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File your Articles of Organization to form an LLC in Michigan
In this lesson, we will walk you through filing your LLC Articles of Organization with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
What are Articles of Organization for an LLC in Michigan?
The Articles of Organization is the document that creates your Michigan LLC.
Once approved by LARA, your LLC will officially go into existence!
Methods of filing
You can file the Michigan Articles of Organization online or by mail.
(Michigan Secretary of State, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Building)
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
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Michigan LLC Articles of Organization filing fee
The filing fee for an LLC in Michigan is $50.
This is a one-time fee, and it’s the same amount whether you file online or by mail.
How much is an LLC in Michigan explains all of the fees you’ll pay.
Veterans: You can form an LLC for free in Michigan. You’ll just need to submit an Affidavit and proof of your Veteran status. We’ll discuss this below.
Michigan LLC approval times
The approval time for a Michigan LLC is 7-10 business days.
This is the same for both online filings and mail filings. However, allow a few extra days for mail filings.
Note: Filing times may take longer due to government delays. For the most up-to-date LLC processing times, check how long does it take to get an LLC in Michigan.
LLC University® recommendation: We recommend the online filing as it’s easier to complete. Instructions are below.
However, if you aren’t very tech-comfortable, you can still file by mail.
Or, alternatively, you can hire an LLC formation company to file the paperwork for you. If you want to hire a company to form your LLC, check out Best LLC Services in Michigan for our recommendations.
Filing your Articles of Organization by mail
If you want to file by mail (instead of online), you need to:
- Download Form CD-700
- Prepare a check or money order for $50
- Make payable to “The State of Michigan”
- Put your LLC Name on the memo line
- Send your payment and the completed Articles of Organization to: Michigan Corporations Division, PO Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909-7554
Mail filing video instructions (see 8min 50s):
How to file Michigan LLC Articles of Organization (online filing)
Important: Michigan’s old filing system was called the Corporations Online Filing System (COFS) and it required a Customer ID (CID) and PIN to login.
However, Michigan replaced this filing system and login in 2025.
The new online filing system is called MiBusiness Registry Portal, and you’ll login using MiLogin for Business.
If you don’t have a MiLogin for Business account, you’ll need to create one before you can form your LLC.
How to create a Michigan MiLogin for Business account
Go to the MiLogin for Business account creation page.
Email address and Name:
Enter your email address and click “Next Step“.
Retrieve the passcode from your email and enter the passcode on the MiLogin page. Then click “Next Step“.
Enter your name and check the box agreeing to the MiLogin Terms and Conditions. Then click “Next Step“.
Work phone:
Enter your preferred work number (most people just use their cell phone). Then click “Next Step“. You’ll receive a phone call with the code. Enter the code and click “Confirm Passcode“.
Mobile phone:
Enter your cell phone number (it’s okay if you entered this as your “work phone” too) and click “Next Step“. Choose your verification method, enter the code given, and then click “Confirm Passcode“.
Create your User ID:
Important: Your User ID must start with your last name followed by your first initial, and then 4 numbers.
Tip: Look at the “info box” for your username example.
For example: If your name is Susan Binkowski, your username must start with “BinkowskiS“, followed by any 4 numbers. So “BinkowskiS4455” would be acceptable.
Enter your desired User ID and click “Next Step“.
Create your password:
Enter your desired password twice. Then click “Create Account“.
Once your MiLogin for Business account is created, you can close this tab.
You’re now ready to file the Articles of Organization for your Michigan LLC.
Get started:
- Visit the MiBusiness Registry Portal.
- Click the “Login” button.
- Under “MiBusiness Registry Portal“, click “Launch service“.
- This automatically logs you in.
- On the left, click “Forms“.
- Click “CSCL/CD- 700 – Articles of Organization – Domestic LLC“.
- Click “File Online“.
Processing Information
Select your processing speed.
By default, your LLC will be processed in 7-10 business days. This is the “Standard Review” option.
