How to Check a Michigan Business License? Key Compliance Requirements

Starting a business in Michigan means that obtaining a business license is not a one-time, “set-and-forget” task-it directly impacts bank account opening, tax registration, marketplace onboarding, and even subsequent annual compliance reviews. Many entrepreneurs discover-only after receiving their official registration confirmation-that their entity cannot be found in official databases, or that online platforms reject their applications citing “incomplete qualifications.” These issues often stem from using incorrect search methods or overlooking the Michigan state agencies’ dynamic, real-time requirements for ongoing compliance.

Michigan does not issue traditional paper “business licenses.” Instead, it provides an official online verification service through the Michigan Business Entity Search system. This platform is maintained by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)-specifically its Bureau of Corporations, Securities Commercial Licensing-and offers real-time, authoritative status information for all registered business entities in the state, including Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Corporations (C-Corps and S-Corps), and Sole Proprietorships (which must register a “Doing Business As” or DBA name to operate under a trade name).

Effective July 2026, LARA completed a major system upgrade introducing two key enhancements

A new “Active Status Only” filter, allowing users to narrow results exclusively to currently active entities; and

Strengthened cross-verification logic with the IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN) database.

As a result, businesses that have completed initial formation but have not yet filed their first Annual Report will now automatically display as “Inactive”, even if their initial registration has been processed and confirmed.

I. Three-Step Verification via the Official Platform

1. Access the sole authorized portal

https//michigan.gov/lara/businesses/business-entity-search

2. Enter your search criteria in the search field

Full legal business name,

Registered entity ID (e.g., Corporation ID or LLC ID), or

Name of the registered agent or organizer.

Note The system supports partial/fuzzy matching-but for accuracy and reliability, always use the exact legal name as filed during registration.

3. Click on the matching entity name in the results list and review the “Status” field

✅ “Active” = The entity is currently in good standing and authorized to conduct business.

✅ “In Good Standing” = No outstanding penalties or delinquencies; the most recent Annual Report has been timely filed.

❌ “Dissolved” or “Revoked” = The entity has lost its legal authority to operate in Michigan.

II. Key Actions Required to Maintain Valid Status

1. LLCs and Corporations must file an Annual Report every year by March 15.

Filing fee $25 (online payment only).

Late filings incur a $50 late fee, and failure to file within 60 days past the deadline triggers automatic status downgrade to “Inactive.”

2. Sole Proprietorships operating under a DBA (“Doing Business As”) must

Register the assumed name with the county clerk’s office where business operations occur; and

Renew the DBA registration every five years.

Important Michigan maintains no centralized, statewide DBA registry. To verify or update a DBA, contact the relevant County Clerk’s office directly.

3. All business entities must possess a valid, active Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS.

While the LARA system does not validate EIN authenticity, financial institutions (banks), e-commerce platforms (e.g., Amazon, Shopify), and the Michigan Department of Treasury will independently verify EIN details during onboarding or tax processing.

An unactivated EIN-or mismatched name/EIN information-will result in failed verification.

III. Common Misconceptions Recommended Corrections