Comprehensive answers regarding your Michigan corporate compliance obligations.
In Michigan, the statutory term used by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is "Resident Agent." In many other states, the equivalent role is known as a "Registered Agent." The responsibilities are identical: to accept service of process (lawsuits) and official state mail on behalf of a business entity.
Yes, under Michigan law, an individual resident of the state, whose business office or residence is identical to the registered office, may serve as a resident agent. However, doing so requires your personal address to be on public record, and you must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process.
Failure to maintain a resident agent and registered office violates MCL 450.4207 (for LLCs) or MCL 450.1241 (for Corporations). It can lead to the entity no longer being in "good standing" and eventually resulting in administrative dissolution by LARA, meaning you lose liability protection and the legal right to do business in the state.
You must file a Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Change of Resident Agent (Form CSCL/CD-520) with LARA. The filing fee is $5.00. This change takes effect upon the effective date stated in the document or when filed by LARA.
Yes. A resident agent may resign by filing a notice of resignation with LARA. The resignation becomes effective 30 days after the filing date. The entity must appoint a new agent within this period or risk falling out of good standing.