Once you’ve learned how to get an LLC in Michigan, you may decide to operate under a different name for branding purposes. In that case, you’ll need to file the appropriate paperwork to register a DBA (Doing Business As) in Michigan.
A DBA, also called an assumed or fictitious name, doesn’t create a separate legal business entity. Instead, it allows you to use a different name for your existing business structure, whether you’ve formed an LLC, corporation, or are operating as a sole proprietor. Some entrepreneurs choose to register only a DBA if they don’t need the liability protection an LLC provides. Common reasons for using an assumed name in Michigan include:
- Make business easier to identify
- Make the services or products of the business easier to identify
- Remove business designation (e.g., LLC, LLP, Inc., etc.)
Businesses using a fictitious name are recommended to have an underlying business structure such as an LLC, LLP, etc., because assumed names are not considered a business structure. DBAs offer business owners no protection of personal assets should the company face a lawsuit or dissolution.
What is a DBA (“Doing Business As”)?
A DBA is simply a name under which your company conducts trade. In most cases, a business would use this name for some of the following reasons:
- They do not want to advertise the fact they are an LLC or a corporation
- They want additional privacy
- They wish to make their product or services clearer to the public
- They wish to use a shorter name
Any business may use a DBA provided it has registered the name properly. LLCs and corporations file a Certificate of Assumed Name with LARA’s Corporations Division, which covers the whole state. Sole proprietors and general partnerships file an assumed name certificate with the county clerk in each county where they do business.
Benefits of a DBA
If you are operating as a sole proprietor and have no formal business entity set up, then a DBA allows you to operate under a more “professional” sounding name. For example, if your name is Tim Jones and you want to start a publishing company, you could register a DBA as Jones Publishing even if you had not set up a formal business structure.
Setting up a DBA would allow you to:
- Use your SSN instead of an EIN if you have no employees (note: banks may ask for an EIN to set up a business bank account)
- Bank using your assumed name (you could set up a business bank account)
- Maintain your privacy (e.g., you could accept payments to the DBA versus your personal name)
Disadvantages of a DBA
While a company structure such as an LLC offers the company owners certain liability protections, a DBA does not offer any liability protection. The only aspect of the business impacted by the use of a fictitious name is the company name, and for some, their banking. Some of the other challenges include:
- Does not grant liability protection: Unlike an LLC, a DBA is not a business structure; it is merely a name under which you are doing business
- Limited protection for the name: A fictitious business name is not required to be unique, which may mean others can use a very similar name. You do have the option of trademarking your DBA, which could offer additional protections
- Does not impact tax filings: Because a Michigan DBA is not a business entity, there are no benefits when filing taxes, including business tax deductions
Is having a DBA in Michigan a must?
Using an assumed business name is optional. Some business owners opt for this depending on various factors, including their overall business strategy. For example, a business may have the name “Jones & Associates, LLC” and their business sells widgets. Their assumed name may be Jones Widget Sales. This further identifies the company as one that sells widgets, while Jones & Associates, LLC does not delineate what the company does.
Filing for a DBA in Michigan
Sole proprietors and partnerships file their DBA with the county clerk in each county where they do business. County assumed name filings apply to individuals and partnerships. Corporations and limited partnerships are exempt under state law, and LLCs file with LARA instead. The best way to determine if you are in compliance with a county’s rules is to contact the appropriate county clerk. A full listing of all County Clerks in Michigan may be found on the Michigan Association of County Clerks website.
Name requirements
There are specific naming requirements when it comes to filing a DBA. An LLC’s assumed name can’t include the words corporation, incorporated, corp. or inc. Some words, such as banking terms, are also restricted by other state laws, so make sure you are in full compliance with naming regulations.
Take the following steps to register your assumed business name:
Begin with Michigan assumed name search
The first step you would take is doing a name search using LARA’s Business Entity Search in the MiBusiness Registry. Make sure the name you are choosing as a fictitious business name is not already taken and that it is not too similar to other names.
Register your Michigan DBA
Once you have decided on the Michigan assumed business name, you have the option of filing online, by mail, or in person. Here are the steps to take:
File online
To file a Michigan DBA online, you will use LARA’s MiBusiness Registry. The fee for filing a DBA online is $10 for corporations and limited partnerships and $25 for LLCs and may be paid by credit card. This fee is in addition to the other costs of running a Michigan LLC.
The steps are as follows:
- Create a MiLogin for Business account if you don’t already have one (the old CID/PIN login was discontinued in June 2025)
- Sign in to the MiBusiness Registry and find your LLC under My Records
- File the Certificate of Assumed Name (Form CSCL/CD-541), then complete and submit it online.
File by mail or in person
To file a DBA by mail you may fill out the Assumed Name Form and mail the form along with a check payable to the State of Michigan to:
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau Corporations Division P.O. Box 30054 Lansing, MI 48909
For a corporation or limited partnership, the check should be in the amount of $10.00. When the company is set up as an LLC, the fee is $25.00.
To file in person, the same form should be filled out and delivered in person to 2407 N Grand River Ave Lansing, MI 48906 Telephone: (517) 241-6470.
The same fees apply and may be paid by check, money order, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover when delivered in person.
Consequences for operating under an assumed name without filing a certificate
Legal statutes in Michigan allow a business to operate under a fictitious name. However, sole proprietors and partnerships that do business under an assumed name without filing a certificate can be charged with a misdemeanor (a $25–$100 fine and/or up to 30 days), and can’t sue on contracts made under that name until they file.
It is also important to be aware that an LLC’s Certificate of Assumed Name stays in effect until December 31 of the fifth full calendar year after the year it was filed. You can renew it for another 5 years within the 90 days before it expires. County certificates for sole proprietors last 5 years. If at any time you stop using the trade name, you should file a Certificate of Termination of an Assumed Name.
Termination of an assumed name also requires a non-refundable fee. You should include the name and identification number on your check or money order payable to the State of Michigan. The fees are $10 for a corporation or limited partnership and $25 for an LLC.
The forms may be submitted online, by mail, or in person using the same instructions we previously provided for submitting the application for setting up the DBA.
Tax considerations of using a DBA
There are no additional taxation issues when using a DBA because the income from the DBA flows automatically to your company. The income does not get reported under the DBA because it is not a business structure.
Conclusion
Although a sole proprietor may decide against filing for an LLC in Michigan, they might be putting their personal assets at risk if their business is facing a lawsuit or other legal action. In most cases, it is a good idea to have a solid company structure. For those concerned their LLC name is not a good reflection of the work they are doing within their company, then having the ability to assume a name to work under is a good option. Once your DBA is registered, check which Michigan business licenses and permits apply to your business.