How to Register Your Business in Michigan

After selecting the legal business structure for your business, your next step is to register the business name with the county you will be doing business in and/or the state of Michigan. Choosing the right name is important. It needs to accurately reflect your brand and what your business does. It also needs to be unique, so that you can register it and protect you and your business for the long term.

Sole Proprietorships & General Partnerships

For sole proprietorships and general partnerships, owners must first obtain the “Certificate of Persons Conducting Business Under Assumed Name” from the Genesee County Clerk’s Office.

Then verify that your business name is available. DBAs must be unique from other business names being used in the state. To make sure your name isn’t already taken, search on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website and the Genesee County Clerk’s Office website.

Finally, fill out the form, have it notarized, and file it at the county clerk’s office.

Corporations & LLCs

For corporations and LLCs, owners must first verify that the assumed name is unique and available. To do this, search name availability on the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website.

Then, complete and file the “Certificate of Assumed Name Form” with LARA – Bureau of Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing – Corporations Division.