1. Choose Your LLC Name
The first step in forming your Michigan LLC is selecting a name. The name must comply with Michigan’s naming regulations, which include the following requirements:
- Your business name must include a corporate designator such as "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company."
- It cannot include restricted terms like "bank," "trust," or "insurance" unless specifically authorized.
- The name must be unique and distinguishable from other registered businesses in Michigan. Simply changing a corporate designator is not enough (e.g., "Smith LLC" is not distinguishable from "Smith Limited Liability Company").
To check name availability, you can conduct a search through Michigan’s business entity database. Reserving your name with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is optional but recommended for a $25 fee.
2. Provide Business Addresses
When filing the Articles of Organization, you must include the physical and mailing addresses of your business’s principal office. While the physical address is mandatory, a mailing address is only necessary if it differs from the physical location. Your principal office does not need to be located in Michigan, but the information must be accurate and up-to-date.
3. Appoint a Michigan Registered Agent
Every LLC in Michigan is required to designate a registered agent to accept legal and official correspondence on behalf of the business. A registered agent can be an individual or a registered corporate agent with a physical address in Michigan. The agent must be available during regular business hours to receive service of process or other important documents.
Your LLC cannot serve as its own registered agent. If you need assistance in selecting a registered agent, Next Era Legal can provide guidance to ensure you meet all requirements.
4. Define Your LLC’s Management Structure
Michigan’s Articles of Organization require you to specify how your LLC will be managed. You have three options:
- Single Manager: Appoint one individual to oversee daily operations.
- Multiple Managers: Designate a management team to run the business.
- All Members: Allow all members of the LLC to participate in management.
There is no wrong choice, but the selection must align with your business’s operational needs. This designation can be updated later if your business’s structure changes.
5. Submit the Organizer’s Signature
The organizer of your LLC is the individual responsible for filing the Articles of Organization. This person can be you, another member of your LLC, or a third party such as a legal service provider. By filing the Articles of Organization, the organizer officially establishes the LLC and its key details. If you choose to work with Next Era Legal, we will handle this step to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do You File Michigan LLC Articles of Organization?
You can submit your Michigan LLC Articles of Organization to LARA through one of the following methods:
- Online: The fastest and most convenient option via the LARA website.
- Mail: Send your completed form to: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Corporations Division P.O. Box 30054 Lansing, MI 48909
- In Person: Deliver your form to the LARA office at 2407 N. Grand River Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906.
What Are Michigan LLC Articles of Organization?
The Articles of Organization is the foundational document that officially registers your LLC with the state. In Michigan, the required form is the "Articles of Organization," which can be downloaded from LARA’s website. Filing this form establishes your LLC’s legal existence.
What Information Is Included in the Articles of Organization?
Your Michigan LLC Articles of Organization must include:
- The LLC’s name
- The physical and mailing addresses of the principal office
- The name and address of the registered agent
- The management structure (e.g., member-managed or manager-managed)
Need Help Filing Your Michigan LLC Articles of Organization? Let Next Era Legal Help
Setting up your LLC in Michigan doesn’t have to be complicated. At Next Era Legal, we help businesses throughout Metro Detroit navigate the formation process with ease. From selecting a name to submitting the necessary documents, we ensure every detail is handled correctly, so you can focus on growing your business.
Contact us today at (313) 887-4788 to schedule a consultation and get started on establishing your Michigan LLC.
