Michigan Registered Agent
What is a Michigan registered agent?
A Michigan registered agent accepts important legal documents in person for a business. The agent must have a physical street address in Michigan and forward those documents promptly to the businesses they serve. All Michigan businesses must maintain a registered office address on record with the Secretary of State during the life of their entity.
What does a Michigan Registered Agent Do?
A Michigan registered agent ensures that time-sensitive state and legal documents are promptly delivered to the business. This helps the business avoid legal issues that could result from missing important document deliveries. For example, if your business became involved in a lawsuit, the registered agent would be there to sign for that paperwork and send it directly to you.
Is a resident agent different from a registered agent?
No, there is no difference between a resident agent and a registered agent; these are two names for the same thing. On Michigan business formation documents, they ask for the name of your resident agent and the registered office address where the agent will be present to receive your legal mail. This is the same as a registered agent name and address.
Michigan Registered Agent Requirements
There are a few requirements all Michigan registered agents must meet:
- Physical Address in Michigan: All Michigan resident agents must maintain a physical registered office street address in Michigan. The state will not accept PO boxes or virtual office addresses. Someone over the age of 18 must be at this address to sign for your legal documents.
- Open & Staffed During Business Hours: All Michigan resident agents must be present at their official registered office address Monday through Friday 8am-5pm local time. Federal holidays excluded.
- Consent to Serve: Your Michigan resident agent must agree to serve your business in this capacity. Make sure you receive their consent to serve before you list their information on state paperwork.
When considering who will serve as your business’s registered agent, make sure they can reliably and consistently meet these requirements so you can focus on running your business.
Who can be a registered agent in Michigan?
Any resident of Michigan over the age of 18 can serve as a registered agent for your business. They must have a physical Michigan address where they will receive your legal mail and be present at that address during normal business hours. This person can be a friend, family member, or even yourself.
Very commonly, businesses choose to use a Michigan registered agent service, attorney, or accountant. The biggest reason for this is because most people don’t want their full name and home address listed on public record. A professional Registered Agent service can offer you information privacy and higher document security than most individuals can provide.
Can I use myself as a registered agent?
Yes, you can be your own resident agent as long as you are a resident of Michigan with a physical Michigan address. Just keep in mind this information becomes public record for anyone to see. Also, you would need to stay at your listed address Monday through Friday 8 am-5 pm local time to receive your legal mail.
How Do I Find a Registered Agent in Michigan?
If you know a resident of Michigan who is willing to be listed as your resident agent, just ask their permission and fill them in on the requirements of this legal appointment.
If you prefer to find a registered agent service, a simple internet search will provide you with a long list of registered agents operating in Michigan. As you browse through the search results, consider choosing one that offers a variety of other beneficial services. For instance, Registered Agents Inc has local Michigan business experts you can speak to, protects your information privacy, and files your Annual Report (pay only the state fee) for just $200 per year.
Why Should I Hire Registered Agents Inc?
You should choose Registered Agents Inc because registered agent service is our bread and butter. Even though we’re a national company, we have offices and local experts in every state. This means we provide your business with extras like:
Same-day document uploads.
Our local Michigan office mates receive and upload all your legal mail as it arrives. Your mail is never shipped out to be processed later somewhere else. Access all your uploaded mail from your computer or phone in your password protected online account.
Instant notifications.
We will send an email notification the second your mail is uploaded to your online account. This means never having to guess if you have new mail.
Annual report filing.
Since helping businesses with time sensitive documents is our job, we offer Michigan annual report filing with our Registered Agent service. All Michigan businesses must submit an annual report, we’ll help you remember the due date and get it submitted on time at no extra cost to you.
Secure online account.
All our clients receive a free, password protected online account upon sign-up. This is where we’ll upload all your business legal mail and state notices so you can access them day or night from your phone or computer. This account also gives you access to free state-specific resources if you like to DIY your business filings.
Expert assistance.
Our Michigan customer support professionals communicate with the state about business filings every day. It is our goal to provide the most knowledgeable and accurate information to our clients. Anytime you have questions about your business, help is just a phone call or email away.
Check out our Wholesale Program if you’re interested in providing Michigan registered agent service to others.
How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Michigan
You can appoint your resident agent and declare the registered office address on your entity formation application. Where this information goes depends on the type of entity you are creating and the method of submitting the application: by mail or online. Remember that resident agent and registered agent mean the same thing.
- For LLCs
- Mailed-in: Under Article IV lines 1-3 on the Articles of Organization you’ll enter the name of your resident agent and the addresses of the registered. This is where the state will mail back your processed business documents (unless otherwise indicated in the document return portion at the top of page 1).
- Online: Visit the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website and fill in the resident agent’s name and addresses under Article IV lines 1-3. Towards the end of the application in the “Delivery method for statutory notices” section, you can choose to have your Articles of Organization emailed to your resident agent, or have a hard copy sent to them.
- For corporations
- Mailed in: Fill in resident agent name and registered office addresses under Article IV lines 1-3 on the Articles of Incorporation. The state will mail back your approved articles to this address, unless you indicated a different address at the top of page 1.
- Online: Complete the resident agent’s name and registered office addresses on lines 1-3 under Article IV on the LARA website. If you want your approved articles and other state notices to be sent physically or via email to your agent’s address, you can make your choice towards the end of the application in the “Delivery method for statutory notices” section.
How do I change my Michigan registered agent?
You can change your resident agent name and registered office addresses by filing the Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Change of Resident Agent form online or by mail. The cost to file this certificate is only $5. You can also update your resident agent’s name and registered office address when you file the Michigan annual report.
How much does it cost to change registered agent in Michigan?
It only costs $5 to change your registered agent in Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered agent cost in Michigan?
Registered agent (same as resident agent) services in Michigan can have fees ranging from $50 to $600 per year. Look carefully at what other services they offer for the price. Here at Registered Agents Inc, our experienced registered agent service is just $200 per year and comes with many extras.
How much does it cost to set up an LLC in Michigan?
Setting up a Michigan LLC will only cost you $50. You can file your Articles of Organization by mail, in person, or online.
How much does it cost to set up a Foreign LLC in Michigan?
It will cost only $60 to foreign register your LLC into Michigan. You will need to complete the Application for Certificate of Authority and submit it by mail, in person, or online with a Certificate of Good Standing from your domestic state.
Do I need to live in Michigan to register my business?
No, you do not need to live in Michigan to register your business there. However, since you are not a resident of Michigan, you would not be able to serve as your own resident agent. Most business owners in this situation hire a registered agent service to help them.
How can I contact the Michigan Secretary of State?
You can contact the Michigan Secretary of State in the following ways:
- Phone: (517)241-6470
- Fax: (517)241-0538
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address:
LARA, Corporations Division
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
- Physical Address:
LARA, Corporations Division
2501 Woodlake Circle
Okemos, MI 48864
