Registering a DBA (Assumed Name) in Michigan
Where and how to file a DBA, trade name or assumed name in Michigan, and the fee.
Short answer: An LLC that will operate under a name other than its true name must file a Certificate of Assumed Name (Form 541) with LARA; the assumed name must be distinguishable from active entity names. LARA, Naming a Limited Liability Company; Form 541; MCL 450.5101(1)(f)
| DBA / assumed name | An LLC that will operate under a name other than its true name must file a Certificate of Assumed Name (Form 541) with LARA; the assumed name must be distinguishable from active entity names. The fee for an LLC is $25.00, and a certificate of termination of assumed name is also $25.00. The assumed name expires on December 31 of the fifth full calendar year after the year the certificate is filed. |
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| Name rules and reservation | A Michigan LLC name must contain the words "limited liability company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C." or "L.C." (with or without periods or other punctuation). It may not contain "corporation," "incorporated," "corp." or "inc.," may not imply a purpose other than the one permitted by its articles, and must be distinguishable from the names of other entities on record. An LLC name can be reserved (Form 540) for six months following the month of filing; the fee is $25.00. |
Where to get help in Michigan
More Michigan starting an llc & small business
- What an LLC Costs in Michigan
- LLC Annual Report in Michigan
- All Michigan starting an llc & small business rules
FAQ
How do you register a DBA in Michigan?
An LLC that will operate under a name other than its true name must file a Certificate of Assumed Name (Form 541) with LARA; the assumed name must be distinguishable from active entity names. The fee for an LLC is $25.00, and a certificate of termination of assumed name is also $25.00. The assumed name expires on December 31 of the fifth full calendar year after the year the certificate is filed.
What are the LLC name requirements in Michigan?
A Michigan LLC name must contain the words "limited liability company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C." or "L.C." (with or without periods or other punctuation). It may not contain "corporation," "incorporated," "corp." or "inc.," may not imply a purpose other than the one permitted by its articles, and must be distinguishable from the names of other entities on record. An LLC name can be reserved (Form 540) for six months following the month of filing; the fee is $25.00.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.