Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Michigan’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting a Michigan LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in Michigan
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a Michigan LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Michigan’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $25 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Michigan. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau — Corporations Division, P.O. Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
How To Do a Michigan LLC Online Name Search
As a part of your LLC registration process, it is important to have a suitable name for your LLC in accordance with the State naming guidelines. So, when you select a name for your LLC, you also need to run a quick search on the Michigan Business Entity Search page to check whether the name is unique and there is no other business running in the State with the same name.
1. Access the Business Entity Search Tool on the State website
The Michigan Secretary of State website offers a Business Entity Search Tool to assist you in finalizing a name for your business LLC. This tool is helpful in deciding the uniqueness and availability of the name. Also, keep a list of backup names ready, so you can select a final name in a few attempts.
2. Run the Search
After you navigate to the Search page, you can run the search by Business name. To begin the search process, you need to enter the name in the blank space and then click on the “Search” tab. You can also conduct the search using other available options, i.e., Business Identification Number, Filing Number, and Individual name.
3. Perform the Search
To finally search the name, there are different types of strategies available on the search page. The first type of strategy is the one where you can type in the keyword and you have to select the option “Begins with”. This way, it will show the names of the competing businesses in Michigan starting with the same name as your proposed name. Or, there are other options such as “exact match”, “Keyword” and “Soundex”. So, if you type in the words that your business’s name contains or exactly matches, this will give the results for all the competing businesses.
While conducting the search, you can exclude usage of identifiers such as “LLC” to access wider results from different forms of business structures running in a similar name. Conduct thorough research of the name by using the provided filters before filing it with the Authorities.
If you also wish to use a Trademark for the distinct identity of your business in the State, you can run a trademark search on the Trademark Database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to see whether the chosen name is already in use by any other business entity.
If you also plan on conducting your business online through a website, you should also check if a domain name similar to your chosen business name is available or not.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Michigan
To reserve an LLC name in Michigan you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Massachusetts Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $25.
When it comes to starting a business in Michigan, one of the crucial steps is selecting a name for your limited liability company (LLC). With countless business ventures emerging every day, it becomes necessary for entrepreneurs to combat the challenge of finding a unique and distinguishable name. As such, it is vital to know the procedures involved in reserving an LLC name in Michigan. Fortunately, Michigan provides a straightforward process that allows aspiring business owners to secure their desired name.
To reserve an LLC name in Michigan, individuals must follow a prescribed set of procedures. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) plays a vital role in overseeing this process. To initiate the name reservation, an individual needs to complete and submit an Application to Reserve Name form, along with the necessary filing fee. It is vital to ensure that the chosen name adheres to the naming requirements specified by the state.
When selecting an LLC name, it is crucial to comply with the rules and guidelines laid out by the LARA. To avoid potential conflicts and legal issues in the future, the selected name must be distinguishable from other existing entities registered in Michigan. A distinguishable name, as defined by LARA, typically involves alterations in spelling, punctuation, or the inclusion of specific words like “LLC.” Before filing the name reservation application, it is often prudent to conduct a detailed search of the Michigan business name database to check for any similar names or potential conflicts.
While it is essential to secure a unique name for your LLC, it is equally important to consider the naming restrictions imposed by LARA. The state of Michigan prohibits the use of misleading terms, profanity, as well as terms that may imply association with governmental organizations, unless proper authorization is obtained. By adhering to these guidelines, entrepreneurs can avoid potential legal hurdles in obtaining their desired LLC name.
Once the name reservation application has been completed, it can be submitted to LARA through mail, fax, or online. While online submission offers a quicker and easier turnaround time, alternative methods remain available for those who prefer traditional approaches. Individuals awaiting approval for their name reservation should be aware that LARA may still deny their application. This occurrence typically happens when a proposed name is too similar to an existing entity or fails to comply with state requirements. As there are no guarantees of name availability, developing a list of alternative names can be beneficial to ensure a smooth process.
By effectively navigating the process of reserving an LLC name in Michigan, entrepreneurs can secure their desired business name and set their ventures on the path to success. Crafting a distinctive name that represents the company’s values and services not only helps to set it apart from competitors but also facilitates branding and marketing efforts.
Overall, reserving a name for an LLC in Michigan, although necessitating adherence to specific rules and guidelines, is a relatively uncomplicated procedure that aims to protect the interests of business owners. Understanding the process and ensuring compliance with the state’s requirements allow entrepreneurs to chart a clear path towards building a recognizable and successful brand. So, go ahead, seize the opportunity, and reserve that perfect name for your future Michigan LLC—nothing can thwart the ambitions of a determined entrepreneur!
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name
