Certificate of Good Standing Michigan
A Michigan certificate of good standing verifies that a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation was legally formed and has been properly maintained.
In our Certificate of Good Standing Michigan guide, we will discuss the requirements for good standing and exactly how to get a certificate of good standing in Michigan.
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ZenBusiness ($100 + state fee)
How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Michigan?
You can obtain your Michigan certificate of good standing by requesting it from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
There are two main steps for getting your certificate of good standing:
2. Order your certificate of good standing
What is a certificate of good standing? A certificate of good standing is a state document that verifies your business was legally formed and has been properly maintained.
Step 1. Make Sure Your Michigan Business is Compliant
To qualify for a Michigan certificate of good standing, your business must stay up-to-date with state compliance requirements:
Licenses & Permits
To operate your business in Michigan, you must follow federal, state, and local licensing guidelines. This can include regulations like health permits and building permits.
You can find out more about state licensing requirements with the Michigan State License Search website.
State Taxes
Depending on your business activity, you will have to register for different forms of Michigan state tax. This can include sales tax, withholding tax, or Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax.
Annual Reports
All Michigan LLCs must file an Annual Statement each year, and all Michigan corporations must file an Annual Report each year. This report verifies the business’s basic information including its principal office address and registered agent information.
Both reports are filed online with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Annual Statements are filed each year by February 15, and Annual Reports are filed by May 15 each year. The fee is $25.
Step 2. Order Your Michigan Certificate of Good Standing
Once your business remains compliant with the state, you can request a certificate of good standing from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. This can be done online, by mail, by phone, or in person.
ORDER A MICHIGAN CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING
OPTION 1: Order Online With the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Order Online- OR -
OPTION 2: Order by Mail, by Phone, or In Person
Read InstructionsFiling Cost: $10 online, by mail, and by phone; $12.50 in person
Mailing Address:
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
Office Address:
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
2501 Woodlake Circle
Okemos, MI 48864
Phone: (517) 241-6470
Need Help Filing?
Use a professional service to help you order your Michigan Certificate of Good Standing
Our favorite choice is ZenBusiness ($100 + state fee)
Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Michigan?
While you don’t necessarily need a certificate of compliance to run your business in Michigan, there are several instances where you may need to get one. These include:
- Purchasing business insurance
- Applying for business loans
- Opening a business checking account
- Registering to do business in other states
Michigan Certificate of Good Standing FAQ
A certificate of good standing is a legal document that confirms that your business is compliant with state regulations.
Certificates of good standing are also known as certificates of status, certificates of existence, or certificates of compliance.
You can get a Michigan certificate of good standing by remaining compliant with state regulations and ordering a certificate online, by mail, by phone, or in person.
In Michigan, ordering a certificate of good standing costs $12.50 in person and $10 online, by mail, or by phone.
Because many banks and insurance companies will want a business’s certificate of good standing in order to do business, we recommend getting one as soon as possible.
A Michigan certificate of good standing does not have a set expiration date. However, requesters — such as banks, creditors, and foreign business states — often have their own guidelines for a certificate's validity.
Obtaining a Michigan certificate of good standing means that the state recognizes your business as both active and compliant.
Michigan businesses often need a certificate of good standing in order to do business outside of Michigan, obtain business loans, open business bank accounts, or purchase business insurance.
Michigan businesses are not legally required to obtain a certificate of good standing. However, your business may choose to get one if you decide to do business outside of Michigan or get a business bank account.
After ordering your Michigan certificate of good standing, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will email or mail you your certificate.