How to Look Up an LLC in Michigan (2026)
To look up an LLC in Michigan, search the MiBusiness Registry Portal, the free public database run by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). No account is required.
Search by business name, ID number or individual name. Results show entity status, formation date, resident agent information and filing history.
We've guided hundreds of entrepreneurs through Michigan lookups and tested the state's search tools firsthand, so the steps below match what the registry actually shows.
Quick Summary
- Skip third-party lookup sites, since the state's own registry is free and more current than any reseller.
- The same search box covers every entity type, so a results list may mix LLCs with corporations and nonprofits.
- If a company you're vetting doesn't appear, try the other search modes before assuming a problem, and call LARA if it still doesn't turn up.
| Search Method | What to Enter | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| By entity name | The business name, leaving off the LLC suffix for broader results | Name availability checks and general lookups |
| By ID number | The Michigan entity ID number | An exact match when you already know the ID |
| By individual or resident agent name | Last name first, then first name | Finding every business registered under one person |
How to Search Michigan's Business Entity Database
Michigan's entity lookup lives in the MiBusiness Registry Portal, which replaced the older COFS system in June 2025 [1]. Every search below starts from the portal's Business Entity Search page.
1. Search by Business Name
Enter the company name and leave off the LLC suffix, since the shorter string surfaces more variations. The results list shows matching entities with their status and ID numbers.
The portal supports Starts With, Contains and Name Availability filters, so even a rough spelling usually gets you close enough to spot the right record.
Open any record in the list to see its full details, including the documents the company has filed with the state.
2. Search by ID Number
If you know the entity's Michigan ID number, enter it in the ID number search field for an exact match. That jumps straight to the record and skips the name-variation guesswork.
3. Search by Resident Agent or Individual Name
Enter the person's last name first, then the first name. The results list every Michigan business registered under that individual, which is how you find companies tied to one owner or agent.
What the Search Results Show
Each record shows the entity name, type, ID, formation date and current status, such as active, not in good standing, dissolved, revoked or withdrawn. All of it is part of the public record.
A status other than active can come from missed annual filings, a voluntary dissolution, a merger or several other causes, so it's worth a closer look before you draw conclusions.
The record also lists the resident agent's name and office address along with the filing history. If you're choosing an agent for your own company, compare the best registered agent services in Michigan rather than copying what competitors use.
Contact LARA Directly
For anything the registry can't answer, LARA's Corporations Division takes direct questions [2]. Phone and email reach the same team, so pick whichever suits the question.
- Phone: (517) 241-6470
- Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern
- Email: corpsmail@michigan.gov
A call works best when you want a walk-through of the search itself, while email suits document questions where you want a written record of the answer.
Why You Might Need to Look Up a Michigan LLC
Three situations send most people to the registry:
- Verifying that a potential partner, vendor or customer is active and in good standing before signing a deal.
- Checking whether a business name is still available before starting an LLC in Michigan under that name.
- Finding a company's resident agent and registered office so legal documents reach the right address.
A quick registry search can answer most basic questions about a Michigan LLC, so verify a company's standing yourself rather than taking a counterparty's word for it.
For any other state, see our national guide on how to look up an LLC, which covers every state registry and its quirks.
FAQs
Can I Look Up Who Owns an LLC in Michigan?
No, you usually can't look up who owns an LLC in Michigan. The public record lists the resident agent and registered office, and Articles of Organization don't require member names, so they rarely appear unless a company includes them voluntarily or in a separate filing.
What Replaced the Michigan COFS Business Search?
The MiBusiness Registry Portal replaced the Michigan COFS business search in June 2025. The new portal consolidates entity search, filings, annual reports and certificate requests into a single platform.
References:
- https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps/mibrp/new-system
- https://www.michigan.gov/en/lara/bureau-list/cscl/other/contact-the-corporations-division
