Michigan Foreign Qualification

Foreign qualification with the Secretary of State in Michigan is the process by which a business that is already registered in another state seeks permission to operate in Michigan. This allows the business to legally conduct operations in Michigan and ensures compliance with state regulations.

There are 3 different ways to foreign qualify in Michigan depending on your legal entity type and tax classification. Follow the guide below to help you register with the Secretary of State in Michigan or use Mosey to do it.

Use Mosey to register with the Secretary of State in Michigan.

Michigan Foreign Qualification for LLC

Foreign limited liability companies "transacting business" in Michigan are required to obtain a Certificate of Authority from Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Michigan, like most states, provides a list of activities not considered "transacting business."

  1. Obtain Certificate of Good Standing

    Michigan requires that you submit a Certificate of Good Standing from your home jurisdiction. The certificate cannot be dated earlier than 30 days before submission of the application of authority to transact business.

  2. Establish a Registered Agent

    You must continuously maintain a registered agent in Michigan designated to accept service of process. Your registered agent can be an individual who resides in Michigan or a business authorized to "transact business" in Michigan.

  3. Submit Application of Certificate of Authority Online

    Visit LARA's Corporation Online Filing System to complete and submit the Application for Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Michigan (Form CSCL/CD-760).

Michigan Foreign Qualification for LLP

If you are "transacting business" in Michigan, you are required to file an Application to Register a Limited Liability Partnership (Form CSCL/CD-800) with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Michigan, like most states, provides a list of activities not considered "transacting business."

  1. Establish a Registered Agent

    You must continuously maintain a registered agent in Michigan designated to accept service of process. Your registered agent can be an individual who resides in Michigan or a business authorized to "transact business" in Michigan.

  2. Complete Application to Register

    Complete the Application to Register a Limited Liability Partnership (Form CSCL/CD-800).

  3. File Application to Register

    Mail your completed Application to Register a Limited Liability Partnership (Form CSCL/CD-800) and payment for the filings fees to the Michigan Corporations Division. Note: You must make check or money orders out to "Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs."

Michigan Foreign Qualification for Corporation

If you are "transacting business" in Michigan, you are required to register by mail or in-person with Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for a Certificate of Authority. In lieu of defining what is considered as "transacting business," the state does provide a list of activities not constituting "transacting business." Note: Upon filing, LARA will assign you a 9-digit Corporate ID Number. You will also receive a separate Customer ID (CID) and PIN to access LARA's Corporation Online Filing System (COFS). The fee is $20 for nonprofit organizations.

  1. Acquire a Certificate of Certificate of Existence

    Michigan requires a Certificate of Good Standing (also known as a Certificate of Existence) from your home jurisdiction, issued no more than 30 days before the date of submission, to be included with your Application for Certificate of Authority.

  2. Establish a Registered Agent

    You must have a registered agent in Michigan designated to accept service of process. Your registered agent can be an individual who resides in Michigan or a business authorized to "transact business" in Michigan.

  3. Submit Application of Certificate of Authority

    Mail your completed Application of Certificate of Authority (Form CD-560), Certificate of Good Standing, and check/money order to LARA.

What else do I need to know?

Once you are registered with the Secretary of State, you may have additional requirements to maintain your "good standing" in the state. Failing to do so can result in fines, back taxes, and forfeiting certain priveleges within the state.

Maintaining a Registered Agent

Most states require that you have a registered agent that can receive important mail from the Secretary of State should they need to contact you. There are many commercial options available or you can use Mosey to be your registered agent and keep your information private in Michigan.

Annual Reports and Taxes

In addition to maintaining a registered agent, most states require you to file a report annually. Registration can also trigger state taxes such as a franchise tax or income tax. You can use Mosey to identify these additional requirements to maintain good standing in Michigan.

Michigan's Foreign Qualification Agencies

Review your compliance risks, free.

More from the blog

Learn how to keep your business compliant in all 50 states across payroll, HR, Secretary of State, and tax.

PEO vs. EOR: Key Differences, Pros, and Cons for Businesses

Human resources (HR) can be complicated, especially when your company starts to grow. It’s tough to keep up with payroll, benefits, and other legal and compliance issues — but you’re not alone. Many mid-sized businesses turn to Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) or Employers of Record (EORs) for help. These services can make your life easier, but they’re not the same thing. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between PEOs and EORs, the pros and cons of each, and how Mosey can assist mid-sized businesses with corporate compliance.

Kaitlin Edwards | Aug 23, 2024

Delaware Annual Report & Franchise Tax Requirements

Delaware is a beacon for businesses seeking a favorable incorporation environment. Often hailed as the “corporate capital,” Delaware’s allure for businesses, ranging from sprouting startups to established multinational corporations, is undeniable. This preference is rooted in Delaware’s business-friendly laws, a well-established legal system, and favorable tax regulations. In fact, a significant number of businesses, including over 60 percent of Fortune 500 companies, choose Delaware as their legal home. What Is the Crucial Role of Delaware Annual Report and Franchise Tax Compliance?

Gabrielle Sinacola | Feb 10, 2024

Ohio CAT Tax: Rates, Filing, and Due Dates (2024)

The business world moves fast, and Ohio isn’t standing still. If you’re running a business in the Buckeye State or have employees there, you’ve probably heard about the Ohio Commercial Activity Tax (CAT). It’s not exactly new, but the rules of the game are about to change significantly. Starting January 1, 2024, Ohio rolled out major revisions to the CAT, and if you’re not paying attention, you could miss out on some serious savings or even get caught off guard by unexpected tax bills.

Gabrielle Sinacola | Aug 7, 2024

Ready to get started?

Schedule a free consultation to see how Mosey transforms business compliance.