Frequently Asked Questions

What is a resident agent in Michigan?

A resident agent is an individual or business entity designated to receive legal documents, service of process, and official government correspondence on behalf of your Michigan business. The resident agent maintains a physical Michigan address and remains available during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, to accept these documents.

Why does my Michigan business need a resident agent?

Michigan law generally expects LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, and other registered entities to maintain a resident agent. This ensures the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and courts have a reliable delivery point for legal notices, regulatory correspondence, and official documents. It is a fundamental compliance requirement for operating a business entity in Michigan.

Who can serve as a resident agent in Michigan?

Your resident agent can be an individual who is a Michigan resident over 18 years old, or a business entity authorized to operate in Michigan. Someone 18 or older needs to be present at the resident agent address during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, to sign for documents. Business owners may serve as their own resident agent if they meet these requirements.

What types of documents will I receive through my resident agent?

You may receive service of process for lawsuits, regulatory notices from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, tax documents, Annual Statement reminders, compliance notifications, and other official government correspondence. Michigan Registered Agent scans and forwards all documents the same day they are received.

Can my business entity serve as its own resident agent?

No, Michigan requires that the resident agent be either an individual Michigan resident or a separate business entity authorized in the state. The business itself cannot serve as its own resident agent, though business owners who meet residency and availability requirements may serve in this role personally.

How do I change my resident agent in Michigan?

File a resident agent change form with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and pay the $5 filing fee. Once LARA processes your submission, your new resident agent becomes the official point of contact for legal documents and government correspondence.

What are Michigan's Annual Statement requirements?

Michigan businesses typically file an Annual Statement by February 15 each year. The filing fee is $25. Missing this deadline results in a $50 late fee and may lead to administrative dissolution. Annual Statements are filed with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, not the Secretary of State.

Where is the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs?

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) administers business entity regulations in Michigan. Visit their website at https://www.michigan.gov/lara/ for forms, filing information, and regulatory guidance.

Why does your service cost $99 when others charge more?

We maintain efficient operations and focus exclusively on resident agent service. Many providers charge $125 to $436 annually for comparable features. Our pricing structure delivers complete service at a competitive rate without reducing service quality or feature availability.

What's included in the $99 annual fee?

Everything: a registered office address in Michigan, same-day document scanning and forwarding, compliance reminders and alerts, online document portal access, and privacy protection through use of our address on public filings. No setup fees, no hidden charges, no premium tiers.

How quickly do you forward documents after receiving them?

All documents are scanned and forwarded the same day we receive them. You receive immediate email notification and can access scanned documents through your online portal.

How do I sign up for your service?

Access our checkout page to begin enrollment. We provide instructions for listing Michigan Registered Agent as your resident agent on new business filings or changing your existing resident agent designation. The process is completed online.

Can I use your address as my business mailing address?

Our address serves as your resident agent address for official state filings and legal service. This provides privacy protection by keeping your home address out of public records. For general business mail forwarding beyond resident agent documents, contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

What happens if I miss the Annual Statement deadline in Michigan?

Missing the February 15 Annual Statement deadline results in a $50 late fee. Continued non-compliance may lead to administrative dissolution of your business entity and loss of good standing. Our compliance reminders help you avoid these consequences.

Do you provide resident agent service in states other than Michigan?

We focus exclusively on Michigan resident agent service. This specialization allows us to maintain detailed knowledge of Michigan regulations and provide focused service to our clients.

How do I access my documents online?

Upon enrollment, you receive login credentials for your document portal. Access is available 24/7 to view scanned documents, check compliance deadlines, and manage account information.

What are your business hours?

We are available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time. During these hours, we accept service of process and respond to client inquiries. The document portal is accessible at all times.

What address requirements does Michigan have for resident agents?

Michigan requires a physical street address in the state. PO boxes and virtual offices do not satisfy regulatory requirements. Someone 18 or older needs to be present at the address during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, to sign for documents.

How do I contact you with additional questions?

Reach us at support@miregisteredagent.org or call during business hours. Our office is located at 123 Commerce St, Suite 100, Lansing, MI 48933. We address questions about Michigan resident agent requirements and service features.