How to Register a DBA in Michigan (Step-by-Step Guide)

The first thing everyone needs to do is think of a name.

Michigan requires that all assumed names are unique and follow certain naming guidelines.

• Avoid using words confusing your business with a government entity, such as the FBI or State Department.
• Avoid using words related to the financial sectors. This includes words like “banking,” “deposit,” and “trust.”
• Countless other words are “Restricted,” and many are “cautioned,” which may need extra requirements before your name is confirmed.
• The full list can be found on the LARA website or here. 
• For limited partnerships, an extra set of rules can be found here.
  • If a limited partnership wants to use a name different from its true name, it must file a Certificate of Assumed Name. This certificate must be filed in addition to any other required filings. The assumed name must be unique and distinguishable from other active limited partnerships, corporations, or limited liability companies.

As a sole proprietorship, co-partnership, or general partnership

• You must file the certificate of assumed name forms at the county level with the county clerk’s office of the county where your business is located.
• If your business is across different counties, you must file in every county where you conduct business.
• You can find the contact of your county clerk here.
• Filing may differ slightly in each county.

Oakland County

1. It is recommended to double-check the uniqueness of your business with the county where you do business.
2. Oakland county has a business name search portal that we recommend using.
3. Next, complete the Certificate of Persons Conducting Business Under Assumed Name form.
4. Forms require:

• Applicant contact information
• Assumed name
• Description of business
• Business address

Forms need to be signed by all involved in front of a public notary.

Incorporated businesses

• Incorporated business entities file their Certificate of Assumed Name at the state level with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. 
• These types of business are considered incorporated:
  • For-profit Corporations, Nonprofit Corporations
  • Professional Corporations, Professional Associations
  • Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Any Foreign Filing Entity (out of state)
• You can file online.
• If you want to print the DBA form and return it in person or by mail, you can print it from LARA.
• When you file, you need to include the following:
  • Corporation name
  • Identification number assigned by the bureau
  • Proposed assumed name

As a sole proprietorship, co-partnership, or general partnership

• Filing fees may vary by county.
• In Oakland County, the fee is $10.

Incorporated businesses

• The cost for corporations and LPs is $10.
• The filing fee for LLCs is $25.
• There are additional fees if you want your forms expedited.
  • A 24-hour service costs $50.
  • A same-day service costs $100. The forms need to be submitted by 1 pm.
  • A two-hour service costs $500. The forms need to be submitted by 3 pm.
  • A one-hour service costs $1000. The forms need to be submitted by 4 pm.

As a sole proprietorship, co-partnership, or general partnership

• Contact your county clerk to make any changes to your assumed name, as the process may differ by county.
• In Oakland County:
  • You must renew every five years using the registration form.
  • If you change your name, you must file a new registration.
  • If you want to change the address or ownership, fill in an Assumed Name – Change of Address/Name Change form.
  • To withdraw your name, you must fill out a Certificate of Discontinuance of Business Under an Assumed Name form and pay $10.

Incorporated businesses

• Your certificate of assumed name expires on December 31, the fifth year following your registration.
• To make amendments, you must complete the registration form and pay the filing fees again.
• You must complete a Certificate of Termination of Assumed Name to cancel your name. The cost for corporations and LPs is $10. For LLCs, the fee is $25.

The IRS issues a nine-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN) to identify businesses for tax purposes.

• It is important to note that a Doing Business As (DBA) name does not create a new legal entity. If the original company already has an EIN, a separate one is unnecessary for DBAs.
• EINs are not required for all businesses; sole proprietors can use their social security number as their tax ID.
• An EIN is necessary if a business intends to hire employees or open a bank account.

The IRS provides a free online application process for obtaining an EIN, which is typically straightforward and takes less than an hour to complete.

• Michigan assumed name rules
• Index of county contacts
• Oakland business name search
• Oakland certificate of persons conducting business under assumed name
• Corporations online filing
• Corporation certificate of assumed name
• EIN application

There are many advantages to a DBA:

• Customizable name: A DBA can be altered more quickly than a legal business name, allowing business owners to change their name according to their evolving products and services or market conditions. It also allows multiple names to target different products and markets, increasing the scope and customer base.
• Clear financial separation: Filing for a DBA allows business owners to establish a business bank account under the company name instead of a personal account. This separation allows for more transparent financial records, prevents confusion, and protects personal assets. It also makes it easier to receive cheques and card payments.
• Brand recognition: A well-crafted DBA name is often more descriptive and memorable than a legal name. It helps in brand recognition, business promotion, and marketing and advertising the products or services easier.
• Cost-effective: DBA registration is usually less expensive than other business structures, such as limited liability companies (LLCs). It is a more affordable option for small business owners and entrepreneurs that want to create a unique identity without spending too much money.

However, there are a few downsides to registering a DBA:

• Personal liability: DBAs do not provide legal protection or personal liability protection, meaning that the business owner is personally responsible for all debts, obligations, and lawsuits related to the business. It exposes the owner to the risk of personal bankruptcy, as the owner is solely responsible.
• Legal and administrative burden: Using a DBA name requires registering the name with the relevant government agency, which can be time-consuming. The legal and administrative burden increases with multiple DBAs, requiring the owner to maintain and update legal documents periodically.

• Sole proprietors: Individuals who run a business alone don’t create a separate legal entity. A DBA allows them to use a different name for marketing their products or services and gives them more flexibility to adapt to changes in the market.
• Partnerships: Joint ventures between two or more individuals who want to operate under a different name than the partners’ names. Partners can file a DBA to represent their partnership and increase brand recognition.
• Corporations: Businesses that want to use a name different from their name or diversify their business activities under multiple names. For example, suppose a corporation has a subsidiary that sells software named “Tech Solutions LLC,” but it also wants to sell hardware. In that case, it can file a DBA for “Tech Hardware” to create a distinction between the two business activities.
• Limited liability companies (LLCs): LLCs are flexible business structures that allow owners to limit their liability and protect their assets. However, LLCs can also file a DBA to conduct business under a different name or brand.

You would need a DBA:

• If you plan to run your business using a name that isn’t your own or your company’s legal name.
• If you want to create a more marketable, memorable, or descriptive name for your products or services.
• If you are a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC and want to conduct business under different names.
• If you want to test new products or markets without changing your legal name.

You may not need a DBA if:

• If you operate your business using your personal or company’s legal name.
• If you are a single-owner LLC, that does not need to do business under a different name than your personal name or the name of your LLC.