Filing a Michigan DBA (doing business as), also known as an assumed name, is a simple process and it's completed at the county level or with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) depending on your business structure.
Learn How to Get a DBA in Michigan yourself. Choose your business structure to get started:
- Sole Proprietorship or Partnership
(A sole proprietorship is a business owned by a single individual that isn't registered.) - LLC or Corporation
You can hire a professional service such as LegalZoom to file your DBA for you. Their packages start at $99 (plus state fees).
Filing a DBA in Michigan for Sole Proprietors and General Partnerships
Sole proprietors and partnerships are required to file with the appropriate County Clerk’s office(s).
A sole proprietorship is a business owned by a single individual that isn't formally organized. If you run a business and file taxes under your own name, you are a sole proprietor.
A Michigan DBA doesn't offer any protection for your personal assets in the event that your business is sued. For more information on setting up a limited liability company, visit our How to Form an LLC page and select your state.
SKIP AHEAD
If you need to create a DBA for an LLC or Corporation, you can click here to skip ahead.
Step 1: Start With a Michigan DBA Name Search
If you haven't already, head over to the Michigan LARA website to make sure your name isn't taken by— or too similar to— another registered Michigan business.
TIP: Our business name generator tool is a great resource for entrepreneurs who are still working to create the perfect business name or website address. You can also use our free logo generator tool to make a logo yourself! No design experience necessary!
Make sure your name complies with Michigan naming rules:
- Your name cannot include words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your business. You can see a list of restricted words here. Learn more about Michigan naming guidelines here.
Next, a quick search on the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your name.
Now would be the perfect time to make sure there’s a web domain available for your DBA as well.
After registering a domain name for your DBA, consider using a business phone service to improve customer satisfaction and further establish credibility. Our top pick is Nextiva because of its affordable pricing and useful features. Start calling with Nextiva.
Step 2: Register Your Michigan DBA with the County Clerk
If your business is a sole proprietorship or partnership, then you are required to file a certificate of conducting business under an assumed name with the appropriate county clerk’s office(s).
Knowing which county to file in is simple: you must file in any county where your business conducts or transacts business.
We will give you step-by-step directions to get an Oakland County DBA. You can find information about registering an assumed name in Oakland County here. If you need to file in a different county, you’ll need to contact the county clerk for instructions.
You can find your county’s' contact information here.
How to File an Oakland County DBA
At this point, you should have already nailed down your DBA name and completed the name searches in Step 1 above.
Oakland County suggests searching state and county records before you start the DBA filing process. You can search the Oakland County records here and the Michigan state records here.
Forms
- Certificate of Persons Conducting Business Under Assumed Name (must be notarized)
Submit Your Certificate
By Mail or In Person
Oakland County Clerk's Office
Attn: Vital Records
1200 N. Telegraph Dept. 413
Pontiac, MI 48341-0413
Payment
- $10 filing fee
- $2 for an out-of-state form if any owner lists an address outside of Michigan
- The County Clerk accepts check or money order made out to the Oakland County Clerk. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are also accepted in-person.
- Out-of-state or starter checks are not accepted.
Manage Your Oakland County DBA
DBA Questions
Call (248) 858-0568 for general questions about business certificates, assumed names, and DBAs.
Renew Your DBA
Your business name must be renewed every five years using the same form.
Withdraw Your DBA
To discontinue your DBA in Oakland County, you must fill out this form and pay a $10 filing fee.
Filing a DBA in Michigan for LLCs, Corporations, and LLPs
LLCs, Corporations, and LLPs must file their DBA with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The following business types are considered incorporated:
- For-profit Corporations, Nonprofit Corporations
- Professional Corporations, Professional Associations
- Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships
- Limited Liability Companies
- Any Foreign Filing Entities
If you are registering a DBA for a sole proprietorship or partnership, go back to the DBA guide for unincorporated businesses.
Step 1: Start With a Michigan DBA Name Search
If you haven't already, head over to the Michigan LARA website to make sure your name isn't taken by— or too similar to— another registered Michigan business.
