How to Register a Business Name in Michigan
You have multiple ways to register a business name in Michigan. Your business type determines which registration route you take. Choose a name that's easy to remember and locate; also chose one that's specific to your Michigan locality. Registering a name is on a first come, first served basis; only one business can use a specific name. The sooner you begin the process, the sooner you'll get the business name you want.
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Instructions
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Access the Michigan County Directory from the Michigan Start Pages website (see Resources below). Select your business office's county from the drop down menu; you can also click the first letter of your country name. Record the address and phone number; this is where you'll find the county clerk. Proceed to the county clerk if you are registering a name for a sole proprietorship or co-partnership. Do this step for business entities not listed in Step 2.
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2
Go to the "Starting a Business" page of the Michigan State government website (see Resources below). Select the "Forms Index" link listed on the web page's side. Select Form 540--Application for Reservation of Name. Do this step if you're registering a name for a corporation, limited partnership, or a limited liability company. Complete the form, provide your business address information, then write your business name in Block 1.
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Proceed to Block 2, and select your business type, then complete the signature section beneath Block 2. Print it out, make copies, and then send the original to the following address: Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth; Bureau of Commercial Services; Corporation Division; P.O. Box 30054; Lansing, Michigan 48909.
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Know that you can also register an alternate name in the State of Michigan. Repeat Step 2, then select Form 541, Certificate of Assumed Name. Write your address in the first block, then put your business' official name in Block 1. Plug your identification number into the sub box in Block 2; then write your assumed name in Block 3.
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Complete the signature section below Block 3, then mail it to the following address: Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth; Bureau of Commercial Services; Corporation Division; 7150 Harris Drive; P.O. Box 30054; Lansing, MI 48909.
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Tips & Warnings
Print these forms out in duplicate or triplicate. Sign each form so that you'll have an "original" even if you send another original to the Bureau of Commercial Services. The address you're supposed to mail the name registration forms to is listed on the forms. Right next to this address is a box listing an address that accepts "in person" registration submissions. If you live near this address, you could jump start the registration processing by hand delivering your forms. You'd be able to pay using your credit card.
