How to Register Your Business Name in Michigan: A Step-by-Step Guide

How do I register my business name in Michigan?
To reserve a business name, you must file an application online or by mail. Applicants may also file by email ([email protected]) or fax (517) 241-0538. If you email or fax an application, you must create a MICH-ELF account using this form. When reserving your name, you will have to pay a filing fee.
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One of the initial actions you must take when opening a business in Michigan is to register your business name. Your firm will be operated under a name known as a “doing business as” (DBA) name, also referred to as a business name. The registration of your DBA name in Michigan is a simple procedure that may be finished online.

Step 1: Select an Original Name Select a distinctive name that isn’t in use before you may register your business name in Michigan. You’ll need to think of a name that isn’t too similar to any already-existing firms in the state because Michigan law mandates that all DBA names be easily identifiable from one another.

Check for Availability in Step 2 Once you’ve decided on a name, you need to see if it can be used. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ (LARA) database search can be used to accomplish this. In that case, you can continue with registration.

Fill out a registration form in Step 3 You must submit a registration form to LARA in order to register your DBA name in Michigan. There is a $25 registration fee, and the form can be filled out online. Your business name, your name, your address, and the type of business you’re registering (single proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.) must all be provided.

Step 4: Post a Notice You must post a notice of your DBA name in a neighborhood newspaper after submitting your registration form. This notification, which must include your name, address, and the DBA name you’re registering, must be published within 10 days of your registration. Negative aspects of a DBA Although using a DBA name has certain drawbacks, registering one in Michigan is a rather simple process. One of the biggest drawbacks is that a DBA name doesn’t give your business name any legal protection. You may later run into legal problems if another company is already operating under the same name.

Could two companies share the same DBA name?

No, in Michigan, two firms cannot share the same DBA name. You must think of a distinctive name that isn’t too similar to any other firms in the state because Michigan law mandates that all DBA names be distinguished from one another.

Do DBAs Require Their Own Bank Accounts?

No, a DBA is not required to have a separate bank account. To keep your personal and corporate finances distinct, it’s a good idea to open a separate bank account for your business. This will make it simpler for you to keep track of your business spending and will help you avoid any confusion during tax season. In Michigan, How to Renew Your Assumed Name

You must renew your assumed name every five years if you’ve registered a DBA name in Michigan. On the LARA website, you can renew your registration. You must submit your business name and registration number, and there is a $10 renewal cost.

FAQ
How do I get a copy of my articles of incorporation in Michigan?

You can write to or visit the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to request a copy of your articles of incorporation. Your business name, tax identification number, and a request for a copy of your articles of incorporation must be given to them. Additionally, you might need to pay a fee for the copy. You can get in touch with LARA using the information on their website.

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