TIP: Our business name generator tool is a great resource for entrepreneurs who are still working to create the perfect business name or website address.
Make sure your name complies with Michigan naming rules:
- Your name cannot include words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your business. You can see a list of restricted words here. Learn more about Michigan naming guidelines here.
Next, a quick search on the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your name.
Now would be the perfect time to make sure there’s a web domain available for your DBA as well.
If you need extra guidance with naming your business, we can help.
Step 2: Register Your Michigan DBA with the State
If your business is an LLC, Corporation, or LLP, you are required to file your DBA with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
First, print a copy of the certificate of assumed name form. When you are filling out your application for your DBA, Michigan State requires certain information about your business, such as:
- Line 1: Your current legal company name
- Line 2: Company identification number
You can also file online.
A DBA does not offer any protection for your personal assets in the event that your business is sued. For more information on setting up a limited liability company, visit our How to Form an LLC page and select your state.
Submit Your Certificate of Assumed Name Form
Walk-In
2501 Woodlake Circle
Okemos, MI
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
Payment and Fees
Fees
- $10 filing fee for corporations and limited partnerships
- $25 filing fee for LLCs
- $50 for 24-hour processing, $100 for same day, $500 for 2-hour, $1,000 for 1-hour
Payment
- Online with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.
- Mail by check or money order.
- In person by all of the above.
Manage Your Michigan DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs: (517) 241-6470
Renew Your DBA with the State
Your certificate of assumed name expires on Dec. 31 of the fifth full calendar year following registration.
Withdraw Your DBA
You can find the Certificate of Termination of Assumed Name form here.
Need Help Filing Your Michigan DBA?
Have a Professional Service File Your Michigan DBA For You
A professional service will handle filing your DBA on your behalf, allowing you to focus on the other needs of your new business.
We recommend using LegalZoom ($99 + state fee) for a personalized DBA service.
DBA Michigan FAQ
Can I file a DBA online in Michigan?
You can file your assumed name form online here.
How Can I Withdraw my Michigan DBA?
Contact your county clerk for county-specific instructions for withdrawing your DBA for your unincorporated business.
For incorporated businesses, you will need to file for discontinuance of your assumed name with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. You can find the Certificate of Termination of Assumed Name form here.
How can I insure my Michigan DBA?
DBAs don’t require insurance because DBAs aren't a business entity. However, the business entity that the DBA is under will need protection from losses that can happen naturally in the course of business, such as property damage or lawsuits.
We recommend Tivly because they provide coverage for a large variety of businesses. Get a free quote from Tivly or call 855-965-3168 to learn more.
How Often Should I Renew My Michigan DBA?
Your certificate of assumed name expires on Dec. 31 of the fifth full calendar year following registration.
When is a DBA required in Michigan?
A DBA is required whenever a business is operating under a name other than its legal name.
How Do I transfer my DBA in Michigan?
Most transfers can be completed by filing an amendment to change the owner’s name.
How many DBAs can I have?
You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. However, more isn’t necessarily better. Each one will come with additional incremental expense and paperwork, so you will want to make sure you have a good reason for each one you have.
Can a DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?
DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN if an EIN is required.
To learn more about EINs and when you would need one for your business, read What is An EIN from our friends at TRUiC.
Can a DBA become an LLC?
Your DBA is just a name. A DBA is often confused with a sole proprietorship. If you mean “can my sole proprietorship become an LLC?” then the answer is “Yes. Absolutely.”
To learn how to form an LLC, visit our Form an LLC state guides.
Can a DBA have "Inc." in the name?
A DBA can only have "Inc." in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.
How do I set up a DBA for a rental property?
It’s always best to consult an attorney. Usually, the best option is to form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. Holding the rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection.
Is my DBA protected from being used in other places?
There are some state-level laws that prevent DBAs that are too similar to existing ones from being used, but this varies from state to state. It is possible to trademark a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.