Most people choose “Standard Review”, since this is the default (and doesn’t cost any extra money).
However, if you’d like your LLC approved faster, you can pay more for an expedited filing. The most common (and economical) expedited filing is “24 Hour Review” for an additional $50 ($100 total).
Veteran Exemption
If you’re a Veteran and qualify for a free LLC, check the box marked “I qualify for a veteran fee exemption“. Then upload your Proof of Veteran’s Status and a Fee Waiver Request form. For more information, please see Michigan Veteran LLC.
If you aren’t a Veteran, leave this box unchecked.
Then click “Next Step“.
Limited Liability Company Name
- Prior lesson: Make sure you’ve read the Michigan LLC Name Search lesson before proceeding.
A previously filed reserved name will be used for this filing.
Note: You aren’t required to reserve an LLC Name in Michigan, and we don’t recommend it. It’s usually a waste of money.
If you reserved an LLC Name:
- Click “Yes“.
- Then select your reserved name from the dropdown.
If you didn’t reserve an LLC Name:
- Click “No“.
- Then enter your desired LLC name twice, including its designator (ending).
As per Section 450.4204 of the Michigan LLC Act, your LLC name must have one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- LC
- L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
Tip: Most people choose “LLC”.
When you’re finished, click “Next Step“.
Note: If the Name step is highlighted in red, this usually means your LLC Name is taken. You’ll need to come up with a new LLC Name.
Purpose
- Related lesson: LLC Statement of Purpose
If you would like to list a specific purpose (optional) for your LLC, you can enter that in this box.
However, if you leave the box blank, it means your LLC will use the “all purpose clause” (aka a general purpose). This means your LLC can engage in any legal business activities.
Recommendation: We recommend leaving the box blank to use an “all purpose clause”. This gives your LLC the most flexibility.
Click “Next Step”.
Term of Duration
In this section, you’ll tell Michigan how long you want your LLC to exist.
We recommend leaving this section blank as this gives your LLC a perpetual duration. This means your LLC will exist forever, until you choose to dissolve it.
Note: It’s very rare to specify a future date of expiration in your Articles of Organization filing (a date on which your LLC would automatically shut down). You can always dissolve your LLC in the future by filing a simple form.
When you’re finished, click “Next Step“.
Resident Agent & Registered Office Address
- Prior lesson: Make sure you’ve read the Michigan Registered Agent lesson before proceeding.
Note: In some states, a Registered Agent may also be called a Statutory Agent or Agent for Service of Process. Michigan uses the term Resident Agent. These all mean the same thing and we may use these terms interchangeably.
If your Registered Agent is an Individual:
- Select “Individual“.
- Enter the person’s first and last name.
- Enter their address.
- Leave the “separate mailing address” box unchecked.
- Check the “I Certify” box.
- Select the delivery method.
- Click “Next Step“.
If you hired a Registered Agent Service:
- Select “Resident Agent Company“.
- Enter the name of your Registered Agent in the box and click “Search“.
- Then select your Registered Agent from the search results.
- Check the “I Certify” box.
- For the delivery method, choose mail.
- Click “Next Step“.
Optional Articles
Article V – The Limited Liability Company will be managed by or under the authority of:
Recommended reading: Please read Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC before proceeding. Remember, LLC owners are called Members.
- Select “Member(s)” if your LLC is managed by the LLC Member(s).
- Select “Manager(s)” if your LLC is managed by an LLC Manager(s).
Article VI
1st box – “Unless otherwise provided by law or in an operating agreement, a person who is a member or manager, or both, of a limited liability company is not liable…”
Even though Michigan law already states that Members aren’t personally liable (see LLC asset protection), most people check this box to make it clear.
2nd box – “No member of a member-managed limited liability company and no manager of a manager-managed limited liability company shall have monetary liability to the limited liability company or its members for breach of any duty…”
- If you have a Single-Member LLC, this section is not relevant, so you can leave the box unchecked.
