In my Michigan Registered Agent guide, I’ll walk you through the detailed process of when you should get a registered agent or registered agent service for your Michigan business, how to pick one, if they are required and how to change one if needed. Typically you’re getting a registered agent when you setup your Michigan LLC. Check out my guide on how to setup a Michigan LLC so you can make sure you’re following all the right steps in the process. If you are just looking for the professional service to help you – use Northwest Registered Agent or ZenBusiness.
A Michigan Registered Agent or Michigan Registered Agent Service is required by law for every business entity in the state of Michigan. A registered agent is an individual or business entity that will accept legal papers (documents) on your behalf if it is sued. The registered agent or registered agent service must have a physical street address in Michigan and be available during regular business hours.
Best Michigan Registered Agent Service
The best registered agent services that you’ll find is ZenBusiness. They have been doing this as a national registered agent service for years and have helped 1000s of other business owners figure out the best way of getting their Michigan resident agent service setup. They will have a physical street address setup with normal business hours so you don’t have to worry about that. They also have worked with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office to make sure they can accept legal documents on your behalf. Whether you’re going to setup a Michigan Limited Liability Company or a Michigan Corporation doesn’t really matter to them. They will get you the help you need.
If you’re in the middle of working on forming your business, I highly recommend using them for your LLC formation service along with the registered agent service they provide.
What is a Michigan Registered Agent?
A Michigan Registered Agent is no different than a regular registered agent. The difference is that they will have a business address physically in Michigan and will accept legal notices on your behalf if someone were to serve legal papers to that physical address. You don’t need to transact business from that address but it is important that as a business owner you understand who your registered agent company is and separate your business documents from the legal documents they will accept on your behalf.
Why do I need a Michigan Registered Agent?
It’s legally required to have a statutory agent or registered agent in Michigan. The state fees are low and they will accept these documents on your behalf. It’s important to understand that Michigan law requires you to have a registered office address for your registered agent’s address so make sure you’ve done so.
If you try and be your own registered agent keep in mind that your home address will end up in the public record. You want to make sure your Michigan Registered Agent services used are not going to be your own home address. There are so many more downsides to doing this on your own vs. the cost of finding registered agents who can act as your resident agent in Michigan.
When should I obtain a Michigan Registered Agent?
At the beginning of your LLC formation journey is the best place to start. A registered agent is required to have for every business so if you don’t do this from the beginning your LLC may dissolve and not be a real business. Go find the right registered agent service for you and do this during the LLC formation process so you don’t have to worry about any regulatory affairs.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent In Michigan?
You can but as we’ve talked about it’s not the best solution. Your registered agent’s name should not be your own name. It is legally ok to do but there are plenty of Michigan registered agents that exist where you can setup an online account that will be easy to do.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?
The cost of using a registered agent service is going to be around $100 – $300 per year. This will give you the ability to use their address as your business address and have them act on your behalf for any legal documents. It’s important to understand that if you’re served with legal papers, someone physically has to go to that location to do so.
How Do I Elect A Registered Agent In Michigan?
The first step is to figure out which service you want to use. I recommend using a Michigan Registered Agent service because they will have a physical street address in the state along with normal business hours. This way you don’t have to worry about someone trying to serve legal papers outside of business hours. Once you’ve found the right registered agent service , the next step is to fill out the forms with the Michigan Secretary of State. You will need to provide your registered agent’s information on these forms. After you’ve completed the forms, you will need to submit them along with the filing fee to the Michigan Secretary of State.
How Do I Change My Registered Agent In Michigan?
If you need to change your registered agent in Michigan, you will need to file a Statement of Change with the Michigan Secretary of State. This form will require you to provide the new registered agent’s information as well as your LLC’s information. You will also need to include the filing fee with this form. You can get the form at the Michigan Secretary of State’s office website here.
Registered Agent FAQ
Does Michigan require a registered agent?
Yes, Michigan requires all LLCs to have a registered agent. The registered agent must have a physical street address in the state and be available during normal business hours.
Does registered agent mean owner?
No, the registered agent is not the owner of the LLC. The registered agent is someone who agrees to accept legal documents on behalf of the LLC.
How much does a Michigan registered agent cost?
The cost of using a Michigan registered agent service is going to be around $100 – $300 per year. This will give
What is a registered agent service?
A registered agent service is a company that agrees to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC. The service will have a physical street address in the state and be available during normal business hours.
Best Registered Agent
The best option for your registered agent service