.

In short, this search tool helps you make smart business decisions with accurate, official information.

Why Entrepreneurs Need to Use It

Before you can legally operate under a business name in Michigan, you must make sure no other entity is already using it. This is where the Business Entity Search becomes your best friend.

Here’s why it’s a must-use resource for every Michigan entrepreneur:

1. Avoid Legal Issues – If your business name is too similar to another registered company, you could face lawsuits or rejection during registration.
2. Check Name Availability – Ensure your chosen business name is free before you invest in branding, website domains, or marketing.
3. Verify Legitimacy of Partners – Before entering into contracts, you can verify whether a company is active and in good standing.
4. Access Key Business Information – Find addresses, entity types, and registration dates for competitors or collaborators.
5. Maintain Compliance – Ensure your own business remains active and up-to-date in state records.

How to Use the Michigan Business Entity Search (Step-by-Step)

Using the Michigan Business Entity Search is simple, even if you’ve never done it before. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the LARA Corporations Online Filing System (COFS) at https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/.
From there, select “Business Entity Search.”

Step 2: Choose Your Search Type

You can search by several filters:

• Entity Name – The most common option. Enter the full or partial name of a business.
• Business ID Number – If you already have a company’s ID, this gives precise results.
• Filing Number – For legal professionals tracking specific documents.
• Individual Name – Useful when you’re looking for entities connected to a specific person.

Step 3: Enter Your Search Query

Type in your chosen business name or keywords. For the most accurate results, start with a broad term and narrow it down if too many results appear.

Step 4: Review the Results

The system will list all matching entities. You can check each one for:

• Entity name
• ID number
• Type (LLC, corporation, etc.)
• Status (Active, Dissolved, or Expired)
• Registered agent
• Formation date

Step 5: Access Detailed Information

Click on any entity to view its detailed record. This page provides all public information, including filing history, annual reports, and certificates.

Tips for Choosing a Unique and Legal Business Name in Michigan

After using the entity search, you’ll want to make sure your business name stands out while staying compliant with state laws.

1. Avoid Duplication: Your name must be distinguishable from existing businesses in the Michigan database.
2. Follow Naming Rules:
   • Corporations must include “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” or “Company.”
   • LLCs must include “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC.”
3. Skip Restricted Words: Words like “Bank,” “Insurance,” or “University” may require special approval.
4. Check Trademark Conflicts: Even if your name is available in Michigan, ensure it’s not trademarked nationally at USPTO.gov.
5. Reserve Your Name: If you’re not ready to register yet, Michigan allows you to reserve a business name for six months through LARA.

Additional Features of the Michigan Business Entity Search

The platform offers more than just name verification. It includes powerful tools and data to help you operate efficiently.

1. Business Filing Documents

You can view or order official business filings such as annual reports, amendments, and certificates of good standing.

2. Registered Agent Information

Every Michigan business must have a registered agent. You can verify who’s listed for any entity, ensuring communication and compliance transparency.

3. Entity Status Tracking

See if a business is Active, Dissolved, or Inactive — crucial for checking the health of your competitors or partners.

4. Filing History Access

You can review when and how a company has maintained its filings, giving insights into its reliability and professionalism.

5. Certificate Requests

You can order official documents like Certificates of Good Standing or Certified Copies directly from the portal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Entity Search

Even though the system is straightforward, entrepreneurs often make a few mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Spelling Errors: Even small typos can cause missed results. Double-check your search queries.
• Ignoring Similar Names: Names that sound alike or are slightly misspelled can still create legal problems.
• Not Checking Entity Status: A name from a dissolved company might look available but could still have restrictions.
• Forgetting to Reserve the Name: If you find an available name, reserve it immediately before someone else does.

After the Search: What Comes Next?

Once you’ve confirmed that your desired name is available and complies with Michigan law, it’s time to take the next step.

1. Register Your Business

Head back to the LARA Corporations Online Filing System and file the appropriate formation documents:

• Articles of Organization for LLCs
• Articles of Incorporation for Corporations
• Certificate of Assumed Name for DBAs (Doing Business As)

2. Obtain an EIN

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. It’s essential for taxes, banking, and hiring employees.

3. Register for Michigan Taxes

If applicable, register your business for Michigan state taxes via the Michigan Treasury Online (MTO) system.

4. Get Licenses and Permits

Depending on your industry, you may need additional local or state licenses. The Michigan Business One Stop website can guide you.

5. Maintain Annual Filings

Stay compliant by filing your Annual Report every year. This keeps your business in good standing with LARA.

Benefits of Using Michigan’s Official Portal (vs. Third-Party Sites)

While many third-party sites claim to offer business lookup services, the official Michigan LARA portal remains the most reliable and secure.

Here’s why you should always use it:

• It’s free and officially updated by the state.
• You get accurate, legally recognized information.
• You can access and order official documents directly.
• It’s secure — no unnecessary sharing of your personal data.

Final Thoughts

The Michigan Business Entity Search is more than a database – it’s a gateway to smarter entrepreneurship. It helps you avoid naming conflicts, verify potential partners, and maintain compliance with ease. By mastering this simple yet powerful tool, you’ll save time, money, and potential legal trouble down the road.

Before registering your business, take a few minutes to perform a search. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in the success and credibility of your Michigan venture.