| Posted August 15, 2021 | Revised June 27, 2025 with new LARA portal instructions
Thinking of starting a new business? Congratulations! One of the first things you will need to do is choose how you want to structure your business, as a Sole Proprietor/DBA, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), or a Corporation.
To learn more about each of these business legal entities, check out our in-depth course titled Forming Your LLC or DBA. If you’re just curious about what it takes to file the paperwork to create an LLC, check out the steps below.
For many businesses, forming an LLC is the easiest and most flexible structure. LLCs provide personal asset protection, which shields you, the business owner, from being personally liable for business debts, losses, or legal issues.
If you Google “File an LLC in Michigan,” you will be directed to several links of companies that are happy to register the “Articles of Organization” for your LLC — for a fee. Hiring a lawyer is another option, but that will often cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars for them to complete.
Fortunately, this is something you can DIY, especially if you are a single-member (owner) LLC with no employees. Following are the instructions and links on how to register your LLC.
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your LLC
Follow the steps below to register your LLC.
- See if your company name is available by searching LARA’s Michigan Business Registry database.
- When you have confirmed that your business name is available, click the “Login” button to access the MiLogin for Business portal.
- Once logged in, click “Forms” on the left-hand side of the page, or the green “Start Here” button.
- Select the form titled CSLC/CD – 700 – Articles of Organization – Domestic LLC.
- Review the Filing Fees & Processing Options page and select the option that works best for you. The standard review fee is $50.00. Note: everything submitted via this form becomes available by searching LARA’s Michigan Business Registry database. Click the “Next Steps” button.
- Review the Article I. Choose the name of your new LLC. Click the “Next Steps” button.
- Review Article II. This is typically left blank and is optional. Click the “Next Steps” button.
- Review Article III. Typically this is left as “Perpetual/Ongoing”. Click the “Next Steps” button.
- Review Article IV. This includes the name, physical location, and email address of the resident agent at the registered office. Click the “Next Steps” button.
- Review Article V. Select “Members” or “Managers”. Click the “Next Steps” button.
- Review Article VI. Leave unchecked if not applicable. Click the “Next Steps” button.
- Review the Filing Effective Date and select which option you would prefer. Click the “Next Steps” button.
- All of the information provided by you is in bold on the right hand side of the page. Review for accuracy before clicking the “Next Steps” button.
- Check the boxes in the Attestations section to confirm. Review the requirements in the Organizer(s) section and add at least one organizer. Add your electronic signature and the click the “File Online” button to submit payment.
- You will receive a confirmation screen when your payment goes through.
And that is it. No need to pay for expedited services — in just seven to 10 business days, you will receive a confirmation that your Articles of Incorporation have been accepted, and you are officially an LLC. You will also receive instructions on how to log into your account with LARA to make any changes and keep your LLC account current. If you are a multi-member (owner) LLC, it is best practice to create an operating agreement for your business. This establishes each owner’s percentage of ownership in the LLC, dictates how your LLC will be managed, sets expectations and responsibilities for each owner, and mandates what will happen to the business if one of you leaves.
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The content provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.