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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. 

Read the full report here.

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)

I Need to...

Renew my Corporation

Restore my LLC

Have filing fees waived as a Veteran

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Online Services

Business entity search

Verify a license, registration or permit

CSCL License List and Data

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Forms & Publications

Disciplinary Action Reports

Corporation Forms

Limited Liability Company Forms

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Licensing Examinations

Alarm System Contractors

Mortuary Science

Polygraph Examiners

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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

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...

Cutting Red Tape in Michigan

February 27, 2025

LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) recently published a report entitled “Cutting Red Tape: Recommendations to Protect P...

New Website to Help Guide Michigan Business Owners

April 11, 2024

LANSING, MI - Business owners in Michigan have a new way of ensuring that their businesses are successful, in compliance with state laws and regulations, and protected against b...

Michigan Joins $12.4 Million Multistate Settlement with Raymond James

October 18, 2023

Marlon I. Brown, Acting Director of the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, announced that the Bureau of Corporations, Securities & Commercial ...

Unregistered Detroit-Based Transportation Company, Pathe Waye Transportation LLC, Ordered to Cease Operations

March 02, 2023

The Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau (CSCL) issued a Notice and Order to Cease and Desist against Res...

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