- If you have a Multi-Member LLC, and don’t want any restrictions on the Members’ ability to sue each other, leave this box unchecked.
- This is the most common selection for Multi-Member LLCs.
- If you have a Multi-Member LLC, and want restrictions on the Members’ ability to sue each other, then check this box.
Optional Article(s)
Typically, this section is used to add “additional rules” to your LLC, often given by an attorney. However, this section isn’t commonly used.
If you don’t have additional rules to add to your LLC, then check “Not Applicable“. This is what most people do.
If you have additional rules to add to your LLC, then check “Entered below” and then enter those rules.
Filing Effective Date
The LLC Effective Date is the date your Michigan LLC goes into existence (is “born”).
You have 2 options:
- Your LLC can go into existence on the date it’s approved by the state, or
- Your LLC can go into existence on a future date.
If you choose a future date, it can’t be more than 90 days ahead. You also can’t back-date your filing at all.
If you want your LLC to go into existence on the date it’s approved by the state:
- Select “when filed by the Corporations Division Administrator“.
- (This is what most people do.)
If you want your LLC to go into existence on a future date:
- Select “select the future date the document takes effect (within 90 days)“.
- Enter your effective date or select it using the calendar tool.
Note: For Standard Review processing (the default), a Future Effective Date must be at least 10 business days in the future.
Pro Tip: If you’re forming your LLC in October, November, or December, and you don’t need your business open during those months, you can forward date your filing to January 1st. This will save you the hassle of doing unnecessary taxes.
But if you’re forming your LLC in October, November, or December, and you need your business open during those months (or your LLC bank account opened before January 1st), then choose “when filed by the Corporations Division Administrator”.
When you’re finished, click “Next Step“.
Signature (Organizer)
- Recommended reading: Please read LLC Organizer vs LLC Member and Registered Agent vs LLC Organizer before proceeding.
Attestations
Check all 3 boxes agreeing that:
- you know your Articles of Organization information is public record,
- you are authorized to file this document, and
- the information you’re submitting is true.
Organizers
At least 1 Organizer must sign your Articles of Organization:
- Click “Add“.
- Enter the name of the Organizer.
- Click “Save“.
- Signer’s Capacity: Select “Authorized Agent” or “Self“.
- Signature: Enter your name.
- Date: Click the box labeled “Today“.
Then click “Next Step“.
Pro Tip:We recommend that your LLC Organizer(s) signs an LLC Statement of Organizer.
Review
Review your information for accuracy and check for typos.
If you need to make any changes, click the section in the left navigation and edit the information.
When everything looks good, click “File Online” at the bottom.
Payment
Select “Pay Now with Credit Card“.
There’s nothing to do on the next page. Just click “Next“.
Enter your billing and payment details. Then click “Next“.
Note: You’ll receive a payment receipt via email (the email you entered on the billing page).
Approval
Congratulations! You’ve successfully filed your LLC Articles of Organization.
If you chose Standard Review (the default option), your Michigan LLC will be approved within 7-10 business days.
Important: Michigan doesn’t send email confirmation when your Articles of Organization is approved.
Instead, you can check on the status of your filing by searching for your LLC in the MiBusiness Registry Portal:
- Visit the MiBusiness Registry Portal.
- Click “Search” and run a search for your LLC name.
- Select your LLC from the search results.
- Click “View History & Filings“.
When your Articles of Organization has been approved, you’ll see “Articles of Organization” listed in the filing history. Then you can download a stamped and approved copy by clicking “Download“.
Tip: We recommend waiting the full 7-10 business days before checking on your Articles of Organization filing status.
Michigan Secretary of State Contact Info
If you have any questions, you can contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Corporations Division.
Their phone number is 517-241-6470. And their hours are Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm Eastern Time.
Search your domain name
If you plan on building a website, you can quickly register your domain name. Creating a website with your business name as the domain name can help people find your business online. You can easily search and purchase a domain name through GoDaddy.
