Starting a business in The Great Lakes State is complicated enough. Getting your ready-to-file Assumed Name Certificate (often called a DBA or "Doing Business As") shouldn't involve hours of forms and guesswork.
At assumedname.org, we eliminate the complex paperwork by providing Michigan Sole Proprietors with the certificate, accurately pre-filled with the precise information the Countyl Clerk needs. Whether you are from Detroit, Sterling Heights, Grand Rapids, Warren, or somewhere else in Michigan, the Assumed Name Certificate will work in the city or town you are doing business in. Your accurate paperwork is ready in minutes.
If already you have an LLC or a corporation, you may have a different filing process for filing an assumed name at the state level. AssumedName.org focuses on helping Sole Proprietorships with local business name filings.
Our streamlined service is designed for the modern Michigan entrepreneur seeking speed, convenience, and guaranteed accuracy:
⚡️ Lightning Fast Preparation: Complete our simple online questionnaire and receive your complete, accurate Michigan DBA form ready-to-file in minutes.
✅ Guaranteed Accuracy for $5: For a low, one-time fee of only $5, we ensure the information on your certificate exactly reflects the details required by your local Michigan county.
🛡️ Focus on Core Business: We handle the paperwork preparation so you can immediately focus on the next steps, like setting up your professional Michigan business bank account.
❓ Still have questions? Find out what a DBA is, why most states require them, and if you need one for your business.
🖹 A custom formatted PDF: Prefilled with your information making it fast and easy for your government office to file and satisfy your jurisdictions business name requirements. You will have the opportunity to view & download your certificate plus it will be emailed to you.
🚐 Less driving around to get the right form: Save time, gas money, and parking fees going from place to place.
😕 Less confusion: We have done the research and identified the right information to put on the right form for Michigan Sole Proprietors so you don't have to. No matter if you are doing business in Wayne, Kent, Macomb, or any other county in Michigan, the information on your certificate will be accurate.
💲A low one-time charge: We charge $5 plus processing fees to complete your order. We use Stripe as our payment processor so you know it's secure and you can pay with many different types of credit cards or digital wallets like apple pay.
Yes, if their business name does not include their full legal name.
Sole proprietors file with the county clerk where they operate,
Michigan assumed names remain valid for **five years** and must be renewed.
No. It does not grant exclusive name rights or trademark protection.
Steps:
Visit or contact the county clerk’s office where your business will be located, such as Kent County for a Grand Rapids business.
Ask to search their assumed name records or use an online index if available.
Look up your desired name and close variations.
Review any existing filings and decide whether your name is sufficiently unique.
Save or print search results for your records.
Documents Required:
None
Estimated Time:
10–15 minutes
Steps:
Contact the county clerk where you will operate, such as Wayne County for a Detroit business, and ask how to check for existing assumed names.
Search their assumed name records for your proposed business name and similar variations.
Gather your legal name, home address, assumed business name, and your business location.
Create your Certificate of Assumed Name at assumedname.org and have it notarized
File the completed certificate in person or by mail and pay the county’s filing fee.
Keep the recorded or stamped certificate and begin using your assumed name.
Documents Required:
Certificate of Assumed Name
Government-issued ID (for in-person filing)
Filing fee payment
Estimated Time:
Preparation: 15–20 minutes
Filing approval: same day to a few business days
What does the law say:
The relevant state law for assumed names / DBAs is: Michigan Comp. Laws § 450.1217
Steps:
File your Certificate of Assumed Name with the county clerk and obtain a certified copy of the filing.
Apply for an EIN from the IRS if your bank requires one; many banks in Michigan recommend using an EIN.
Gather your certified assumed name certificate, EIN letter (if used), personal ID, and business address documentation.
Contact a local bank and ask about business account options for sole proprietors using an assumed name.
Provide the requested documents and complete the application; account opening usually takes 1–3 business days.
Documents Required:
Certified assumed name certificate
EIN (if required)
Government-issued ID
Proof of business address
Estimated Time:
Preparation: 20–30 minutes
Bank approval: 1–3 hours