What is a Michigan certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs before doing business in Michigan. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Michigan certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.
Operating without a certificate of authority may result in penalties or fines. In addition to the state’s requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors will often request a certificate of authority.
When do I need a certificate of authority?
The most common reasons for applying for a certificate of authority include:
- Opening an office or physical location within the foreign state
- Hiring an employee who resides within the state
- Before beginning a contract or a job in a new state
- A vendor or bank’s requirements
- Licensing authority requirements
How do I get a Michigan certificate of authority?
To obtain your Michigan Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved. Be sure to follow the state’s instructions carefully, as they can reject a document for the smallest error.
For Foreign Corporations:
| Agency: | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing - Corporations Division |
| Form: | APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO TRANSACT BUSINESS OR CONDUCT AFFAIRS IN MICHIGAN |
| Filing Method: | Mail, in-person, or online |
| Agency Fee: | $60 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 30 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing - Corporations Division |
| Form: | APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO TRANSACT BUSINESS IN MICHIGAN |
| Filing Method: | Mail, in-person, or online |
| Agency Fee: | $50 |
| Law: | |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarization Required?: | Not required |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 30 days. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing - Corporations Division |
| Form: | APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO TRANSACT BUSINESS OR CONDUCT AFFAIRS IN MICHIGAN |
| Filing Method: | Mail, in-person, or online |
| Agency Fee: | $20 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of Good Standing dated within 30 days |
For Foreign Professional Corporations:
| Agency: | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing - Corporations Division |
| Form: | APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO TRANSACT BUSINESS OR CONDUCT AFFAIRS IN MICHIGAN |
| Filing Method: | Mail or in-person |
| Agency Fee: | $60 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 30 days. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing - Corporations Division |
| Form: | APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION TO TRANSACT BUSINESS IN MICHIGAN |
| Filing Method: | Mail or in-person |
| Agency Fee: | $10 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
What do I need from my home state?
In order to obtain a Michigan Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- Limited Liability Company: Certificate of good standing dated within 30 days.
- Corporation: Certificate of good standing dated within 30 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of Good Standing dated within 30 days
- Professional Corporation: Certificate of good standing dated within 30 days.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Michigan Certificate of Authority application, you must list a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).
Many businesses do not have an individual or physical address in a new state. Listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you get same day document scanning from our local office in all 50 states and DC. Our registered agent service is a flat rate of $99 per year, and you can easily add our service to any certificate of authority order.
What is the contact information for the state?
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing - Corporations DivisionPhysical Address:
2407 N. Grand River Avenue
Lansing, MI 48906
Mailing Address:
Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing - Corporations Division, PO Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 241-6470
Fax: (517) 241-0538
Website: http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-35299_61343_35413---,00.html
Name Search: https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/SearchApi/Search/Search
Forms: http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-61343_35413_36736---,00.html
Online Filing: https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/corpweb/LoginSystem/ExternalLogin.aspx
Email: corpsmail@michigan.gov