Find a domain name
Michigan Articles of Organization FAQs
How do I get Articles of Organization in Michigan?
You can get the Michigan Articles of Organization from the state’s website.
You can download the PDF or you can file your Articles of Organization online (see instructions above).
If you’re looking for a copy of Articles of Organization that you already filed:
- Search your LLC name on the Michigan Business Entity Search page.
- Select your LLC from the search results.
- Click “View History & Filings“.
- Click “Articles of Organization“.
- Click “Download“.
Do you have to put LLC in your business name in Michigan?
Yes, you have to put “LLC” (or another allowable designator) in your LLC name. Michigan allows the following endings:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- LC
- L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
Tip: Most people choose “LLC“.
How much does it cost to file Articles of Organization in Michigan?
It costs $50 to file the Michigan Articles of Organization.
This is a one-time fee paid to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Can I use these instructions for filing a Foreign LLC?
No, the instructions on this page are specifically for filing a Domestic LLC in Michigan.
If you want to file a Foreign Limited Liability Company, you can find the forms and fees in Foreign LLC Fees by State.
References
Michigan LLC Act: Section 450.4104
Michigan LARA: FAQs and Instructions
Michigan LARA: Form CD-700 Articles of Organization
Michigan LARA: Limited Liability Company Filing Information
Michigan LARA: Policy Statement C-53 on Educational-Purpose LLCs
Michigan LARA: Policy Statement C-38 on Preclearance of Documents
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Michigan LLC Guide
Looking for an overview? See Michigan LLC
The new online dialog for CSCL / CD 700 includes an optional Article VI. It includes two options that contain a lot of legal jargon. After some research, those passages appear to exist in Michigan law. Why does Article VI exist? Why would one want to check or not check these boxes? If I am to guess, these passages apply to all LLCs because they exist in the law. Checking the box doesn’t make it “extra” applicable to your LLC. It feels confusing. Thanks for your help!
I have a business that the articles of incorporation for a non profit that was formed in 1971. What do I have to do in order to be able to get an updated articles of incorporation done. Everyone on the original has moved on, and all the positions are still filled but w/ different people. I just want everything updated. Please advise, and thank you.
Hi David, you’d first want to review the Bylaws for any internal procedures. Then I believe the form you’d file with the state is the Certificate of Amendment.
i did not see anything about members, so how does that work for three members that want to open a LLC?
Hi Carlos, Members are not listed in the Michigan Articles of Organization. They are listed in the Michigan LLC Operating Agreement.
Hi I have my EIN number and I chose sole proprietor instead of LLC for a group home I’m working on opening up do I need a LLC or can I just stay sole proprietor? I also am a non profit organization
Hi Rochelle, I don’t fully understand your question. Were you originally trying to apply for an EIN for an LLC that already exists… or did you think you were forming an LLC by applying for an EIN? By non-profit organization, do you mean a Non-profit Corporation? If so, things are very different. Have you applied for tax-exempt status with the IRS and have your formed a Corporation with the state? An LLC cannot be a non-profit LLC unless the LLC is owned by a Corporation which has already been granted non-profit status by the IRS.
Hello. Just reading through your advice to everyone, and I have one that I didn’t see an answer for..I just paid $25 for Reservation of Name-LLC. I was given a CID, ID, and a pin #. My question to you, should I fill out the DOMESTIC PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
701 – ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION forms as my next step? Or does the Reservation of Name take its place? I am a truck driver looking to start up a trucking company. Thanks for you time and advice/suggestions.
Hi Laron, you’ll just be forming a “regular” LLC, not a Professional LLC (PLLC). Form 701 is for Professional LLCs. You want Form 700. Form 700 is linked above on this page. The Name Reservation doesn’t take the place of the Articles of Organization (Form 700). You can enter the LLC name you reserved in the Articles of Organization (Form 700) and when you send Form 700 to the state, include a copy of your Name Reservation approval. Hope that helps.
