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Name availability · MI

Michigan business name search

Michigan entity names are handled by LARA's Corporations Division. Use the Business Search on the MiBusiness Registry Portal, which needs at least two characters and has an Advanced option. A name passes if its sequence of letters or numbers differs from every active corporation, LLC and LP; punctuation and entity words at the end are ignored.

How to check if a name is available in Michigan

  1. 01

    Open the MiBusiness Registry search

    Go to Business Search on mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us. Enter at least two characters of the name.

  2. 02

    Use Advanced to filter

    Open Advanced to narrow by entity type or status, which helps you focus on active names, the ones that block yours.

  3. 03

    Compare letter sequences

    Ignore punctuation and endings like Company, LLC or LP when comparing. If the remaining letters and numbers match an active name, Michigan won't accept yours.

  4. 04

    Check the county clerk for DBAs

    Sole proprietors and partnerships file assumed names with the county clerk, and those aren't in LARA's database.

  5. 05

    Search trademarks and online names

    Michigan warns that filing doesn't protect you against infringement claims. Search https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/ and check the domain and social handles.

  6. 06

    Try alternatives

    Our free /business-name-generator/ can suggest new combinations to run through the MiBusiness search.

Michigan business naming rules

  • A name is distinguishable if its sequence of letters or numbers differs from all active corporation, LLC and LP names.
  • Punctuation and required entity words (company, limited liability company, limited partnership and their abbreviations) at the end of the name are ignored when comparing.
  • Some words carry cautions, restrictions or prohibitions, such as names implying a government connection, a professional corporation, or banking. Some need approval from another agency.
  • An LLC's assumed name must be distinguishable from active LP, corporation and LLC names.
  • Filing a name doesn't protect you from infringement claims by holders of county assumed names, trademarks or trade names.

Reserving a name

LARA reserves corporation and LLC names for six months. Limited partnership names are reserved for four months, with up to two two-month extensions. Check the current fee on the agency's site.

DBAs and trade names

In Michigan, sole proprietorships and partnerships file assumed names with the county clerk. Corporations, LLCs and LPs file a Certificate of Assumed Name with LARA's Corporations Division.

Still looking for the right name?

Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Michigan search above.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I search business names in Michigan?

Use the Business Search on LARA's MiBusiness Registry Portal (at least two characters), then compare active results using Michigan's letter-sequence rule.

How long can I reserve a name in Michigan?

Six months for a corporation or LLC. Four months for an LP, with up to two two-month extensions.

Where do I file a DBA in Michigan?

Sole proprietors and partnerships file with the county clerk. Corporations, LLCs and LPs file a Certificate of Assumed Name with LARA.

Does filing my LLC name in Michigan protect it?

Not fully. LARA notes that you can still be sued over a name that infringes a trademark, trade name or county assumed name.

General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations Division; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.