Michigan DBA Form Filing: Your Complete Registration Guide

Establishing a DBA (doing business as) in Michigan serves various business needs—whether you’re an author operating under a pen name or a small business owner seeking operational flexibility without forming a new LLC. The michigan dba form filing process is well-structured and manageable for first-time applicants. This comprehensive guide walks you through each stage of registering your business under an assumed name in Michigan.

Understanding DBAs and When to File a Michigan Form

A DBA, technically known as “doing business as,” lets you conduct business operations under an alternate identity from your legal name. These assumed names are also called trade names or fictitious business names. In Michigan, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) manages statewide dba form submissions for certain business entities, while county-level registration applies to others.

Before filing a dba form in michigan, determine whether this structure fits your actual needs. A DBA serves specific purposes:

• Operating your business under a professional alias or pen name
• Opening business bank accounts in your chosen trade name
• Running an existing LLC or corporation under a different operating name

Consider alternative structures—such as forming an LLC or corporation—if you need legal liability protection, asset separation between personal and business finances, or tax advantages like S corp or C corp status.

Quick Reference: DBA Form Types and Filing Locations

For sole proprietorships and general partnerships: File a Certificate of Persons Conducting Business Under Assumed Name at the county level where you’ll operate. Register in every county where your business has a presence. Standard county filing fees range from $10 to $16, depending on your county.

For LLCs, LLPs, and corporations: Submit your dba form michigan registration to LARA at the state level. You can complete the Certificate of Assumed Name online or download and mail a PDF form. Filing fees are $10 for corporations and LLPs, and $25 for LLCs. LARA also offers expedited processing: $200 for 24-hour completion or $1,000 for one-hour completion.

Step-by-Step Process for Filing Your Michigan DBA Form

Select and Verify Your Business Name

Begin by choosing your desired trade name—something unique that won’t conflict with existing registered businesses. Michigan provides a free business name search tool through LARA’s official database. Conducting this search prevents dba form rejection due to name duplication and saves you time and filing fees.

Complete Your Dba Form Michigan and Gather Documentation

Sole proprietors and partnerships: Your dba form michigan documentation must include the assumed business name, owner’s legal name and business address, business type description, and the state or county where your entity originated. For partnerships, describe the nature of your working relationship.

LLCs, LLPs, and corporations: Prepare your Certificate of Assumed Name form with your organization’s registered name, the new assumed name(s), and the county where you’ll conduct business.

Submit Your Application and Payment

County-level filing (sole proprietors/partnerships):

• Contact your County Clerk to confirm current filing fees
• Submit your dba form michigan and payment via mail or in person
• Processing typically occurs within 5-10 business days

State-level filing (LLCs/LLPs/corporations):

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

Or submit in person at: 2407 N. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906 Telephone: (517) 241-6470

For insurance licensees: If you’re registering a DBA under an existing insurance license, submit the Individual Insurance Licensee Registration or Cancellation of DBA form to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).

Timeline and Renewal for Your Michigan DBA

Michigan dba form registrations remain valid for five years from approval. After this period expires, you’ll need to re-file using the same process and pay applicable renewal fees. Plan ahead by tracking your registration expiration date and checking for any updated fees or form requirements before renewal deadlines arrive.

Common Questions About Michigan DBA Forms

Can an LLC operate under multiple DBAs? Yes. An LLC can maintain its primary registered name while holding several DBAs for different business lines or professional purposes. These assumed names may be variations of your LLC name or completely different trade names.

What’s the cost difference between a DBA and an LLC? DBAs are significantly less expensive than forming an LLC or corporation, typically ranging from $10 to $100 total. LLCs involve more extensive filing requirements and higher registration costs. Contact your county or LARA directly for exact current pricing for your specific situation.

Can another Michigan business use my DBA name? County officials will not register a dba form michigan if an identical or confusingly similar name already operates in that same county. However, someone in a different Michigan county might register the identical name. To prevent expansion challenges later, conduct a thorough business name search statewide and select a distinctive, memorable name.

How does a DBA differ from an LLC? A DBA primarily functions as a branding mechanism—a business alias. An LLC, by contrast, is a recognized legal business entity. LLCs shield your personal assets from business liabilities and legal judgments. While a DBA provides an official alternate business name, it offers no legal liability protection. Choose an LLC or corporation if asset protection and liability separation are priorities for your venture.

How long does approval take after filing a michigan dba form? Standard processing for county-level filings usually takes 5-10 business days. State-level LARA filings typically process within 2-3 weeks for standard submissions. Expedited options accelerate this timeline but involve additional fees. Check directly with your filing location for current processing estimates.

Registering your michigan dba form establishes your business’s official trade name and protects your chosen identity within Michigan’s business registration system. Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding an existing operation under an alternate name, understanding this straightforward filing process ensures smooth registration and long-term compliance.