Thanks
Hi Matt
I was told the first-year LLC is $50. then every year it is $25. Do I need to fill the same form to pay $25 even though I am not into business e any more?
Thanks for your help!
Hi Bonnie, yes, the fee to form an LLC in Michigan is $50 (one-time fee). This $50 is sent along with the Articles of Organization (the document that creates your LLC).
Then every year an Annual Statement ($25) must be filed with the Michigan Corporations Division regardless of business activity and/or profit. If your LLC goes into existence in November or December 2020, your first Annual Statement isn’t due until February 15th, 2022 (no need to file anything in 2021). After that, the Annual Statement (and its $25 fee) must be filed every year by April 15th. The purpose of the Annual Statement is to keep your LLC’s contact information up to date with the Michigan Corporations Division. Hope that helps :)
Hi Matt,
Oh wow I didn’t expect that you replied this fast. Thank you so much for help.
What about if I still have keep my EIN. Do I still need to fill LLC. If I do, it is still the same form to fill it out?
Thanks.
You’re very welcome Bonnie. Can you rephrase your questions about the EIN and filing the LLC please? Which form are you referring to? The Articles of Organization? And is this existing EIN for an existing business entity or for yourself personally as a Sole Proprietorship?
Hi is an Articles of Organization form sufficient for all forms? I was told I would also need an Articles of Incorporation for an LLC is that correct? Also, I already applied for the EIN prior to submitting the Articles of Organization form because I didn’t know. Please advise. Thanks!
Hi Chloe, no, that is incorrect. Curious where you got that information from? An LLC doesn’t use an Articles of Incorporation. That form is for Corporations. LLCs in Michigan use an Articles of Organization. When you applied for your EIN and entered your LLC name, is that LLC name ultimately the one that was approved from the state? If so, you’re good to go. The IRS doesn’t check to see if the entity exists, so if the names match, you’re fine. If the LLC names don’t match, you can cancel the EIN, then just re-apply for a new one. Hope that helps!
I just received my articles of organization back all it has is a stamp that says filed is that the approval stamp?
Any help would greatly be appreciated.
Also this website is a god send very well put together.thank you
Hi Coby, you’re very welcome! Glad to hear we could help :) Yes, that “filed stamp” means your LLC was approved. Hope that helps.
Do you have recommendations or advice for what kind of liability insurance an LLC should carry?
Hi Denise, there is certainly general liability insurance, but the other types of business insurance vary depending on the type of business and the business’ needs. Can I ask what the business is?
Does anything change on this form if you want your wife on the llc with you. Does here name go with your on it or do you have to put it somewhere else?
Hi Justin, no, nothing has to change on the Articles of Organization, since Michigan does not ask for Member information. You and your wife will simply sign an Operating Agreement, which makes you Members (owners) of the LLC. For better documentation to help “connect” the dots, you as the LLC Organizer could also sign a Statement of LLC Organizer, which states that you organized the LLC (filed the documents with the state), then stepped down as Organizer and appointed you and your wife as Members. Hope that helps!
Well done team. I will be recommending this website to friends and family!
Thank you very much Amir :) We appreciate you!
Hello, Matt.
I have my name on a sole proprietor LLC and I want to give someone else the company. Can I just complete a operating agreement and a statement of organization? The company isn’t worthy anything. I’ll dissovle the EIN and they can just get a new one. Will doing all this clear me of the company and complete the transfer. Thanks for your time.
Hi Laquice, no, the sale of an LLC is not as simple as that. You’ll want more documentation showing the sale. Then you’ll need to file an Amendment with the state as well as update the IRS (in addition to other steps). If the company isn’t worth anything, it’s often much better to just have your friend form a new LLC and you dissolve your LLC (instead of hiring a lawyer to sell an LLC that’s not worth anything). Hope that helps.