Before you form an LLC, register an assumed 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 LLC Name Search guide, we'll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Michigan.
Recommended: You’ll want to secure your website domain name as soon as possible. Check GoDaddy to make sure it’s available.
SKIP AHEAD:
Michigan LLC Name Search
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs requires all business names to be distinguishable from other business entities in the state.
It's also important to search for a matching domain name (URL).
How to Search Available LLC Names
You can check your business name availability by searching the Michigan Business Entity Search online database.
Recommended: If you don’t have a business name yet or find that yours is taken, use our LLC Name Generator.
How to Complete a Domain Name Search
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.
How to Register Your Business Name
Register Your Name
An LLC name is officially registered when you file your LLC application documents and form an LLC.
Ready to register your LLC name? Use our Michigan LLC guide to get started.
Registering a DBA in Michigan (also known as an assumed name) is a separate process that requires filing with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Reserve Your Name
You can optionally reserve your LLC name in Michigan for up to six months before you officially register it. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
Name reservations can be filed online or via hard copy with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The filing fee is $25.
Michigan Naming Requirements
Some key guidelines for Michigan LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company,” or one of its abbreviations (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 periods.
- The name must be distinguishable in the records in the office of the administrator from the name of any existing Michigan business or any reserved name
Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like 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 LARA website.
Michigan also has the following restrictions for LLC names:
- Your name cannot imply that the LLC is organized for any purpose other than the one outlined in its Articles of Organization.
- Your name cannot contain the words "corporation" or "incorporated" or the abbreviations "corp." or "inc."
For more information, check out Michigan’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It is important that your name 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, limited liability companies, 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 your formation filing being rejected.
Is your name already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will generate thousands of new ideas.
Michigan 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.
Learn more about business entity name availability in the How to Search Available LLC Names section.
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 your 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 Michigan LARA website.
Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Michigan Naming Requirements section.
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 an 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 or L.L.C.) in their legal name.
Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Michigan Naming Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in Michigan?
Michigan does not require LLCs to renew their legal name, but LLC DBAs 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 DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Michigan from the dropdown menu.
