Michigan DBA Registration: Your Complete Guide to Filing as a Sole Proprietor, LLC, or Corporation

If you’re looking to operate a business under a name different from your legal identity, establishing a Michigan DBA might be exactly what you need. Whether you’re an author using a pen name, a small business owner avoiding additional LLC formation, or an established corporation wanting to expand under a new brand, understanding Michigan DBA registration is essential. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process, from initial planning through successful registration.

Understanding Michigan DBA: What You Need to Know Before Filing

A DBA—short for “doing business as”—is an assumed name or alias that allows you to conduct business under an identity other than your legal name. In Michigan, these are also known as fictitious names or trade names. The state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, commonly referred to as LARA, oversees much of the DBA registration process, though local county requirements also play an important role depending on where your business operates.

Before diving into the application process, it’s worth asking whether a Michigan DBA truly serves your needs. Consider this: Are you planning to operate under a different name while maintaining your current business structure? Do you want to open a business bank account using your chosen alias? Does your existing LLC need to operate under an additional brand without creating a separate legal entity?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, a Michigan DBA is likely your best option. However, if your priorities include legal liability protection, clear separation between personal and business finances, or access to specific corporate tax treatments, you might want to explore LLC or corporation registration instead. Each option serves different business needs, and Michigan allows flexibility in how you structure your operations.

Michigan DBA Registration Steps: Name Selection to Final Submission

The pathway to registering your Michigan DBA begins with a few foundational decisions and proceeds through a structured filing process.

Step One: Choose Your Business Name

Start by selecting a unique trade name that won’t create confusion with existing Michigan businesses. The state maintains a business name database where you can search before submitting your application. This preliminary search is crucial—it helps prevent your DBA application from being rejected due to name duplication within your county or across Michigan.

Visit the official Michigan business name search portal to verify availability. Taking this step seriously saves time and avoids processing delays later.

Step Two: Understand the Michigan DBA Filing Requirements

The requirements for registering your Michigan DBA vary depending on your business structure. Each entity type—sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, and other structures—follows slightly different procedures and faces different fees.

Sole Proprietors and General Partnerships in Michigan:

Individual business owners and general partners need to file a Certificate of Persons Conducting Business Under Assumed Name in every county where they plan to operate. This document requires specific information:

• Your chosen business name (the DBA)
• Your legal name and business address (residential addresses are acceptable)
• Description of your business activities
• The state or county where you originally organized your business
• For partnerships: details about the relationship structure between partners

Filing fees for Michigan DBAs typically range from $10 to $16, depending on your county. Contact your County Clerk’s office to confirm the exact amount and any local requirements before submitting your paperwork.

LLCs, LLPs, and Corporations in Michigan:

These business entities register their DBAs at the state level through LARA rather than at individual county offices. You have two options: complete your registration online through LARA’s portal or download and submit a Certificate of Assumed Name form via mail or in person.

The state filing fees are standardized:

• Corporations and LLPs: $10
• LLCs: $25

If you need expedited processing, additional fees apply. Same-day registration (within one hour) costs $1,000, while 24-hour expedited service costs $200.

Step Three: Submit Your Application and Payment

You can submit your Michigan DBA application through several methods:

In-Person Submission: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau Corporations Division 2407 N. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906 Phone: (517) 241-6470

Mail Submission: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau Corporations Division P.O. Box 30054 Lansing, MI 48909

Online Submission: LLCs, LLPs, and corporations can complete the registration process directly through LARA’s online system for convenience and potentially faster processing.

Insurance License Situations:

If you’re registering an assumed name specifically for an insurance license, submit the Individual Insurance Licensee Registration or Cancellation of DBA form to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) instead of LARA.

Common Michigan DBA Questions Answered

Understanding the nuances of Michigan DBA registration helps you make informed decisions about your business structure. Here are answers to frequently asked questions that clarify key points.

Can an LLC operate under a DBA in Michigan?

Yes. An LLC can maintain its registered name while simultaneously operating under one or multiple DBAs. These alternate names might be variations of your LLC’s existing name or completely different business identities. This flexibility allows established LLCs to expand into new markets or service offerings without restructuring their core entity.

How much does registering a Michigan DBA cost?

Michigan DBA registration is significantly more affordable than establishing an LLC or corporation. Costs typically fall between $10 and $100 depending on your business type and county. Sole proprietors and partnerships usually pay lower fees ($10-$16 per county), while LLCs pay a flat $25 state fee. Always verify current fees with your County Clerk or LARA before filing.

Can multiple businesses use the same DBA name in Michigan?

Not within the same county. Michigan county clerks will reject any DBA application using a name already registered by another business in that county. However, the same name might be registered as a DBA in different counties or by different businesses statewide. This creates potential complications if you later expand your operations. Conducting a thorough business name search and selecting a distinctive name eliminates this risk.

What’s the practical difference between a Michigan DBA and an LLC?

These two business tools serve fundamentally different purposes. A DBA functions primarily as a branding mechanism—a legal name under which you operate while maintaining your existing business structure. An LLC, by contrast, is an actual legal business entity that provides crucial protections: it shields your personal assets from business liabilities and creates a clear legal separation between your private finances and business finances. DBAs offer no such liability protection. If you need legal safeguards for personal assets, LLC formation is necessary. If you simply need an alternate business name, a DBA suffices.

Managing Your Michigan DBA After Registration

Once you’ve successfully registered your Michigan DBA, your registration remains valid for up to five years. After this period expires, you can maintain your trade name by resubmitting the registration and paying applicable fees. Before renewing, check for any updates to state forms or fee structures to ensure smooth reregistration and continued compliance.

Regular monitoring of your registration status and staying informed about any Michigan regulatory changes helps you avoid lapses in coverage and keeps your DBA active for your business needs.

Key Takeaways for Michigan DBA Registration

Registering a Michigan DBA is a manageable, cost-effective process designed to accommodate various business structures and needs. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, operating an LLC, managing a corporation, or handling an insurance license, Michigan provides clear pathways and reasonable fees for DBA registration. By understanding your specific requirements, selecting a unique business name, submitting the correct forms with appropriate fees, and staying compliant with renewal deadlines, you’ll maintain a strong legal foundation for operating under your chosen business identity in Michigan. Remember to verify current requirements and fees with your County Clerk or LARA, as regulations can be updated periodically.