In the present work, for the first time micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings were produced at different voltages on the magnesium alloy AZ31, leading to the formation ofMAO coatings with different properties (e.g. composition, structure and morphology). Then, we studied MgAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) grown in-situ on MAO coatings. The properties of final composite coatings were largely determined by the dissolution of the MAO coating, and the final composite coatings significantly increased in thickness with the thickest one being 18.0 mu m. The corrosion protection was investigated using EIS, hydrogen evolution tests and immersion tests. Due to a synergistic effect of LDHs and spinel, MAO coating formed at the highest production voltage, modified with LDHs, provided the better corrosion protection. (c) 2018 The Electrochemical Society.