Michigan DBA Name Search
Before filing your DBA in Michigan, you need to make sure your desired business name is available. Using a name that's already registered can delay your filing or result in a rejection.
How to Check Name Availability
1. Search the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Database
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) maintains a database of registered business names in Michigan. You can search it online at Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Search for your exact desired name and common variations. Look for:
- Exact matches
- Names that are confusingly similar to yours
- Names that differ only by punctuation, spacing, or common words like "The" or "LLC"
2. Check County Records
Since Michigan DBA filings are handled at the county level, you should also check with the county clerk's office in your filing county. A name may be available at the state level but already registered in your county.
3. Search Federal Trademark Records
Even if a name is available for DBA registration, it could be protected by a federal trademark. Search the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) database at uspto.gov to check for conflicts.
4. Check Domain Availability
If you plan to have a website for your business, check whether a matching domain name is available. This isn't required for DBA filing, but it's practical planning.
Name Requirements in Michigan
Your DBA name must:
- Be different from names already registered in your filing jurisdiction
- Not be misleading (for example, it can't imply you're a government agency)
- Not include restricted words like "Bank," "Insurance," or "University" without proper licensing
What If Your Name Is Taken?
If your desired name is already registered:
- Try a variation (add your city, a descriptive word, or initials)
- Check whether the existing registration has expired — expired DBA names may be available for re-registration
- Consider a completely different name that still represents your business well
We Include a Name Search
Our $99 service fee includes a name availability search as part of the filing process. We check the name before submitting your paperwork, so you don't waste time or money on a name that's unavailable.