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Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing

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Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing

About Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing

Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau (CSCL) supports business growth and job creation while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of Michigan's citizens through a simple, fair, efficient, and transparent regulatory structure.

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Cutting Red Tape Report

LARA received over 16,000 survey responses from licensees across three of our highest volume bureaus: Professional Licensing, Construction Codes, and Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing. Our Cutting Red Tape Report outlines nearly 80 recommendations to reduce barriers to licensure, streamline processes, and better serve the people of Michigan.
Cutting Red Tape Report

Building on this work, LARA has released the Cutting Red Tape Progress Report, highlighting continued progress on the recommendations from the original Cutting Red Tape Report and efforts to improve licensing processes and customer experience across Michigan.
Cutting Red Tape Progress Report

Divisions

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    Corporations

    The Corporations Division promotes economic development and growth by facilitating the formation of business entities in Michigan.

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    Securities

    The Securities & Audit Division oversees the registration of individuals and entities that provide investment-related advice to Michigan residents, the registration and exemption of products, and investigates complaints related to securities.

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    Licensing

    The Licensing Division is responsible for determining eligibility for examination and licensure, monitoring licensee's compliance with continuing education requirements, and providing administrative support to the boards and oversees administration of examinations to those professions that have an examination requirement.

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    Regulatory Compliance

    The Regulatory Compliance Division is responsible for assisting the LARA FOIA Office, in responding to FOIA requests, drafting formal complaints, stipulations, and final orders, scheduling and holding settlement conferences, and representing or coordinating the legal representation of the bureau at formal hearings.

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The State of Michigan relies on a diverse collection of suppliers for the goods and services it needs to operate. Learn how your business can get involved by visiting DTMB - Contract Connect (michigan.gov)

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Limited Liability Companies

A limited liability company (LLC) is a business formed by an organizer who may, but need not be a member. It is a business entity separate from its members and liability is limited to the financial contribution made by the member. The members are the owners of the company. The management of the company is carried out by its members, unless the Articles of Organization provide for management by managers. Governance is set forth by the Articles of Organization or operating agreement.

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Bureau News

AG Nessel LARA and DIFS Warn Michiganders About Imposter Scams

August 04, 2026

LANSING, MI - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial S...

LARA Launches Investor Education Campaign to Help Protect Michiganders from Investment Fraud

May 05, 2026

LANSING, MI — The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) today unveiled a new investor education campaign and website to help Michiganders better u...

LARA Delivers Major Progress on Cutting Red Tape

April 17, 2026

LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) released a progress report detailing the significant strides made over the past year to im...

Unlicensed Colorado-Based Company Legacy Cremation Services LLC Ordered to Cease Operations in Mi

January 22, 2026

LANSING, MI – The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), through its Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau, has issued a Notice and Or...

Michigan Launches New MiBusiness Registry Portal to Improve Business Filing Services

June 30, 2025

LANSING, MICH. - The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has launched the MiBusiness Registry Portal, a new online system that replaces the state&rsqu...

LARA alerts Michigan businesses of scheme to file their limited liability company annual statement

June 24, 2025

LANSING, MI - Beware of a scam hitting the mailboxes of Michigan corporations and limited liability companies from a non-governmental entity named “New Business Filing LLC” tryi...

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