We’ve got a free, downloadable “do it yourself” kit you can use. In other words, the price you pay to purchase equals “zero.” That kit provides more information about LLCs and includes a couple of free LLC operating agreements. (We used to sell the kit but since the Covid-19 pandemic have simply given the kit away.). And you can do this by clicking the button below:
However, can we present another approach? If you don’t need any of that additional information, the actual steps you take to form a Michigan limited liability company are pretty simple. And you can possibly do some of the work yourself. Here’s all you need to do:
(These instructions are up-to-date as of July 27, 2020.)
1. Check if the LLC name you want is available
As a first step, you may want to check if the LLC name you want to use is even available. Here’s an easy and free way to do this: You can search for a similarly named LLC using the State of Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs online database at:
https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/SearchApi/Search/Search
Alternatively, you can also formally propose an LLC name by writing to the Michigan Department of State and inquiring about an LLC name or several names.
2. Download the LLC application form from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ web site, then print this form
The URL, or web page address, for this form is as shown below.
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/700_08-15_528193_7.pdf
If you prefer, you can also file online at:
https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/CorpWeb/LoginSystem/ListNewFilings.aspx?FilingMethod=I
3. Identify the name you want to use for your new LLC
Enter your business or investment name onto the lines provided. (I used the example name, “Acme Explosives LLC.”) The name must include one of the “Limited Liability Company” or one of the standard abbreviations, “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” For example, all of the following names should be acceptable:
- Acme Explosives Limited Liability Company
- Acme Explosives LLC
- Acme Explosives L.L.C.
4. Name the purpose of the LLC
Name the purposes for which the LLC is formed. You could, for example, choose “wholesaling to mining companies” at the purpose of the LLC.
5. State the duration of the LLC
If the LLC will be dissolved on a specific date, you can include that date in Article III. If not, you can leave it blank or write the word “perpetual” meaning that you plan to keep the LLC running for an extended period of time.
6. Identify your LLC’s registered agent
In the Article IV area of the form, provide the name of the registered agent.
7. Provide the location of your LLC
The State of Michigan asks for the street address of your LLC registered agent’s office. Additionally, if the street location and the mailing address are different, provide the mailing address as well.
8. Sign and date
Sign and date the articles of organization.
I haven’t shown the second page of the free form, but you’ll want to put your name and telephone in the space provided there and send in with the LLC paperwork, too. Mostly, by the way, the second page just provides document preparation and filing instructions.
9. Submit the application
After you complete the Articles of Organization, mail the document and a check for $50 (payable to the State of Michigan, write the name of your LLC on the check) to:
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
You can also deliver your articles of organization in person at:
2501 Woodlake Circle
Okemos, MI
Telephone: (517) 241-6470
Processing lead times vary, but in general, it takes several weeks to get your LLC certificate back from the Secretary of State’s office. Note that you can pay extra money to have your articles of organization filed in an expedited manner. For example, at the time of this writing, you can pay $1000 for one hour service, $500 for 2 hour service, $100 for same day service or $50 for 24-hour service.