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Register Your California LLC in Michigan
Step-by-step foreign qualification requirements, fees, and filing instructions for California LLCs expanding into Michigan.
Cost Summary
- Michigan filing fee
- $50
- California Certificate of Status
- $5
- Annual obligation in Michigan
- $25/year
- Estimated year 1 total
- $80
Note: Year 1 total includes the $50 filing fee in Michigan, the $5 Certificate of Status fee from California, and $25 in first-year Michigan state charges. Registered agent fees (typically $100-$200/year) are not included.
California data last reviewed Aug 1, 2026 · sos.ca.gov
Michigan data last reviewed Aug 1, 2026 · michigan.gov
How to register your California LLC in Michigan
1
Check name availability in Michigan
Before filing, verify that your LLC name (or a distinguishable variation) is available in Michigan. If your exact name is already taken, you may need to register under a fictitious or assumed name.
Search the business name register on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website before you file.
2
Get a Certificate of Status from California
Michigan requires a Certificate of Status from California to prove your LLC is in good standing. The fee is $5. Available to order online. No expiration date; third parties typically require certificate dated within 30-90 days.
Order from California ↗
3
File the Application for Certificate of Authority (Form CSCL/CD-760) in Michigan
Submit your application along with the Certificate of Status and the $50 filing fee. Processing time is 5-7 business days. Expedited processing available for $50-$1,000. Online filing is available.
Michigan filing portal ↗
4
Appoint a registered agent in Michigan
You must designate a registered agent with a physical address in Michigan to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC. This is required as part of the foreign qualification application.
Ongoing compliance in Michigan
- Annual report
- $25/year
- Report due
- February 15
- Processing time
- 5-7 business days
- Expedite
- $50-$1,000
Important to know about Michigan
- The annual report is due February 15 on a fixed calendar rather than the registration anniversary.
- Penalties accrue per calendar month and Michigan looks back up to five years.
Already operating in Michigan without registering? Our guide to what Michigan charges unregistered LLCs covers fines, back fees, and court access.
Activities that do NOT require registration in Michigan
- Maintaining or defending a lawsuit, administrative proceeding, or arbitration
- Holding meetings of members or managers, or carrying on internal company affairs
- Maintaining bank accounts
- Maintaining offices or agencies for the transfer, exchange, or registration of the LLC's own securities
- Selling through independent contractors
- Soliciting or obtaining orders if orders require acceptance outside the state before becoming contracts
- Creating or acquiring indebtedness, mortgages, or security interests in real or personal property
- Securing or collecting debts, or enforcing mortgages or security interests
- Owning real or personal property
- Conducting an isolated transaction completed within 30 days that is not part of repeated similar transactions
- Transacting business in interstate commerce
Michigan's Limited Liability Company Act, codified at Act 23 of 1993, lists activities that do not constitute transacting business at Section 450.5008.
Need a registered agent in Michigan?
A registered agent is required for foreign qualification. These services operate in all 50 states.
Get Northwest Registered Agent ↗
Recommended · $125/year · Privacy included
Registered Agents Inc
$200/year · Report filing included, state fees extra
Harbor Compliance
$99 first year, then $149/year · Full-service compliance option
Not sure which service fits? Our full Northwest Registered Agent review and Harbor Compliance review cover pricing, renewal terms, and where each one fits.
Need a business address in Michigan?
A virtual mailbox gives your LLC a professional address in Michigan for mail forwarding, public filings, and banking, without leasing office space.
Independent mailbox providers
This page provides general information based on publicly available state requirements. It is not legal advice. Verify all fees and requirements with the Michigan Secretary of State before filing.