Michigan Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Michigan LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Michigan.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Michigan LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Michigan, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Michigan Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Michigan.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Michigan Business Name Search or the Michigan Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Michigan Business Entity Search page
Michigan Secretary of State: Business Entity Search
- Enter your desired LLC name in the "Search by Entity Name" field.
- Set the "Search type" dropdown to "Begins With."
Search Tips:
- When performing your search, omit terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", and similar suffixes. Also, exclude any commas, periods, or apostrophes.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters for your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Michigan LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
Michigan Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Michigan Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Michigan representatives can guide you through the process of using the Michigan Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the LLC Department at 517-241-6470, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Eastern Time.
Michigan LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 450.4204 of the Michigan LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Michigan business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Lakeside Treats LLC
- Lakeside Treats, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- LC
- L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Incorporated
Restricted Words in Michigan LLC Names
Your Michigan LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Ensuring Your Michigan Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Michigan Secretary of State Business Entity Database.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Maple Grove LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Michigan Business Name Search:
- Maple Grove, Inc.
- Maple Grove Corp.
- Maple Grove, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Cherry Hill Farms LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Cherry Hill Farms LLC
- A Cherry Hill Farm Inc.
- Cherry Hill and Farms LLC
- Cherry Hill & Farms Corp
Capitalization
Capitalization does not affect distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Huron River Outfitters LLC'' it's not available if any of the following variations are found in the Michigan Business Name Search:
- huron river outfitters Inc.
- HURON RIVER OUTFITTERS LLC
- HuRoN RiVeR OuTfItTeRs, LLC
In other words, while you can use any capitalization you prefer, it won't make your name distinct from an existing business with the same name.
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Lakesides Gardens LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Lakesides Gardens LLC
- Lakeside Garden LLC
- Lakesides Garden LLC
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Michigan Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Does my Michigan LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your LLC in Michigan. A DBA, also known as an Assumed Name in Michigan, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you want your LLC to use a different name, you must file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This can be done online or by mail, though mail filings are simpler. The fee is $25, and the DBA needs to be renewed every 5 years.
When filing for a DBA, it must be distinguishable from existing business names in the state. There is no limit to the number of DBAs an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you form an LLC named Brandi's Hair Salon LLC but want to use a friendlier name like Brandi's Braids, you would need to file a Certificate of Assumed Name to use Brandi's Braids. If you prefer to operate under Brandi's Hair Salon without "LLC" in the name, you will need to file a DBA for that name as well.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you’ve selected a business name, it's wise to check the availability of the corresponding domain name before forming your LLC. You can search for available domain names through services like GoDaddy.
What does “distinguishability” mean?
"Distinguishability" means that each business entity name must be unique and cannot be identical to any existing names in the Secretary of State’s records. For instance, if you want to form an LLC named Mastodon Music Lessons LLC, but a business called Mastodon Music Lessons, Inc. already exists, you cannot use that name because it is not distinguishable.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding. Here are some tips for selecting a name for your Michigan LLC:
- Write down the features and attributes you want associated with your company.
- Generate a list of potential names without editing or analyzing them initially.
- Review the list, note any variations, and refine your options.
- Set the list aside and revisit it after some time. Additional ideas may come to you during this break.
- Read the list out loud and gather feedback from others.
- Repeat the process of refining and reviewing names. Trust your instincts to choose the best option.
- If you're struggling, try closing your eyes, counting to 10, and then making a decision when you open your eyes. Sometimes this technique helps reveal the best choice from your subconscious.
Do I need a name reservation in Michigan?
No, a name reservation isn’t required to form an LLC in Michigan. You can file your LLC's Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name directly. A name reservation is an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
Can I use the name of another Michigan entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Michigan business, regardless of the entity type. This includes corporations, LLCs, and other entities. You cannot use a name even if the entity is in “delinquent” status. However, if a business is dissolved, the name may become available for use.
How to start an LLC in Michigan?
To start an LLC in Michigan, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select a Michigan Registered Agent.
- File the Michigan LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in Michigan.