{"id":12635,"date":"2025-03-30T00:05:03","date_gmt":"2025-03-30T00:05:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=12635"},"modified":"2025-03-30T00:05:03","modified_gmt":"2025-03-30T00:05:03","slug":"how-to-register-a-dba-in-michigan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=12635","title":{"rendered":"How To Register A DBA In Michigan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div>\n<figure class=\"embed-base image-embed embed-0\" role=\"presentation\"><figcaption><fbs-accordion><\/p>\n<p class=\"color-body light-text\" role=\"button\">Getty<\/p>\n<p><\/fbs-accordion><small>Getty<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There are many reasons to set up a DBA in the state of Michigan. Perhaps you\u2019re an author wanting to operate strictly using your pen name. Alternatively, you have a small business and would prefer using a DBA to registering a second LLC. In any case, getting your DBA is a straightforward process. That said, it might be a little confusing for first-time applicants. Don\u2019t fret: We did the research for you to create this simple guide on filing your DBA in Michigan.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"embed-base rule-embed color-accent border-solid weight-light\">\n<h2 class=\"subhead-embed color-accent bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\"><strong>What Is a DBA?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A DBA, short for \u201cdoing business as,\u201d refers to an assumed name or alias under which you choose to do business. Sometimes DBAs get referred to as trade names or fictitious names. Within Michigan, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, or LARA, usually oversees DBA filing and registration. Even so, you\u2019ll want to familiarize yourself with county paperwork and filing fees for the location(s) your company will operate.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"subhead3-embed color-body bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\"><strong>Who should get a DBA?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Before applying for a DBA in Michigan, you might wonder if it\u2019s the best option for your business needs. Perhaps an LLC might be a more efficient option? Well, it generally depends.<\/p>\n<p>Do you want to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do business using an identity other than your legal name?<\/li>\n<li>Open a bank account using your alias?<\/li>\n<li>Operate an LLC under a different name without creating a new organization?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you answered \u201cYes\u201d to any of the above, you should strongly consider registering a new DBA.<\/p>\n<p>With that said, if you want to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Provide liability shielding for your business in the event of a lawsuit<\/li>\n<li>Successfully separate your private and business assets<\/li>\n<li>Take advantage of S corp. or C corp. taxation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Then you might want to consider registering as an LLC or corporation.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"embed-base rule-embed color-accent border-solid weight-light\">\n<h2 class=\"subhead-embed color-accent bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\"><strong>Michigan DBA Costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Below you\u2019ll find the series of steps necessary to register a Michigan fictitious name. If there\u2019s anything you\u2019re not sure about, always check with state sources. DBA filing fees tend to range between $10 to $16, depending on the county. To find out the correct fee amount, contact the County Clerk in the location where you intend to file. Go <a href=\"http:\/\/michigancountyclerks.us\/contact\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"http:\/\/michigancountyclerks.us\/contact\/\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:http:\/\/michigancountyclerks.us\/contact\/\" aria-label=\"here\">here<\/a> for a list of county addresses.<\/p>\n<p>You may also be required to obtain certain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/som\/government\/state-license-search\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/som\/government\/state-license-search\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/som\/government\/state-license-search\" aria-label=\"licenses or permits\">licenses or permits<\/a>, depending on your business type. Be sure to also visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/business-guide\/launch-your-business\/apply-licenses-permits\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/business-guide\/launch-your-business\/apply-licenses-permits\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/business-guide\/launch-your-business\/apply-licenses-permits\" aria-label=\"U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)\">U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)<\/a> website for details on what industries are regulated at the federal level, as well as their current fees.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"embed-base rule-embed color-accent border-solid weight-light\">\n<h2 class=\"subhead-embed color-accent bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\"><strong>Setting Up Your DBA in Michigan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Below you\u2019ll find the series of steps necessary to register a Michigan fictitious name. If there\u2019s anything you\u2019re not sure about, always check with state sources.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"subhead3-embed color-body bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\"><strong>Select a Name<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>First, decide on an alias. You\u2019ll want to aim for a unique trade name that wouldn\u2019t be confused easily with an existing company. You can perform a Michigan business name search by <a href=\"https:\/\/cofs.lara.state.mi.us\/SearchApi\/Search\/Search\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/cofs.lara.state.mi.us\/SearchApi\/Search\/Search\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/cofs.lara.state.mi.us\/SearchApi\/Search\/Search\" aria-label=\"visiting the official website\">visiting the official website<\/a>. It\u2019s an often necessary step to avoid having your DBA rejected because it\u2019s already being used by another business.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"subhead3-embed color-body bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\"><strong>Submit Your Forms and Payment<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The form completion and submission processes will vary depending on the type of business entity applying for the DBA.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sole proprietor or co-partnership:<\/strong> Individual business owners or those with a general partnership should file a Certificate of Persons Conducting Business Under Assumed Name in every county where the brand will do business. Information to include on the form:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The name under which the sole proprietorship or partnership will do business<\/li>\n<li>Name and business address of the individual or partnership (can be a residence)<\/li>\n<li>Nature of the business entity<\/li>\n<li>State or county where the company first organized<\/li>\n<li>For co-partnerships, detail the nature of the relationship<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>LLCs, LLPs, and corporations:<\/strong> These businesses must register their DBAs on the state level with LARA. They have the option of <a href=\"https:\/\/cofs.lara.state.mi.us\/corpweb\/LoginSystem\/ExternalLogin.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/cofs.lara.state.mi.us\/corpweb\/LoginSystem\/ExternalLogin.aspx\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/cofs.lara.state.mi.us\/corpweb\/LoginSystem\/ExternalLogin.aspx\" aria-label=\"completing the process online\">completing the process online<\/a> or downloading and submitting a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/documents\/lara\/541_08-15_527736_7.