Exhibit 23.1


            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Capitol Bancorp Ltd.
Lansing, MI


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of our reports dated March 4, 2005, relating to the
consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of Capitol Bancorp
Ltd.'s internal control over financial reporting appearing in the Capitol
Bancorp Ltd. 2004 Annual Report to shareholders incorporated by reference in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan
June 27, 2005