Formation Requirements

Michigan Registered Agent Requirements: Fees, Filing, and Statute (2026)

Updated 2026-04-30 · Verified against Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

What is a Registered Agent in Michigan?

The registered agent designation in Michigan is governed by MCL §450.4207, which applies to LLCs, corporations, and most other formal business entities. An acceptable registered agent in Michigan maintains a physical street address within the state and is available during regular business hours; post office boxes do not satisfy the statute. The agent’s name and street address are filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and become part of the public business record.

In practice, the registered agent designation sits within a wider compliance cycle: a $50 formation filing with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), an annual report at $25 annually by February 15, and a $5 Statement of Change whenever the agent changes. Michigan LLC filings are administered by LARA’s Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau, not the Secretary of State.

Best Registered Agent Services for Michigan (2026)

#ServicePrice/yrBest for
1Northwest Registered Agent$125privacy-focused customers
2ZenBusiness$199new businesses bundling formation
3LegalZoom$249customers wanting brand-name support
4Mainstay Filing$99balanced value

Michigan-specific option: Michigan Registered Agent.co operates exclusively in Michigan and specializes in same-state filings. Best for businesses that want a state-focused provider with local-only operations.

Michigan Registered Agent Requirements

Physical address requiredYes — must be a street address in Michigan
P.O. box allowedNo
Business hours availabilityRequired during normal business hours
Resident requirementMust be a Michigan resident OR a business entity authorized to do business in Michigan
Listed in public recordYes — name and address are publicly searchable via Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Statute referenceMCL §450.4207

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Michigan: Step-by-Step

  1. Decide between self, friend, or commercial service. Self-serving is free but places your home address in the public record. Commercial services maintain privacy.
  2. Verify the agent's Michigan address is a physical street address. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) rejects filings that list a P.O. box.
  3. Confirm the agent will be available during business hours. Service of process delivery failure can result in default judgment.
  4. Compare commercial pricing. Typical Michigan commercial registered agent services cost $50–$150 per year.
  5. File the designation with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Submit via https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps/corporations or by mail.
  6. Pay the filing fee. Michigan charges $50 for online filings.
  7. Set a reminder for annual maintenance. Michigan requires an annual report at $25, annually by February 15.

Michigan Filing Fees Summary

Filing TypeFeeRenewalRenewal Fee
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)$50annually by February 15$25
DBA / Fictitious Name$25Every 5 years$25
Registered Agent change$5
Annual Report$25annually by February 15$25

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be my own registered agent in Michigan?

Yes — if you are a Michigan resident with a physical street address and are available during business hours.

Do I need a registered agent if I form an LLC in Michigan but live elsewhere?

Yes. Michigan law requires every LLC to maintain a Michigan-based registered agent regardless of where the owner lives.

What happens if I don't have a registered agent in Michigan?

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) can administratively dissolve your business after approximately 60 days of non-compliance.

Can I change my registered agent in Michigan later?

Yes — file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for $5.

How much does a Michigan registered agent cost?

$50–$150 per year for commercial services; free if you self-serve.

Is my registered agent's address public in Michigan?

Yes. The agent's name and address are searchable via the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) business records.

How fast can I get a registered agent in Michigan?

Same-day with most commercial services; same-business-day filing if submitted online before the daily cutoff.

This page provides general information about Michigan registered agent requirements, not legal advice. Filing fees and procedures may change; verify current details with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) before filing. We may receive compensation from services listed in our comparisons; this does not influence our editorial selections.