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/documents\/lara\/541_08-15_527736_7.pdf\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/documents\/lara\/541_08-15_527736_7.pdf\" aria-label=\"Certificate of Assumed Name\">Certificate of Assumed Name<\/a> PDF form. Corporations and LLPs pay a $10 filing fee. Meanwhile, LLCs get charged $25.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s possible to expedite the process, but expect to pay extra fees. If you want your registration completed within an hour, for instance, be prepared to pay $1,000. If you don\u2019t mind waiting a day, the 24-hour expedition fee is a comparatively milder $200.<\/p>\n<p>To submit your documents in person, you can visit the following facility:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\n 2407 N. Grand River Ave.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\n Lansing, MI 48906\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\n Telephone: (517) 241-6470\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Otherwise, mail your forms and payment to the following address:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\n Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\n Corporations, Securities &amp; Commercial Licensing Bureau\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\n Corporations Division\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\n P.O. Box 30054\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\n Lansing, MI 48909\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Adding an Assumed Name to an Insurance License:<\/strong> In this situation, send a completed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/documents\/cis_ofis_fis_0201_24134_7.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"color-link\" title=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/documents\/cis_ofis_fis_0201_24134_7.pdf\" data-ga-track=\"ExternalLink:https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/documents\/cis_ofis_fis_0201_24134_7.pdf\" aria-label=\"Individual Insurance Licensee Registration or Cancellation of DBA form\">Individual Insurance Licensee Registration or Cancellation of DBA form<\/a> to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).<\/p>\n<hr class=\"embed-base rule-embed color-accent border-solid weight-light\">\n<h2 class=\"subhead-embed color-accent bg-base font-accent font-size text-align\"><strong>What Comes Next for Your Michigan DBA<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Like many states, a Michigan DBA registration doesn\u2019t last forever. After you successfully file, it\u2019s good for a period of up to five years. After that, you can keep your trade name by using the same registration process and paying the applicable fees. It\u2019s generally a good idea to check for any changes in fee amounts or forms. That way, you can avoid any confusion and continue to get the most out of your Michigan DBA.<\/p>\n<p><em>Forbes Advisor legal expert <\/em><em data-ga-track=\"InternalLink:https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/advisor\/author\/jhaskins\/\">Jane Haskins, J.D.<\/em><em> contributed to this article.<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"embed-base faqs-embed embed-1 color-body font-accent font-size text-align\">\n<h2 class=\"faqs-title\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-container\">\n<div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>An LLC can operate under its own name while also reserving one or more DBAs for professional use. These DBAs may be alternate versions of the existing LLC name or different pseudonyms altogether.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-container\">\n<div class=\"question-container\">\n<h3>How much does a DBA cost?<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"svg-arrow color-body font-base\"><svg class=\"fs-icon fs-icon--arrow-right\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M9.99935 13.304L15.2077 8.0957L13.987 6.875L9.99935 10.8626L6.01172 6.875L4.79102 8.0957L9.99935 13.304Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>Getting a DBA is often much less expensive than attempting to register an LLC or corporation. The pricing typically ranges from $10 to $100. It\u2019s best to contact county and state officials to determine an exact cost.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-container\">\n<div class=\"question-container\">\n<h3>Can two businesses have the same DBA?<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"svg-arrow color-body font-base\"><svg class=\"fs-icon fs-icon--arrow-right\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M9.99935 13.304L15.2077 8.0957L13.987 6.875L9.99935 10.8626L6.01172 6.875L4.79102 8.0957L9.99935 13.304Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>It depends. Often pre-existing business names can only be used by one business at a time. In Michigan, county officials won\u2019t register a DBA that\u2019s already being used by another business in the county. However, the same name might be registered as a DBA elsewhere in the state. This could cause problems if you decide to expand in the future. Avoid the issue by doing a business name search and opting for something as unique as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-container\">\n<div class=\"question-container\">\n<h3>What\u2019s the difference between a DBA and an LLC?<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"svg-arrow color-body font-base\"><svg class=\"fs-icon fs-icon--arrow-right\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M9.99935 13.304L15.2077 8.0957L13.987 6.875L9.99935 10.8626L6.01172 6.875L4.79102 8.0957L9.99935 13.304Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>DBAs and LLCs are two acronyms that often trip up budding entrepreneurs. A DBA is more or less a branding identity, while an LLC is a legal business entity. LLCs provide legal cover for your private assets by distinguishing them from business assets in the eyes of the court. DBAs, while providing you with an additional legal name, do not offer any liability shielding. Here\u2019s a deeper look at the differences between DBAs and LLCs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-container\">\n<div class=\"question-container\">\n<h3>How long does a DBA last?<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"svg-arrow color-body font-base\"><svg class=\"fs-icon fs-icon--arrow-right\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M9.99935 13.304L15.2077 8.0957L13.987 6.875L9.99935 10.8626L6.01172 6.875L4.79102 8.0957L9.99935 13.304Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\">\n<p>The rules regarding how long a DBA lasts vary by state, so you should check with your state\u2019s secretary of state or the agency with which you filed the DBA to see if a renewal is necessary and when it is due. In some states, such as New York there is no need to renew a DBA but other states have limits. In many states, you have five years before you need to renew or extend your DBA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/advisor\/2025\/03\/28\/how-to-register-a-dba-in-michigan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getty Getty There are many reasons to set up a DBA in the state of Michigan. Perhaps you\u2019re an author wanting to operate strictly using your pen name. Alternatively, you have a small business and would prefer using a DBA to registering a second LLC. In any case, getting your DBA is a straightforward process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12636,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[196],"tags":[5230,2295,5229],"class_list":{"0":"post-12635","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-finance-news","8":"tag-dba","9":"tag-michigan","10":"tag-register"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12635"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12635\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}