Before you form a limited liability company (LLC), register a trade name, or start a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Michigan Business Entity Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Michigan Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Michigan.
Protect Your Online Reputation
A matching domain name helps prevent customer confusion. Claim yours while you can with GoDaddy.
Search NowHow to Check if Your Michigan LLC Name Is Available
Completing an LLC name search is an important step before forming your LLC. There are a few key searches you need to make to ensure your business name meets state requirements and to avoid potential legal issues if you choose a name that’s already in use. Below we’ve outlined the steps required to conduct an LLC name search and secure your business name.
1. Follow LLC Naming Rules
Before you begin your LLC name search, you need to confirm your chosen name meets the state’s requirements for business names. Even if your business name is available, the state will reject it if it doesn’t follow Michigan naming guidelines.
Some key guidelines for Michigan LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”).
- The name of a low-profit LLC must contain the words “low-profit limited liability company” or the abbreviation “L.3.C.” or “l.3.c.” — with or without the periods.
- The name must be distinguishable from the name of any existing Michigan business or any reserved name.
- Your name can’t imply the LLC is organized for any purpose other than the one outlined in its Articles of Organization.
- Your name can’t contain the words “corporation” or “incorporated” or the abbreviations “corp.” or “inc.”
- Your name can’t include restricted words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” which may mistake it for an official institution.
Michigan has a long list of restricted words that may require approval to use. You can view the entire list on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website.
Distinguishability
Your name must be distinguishable from all other business names. In Michigan, a distinguishable name has a different sequence of letters or numbers from all active names of corporations, LLCs, or limited partnerships.
The following differences do NOT make a name distinguishable in Michigan:
- Business entity suffixes (e.g., “LLC,” “Corp,” etc.)
- Punctuation
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in the rejection of your formation filing.
2. Complete a State Business Entity Search
The first search you need to complete is at the state level. This important step identifies existing businesses already using your chosen business name, if any. This’ll help you ensure your LLC name meets distinguishability requirements in the state.
You can check your business name availability by searching for the name with the Michigan Business Entity Search tool.
3. Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.
The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.
What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
4. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
A trademark search is an essential step toward verifying the availability of your business name and avoiding legal complications if your name or logo is already trademarked. Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website and search for potential matches. Even if your LLC name is available within your state, make sure your brand elements don’t infringe on existing trademarks.
For additional help, see our review of the best trademark services for startups.
5. Reserve Your LLC Name
You can choose to reserve your LLC name in Michigan for up to six months before you officially register it with the state. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself. However, it isn’t required by the state.
You can file a name reservation online or via hard copy with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The filing fee is $25.
6. Form Your Michigan LLC
After you verify your desired Michigan business name is available, your next step is to secure it by registering your business with the state. To form an LLC in Michigan, you need to submit Articles of Organization to the LARA, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau — Corporations Division by mail or through the department’s online filing system.
Many entrepreneurs choose to utilize LLC formation services rather than complete the filing themselves to ensure this important process is done correctly.
Have a Professional Service Form Your LLC
Verified your domain name? Take the next step! Tailor Brands will guide you through the LLC registration process to make your business official.
Start NowMichigan LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Michigan?
You can use the Michigan Business Entity Search tool to see if your preferred business name is available.
Should I name my LLC after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use our free AI-powered LLC name generator.
What words can’t be used in a Michigan LLC name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Michigan has a long list of restricted words that may require approval to use. You can view the entire list on the LARA website.
Should I use an LLC name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
What is a brand name?
A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.
Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name Your LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. Michigan requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”) in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in Michigan?
Michigan doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name, but LLC “doing business as” (DBA) names — known as “assumed” names in Michigan — must be renewed every five years with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
You can renew online or by mail. The filing fee is $25.
Learn more about assumed names with our Michigan DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Michigan?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or an assumed name in Michigan.
In Michigan, LLC assumed names are filed with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Learn more about assumed names with our Michigan DBA guide.
Does my LLC need a DBA name?
Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Michigan DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Michigan from the drop-down menu.