State Guide

Michigan Business License

This guide covers Michigan's general business license requirements — state-level registration, local city and county licenses, fees, and renewal timelines.

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Overview

Michigan does not have a general state business license. Businesses selling taxable goods must obtain a Sales Tax License from the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Local Michigan cities and counties may require business licenses. Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and other municipalities have their own local requirements.

Michigan Sales Tax License

Primary agencyMichigan Department of Treasury
Legal authorityMCL § 205.53
Key noteNo general state business license; Sales Tax License required for businesses making taxable retail sales.

Initial Registration

Filing methodOnline at Michigan Treasury Online (MTO)
Agency fee$15 per location

Registration Renewal

Filing methodLicense renewed every 3 years
Agency fee$15 per 3-year term
Due dateExpiration date on license certificate

Local General Business Licenses

Michigan municipalities vary in their local licensing requirements. Some cities require local business registration.

Counties

Alcona CountyAlger CountyAllegan CountyAlpena CountyAntrim CountyArenac CountyBaraga CountyBarry CountyBay CountyBenzie CountyBerrien CountyBranch CountyCalhoun CountyCass CountyCharlevoix CountyCheboygan CountyChippewa CountyClare CountyClinton CountyCrawford CountyDelta CountyDickinson CountyEaton CountyEmmet CountyGenesee CountyGladwin CountyGogebic CountyGrand Traverse CountyGratiot CountyHillsdale CountyHoughton CountyHuron CountyIngham CountyIonia CountyIosco CountyIron CountyIsabella CountyJackson CountyKalamazoo CountyKalkaska CountyKent CountyKeweenaw CountyLake CountyLapeer CountyLeelanau CountyLenawee CountyLivingston CountyLuce CountyMackinac CountyMacomb CountyManistee CountyMarquette CountyMason CountyMecosta CountyMenominee CountyMidland CountyMissaukee CountyMonroe CountyMontcalm CountyMontmorency CountyMuskegon CountyNewaygo CountyOakland CountyOceana CountyOgemaw CountyOntonagon CountyOsceola CountyOscoda CountyOtsego CountyOttawa CountyPresque Isle CountyRoscommon CountySaginaw CountySanilac CountySchoolcraft CountyShiawassee CountySt. Clair CountySt. Joseph CountyTuscola CountyVan Buren CountyWashtenaw CountyWayne CountyWexford County

Cities & Townships

AdrianAllen ParkAlpenaAnn ArborAuburn HillsBattle CreekBay CityBerkleyBirminghamBurtonCadillacClawsonColdwaterDearbornDearborn HeightsDetroitEast Grand RapidsEast Lansing City (Ingham County)EastpointeEscanabaFarmingtonFarmington HillsFenton City (Genesee County)FerndaleFlat Rock City (Wayne County)FlintFraserGarden CityGrand HavenGrand RapidsGrandvilleGrosse Pointe FarmsGrosse Pointe ParkGrosse Pointe WoodsHamtramckHarper WoodsHazel ParkHolland City (Ottawa County)HowellInksterIoniaJacksonKalamazooKentwoodLansingLansing City (Ingham County)Lincoln ParkLivoniaMadison HeightsMarquetteMelvindaleMidland City (Midland County)MonroeMount ClemensMount PleasantMuskegonNew BaltimoreNiles City (Berrien County)Norton ShoresNoviOak ParkOwossoPontiacPort HuronPortageRiverviewRochesterRochester HillsRomulusRosevilleRoyal OakSaginawSault Ste. MarieSouth LyonSouthfieldSouthgateSt. Clair ShoresSterling HeightsSturgisTaylorTraverse City City (Grand Traverse County)TrentonTroyWalkerWarrenWayneWestlandWixomWoodhavenWyandotteWyomingYpsilanti

EntityEngine does not provide tax, financial, or legal advice. Requirements change — always verify with the issuing agency. Confirm with Michigan Department of Treasury →

Frequently Asked Questions

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