Free Michigan Business Name Check

Starting a business? Use our free name check tool to check your business name against Michigan's official records.

By clicking "Check Availability," I agree to LegalZoom's Terms of Use. This search is a preliminary check of state databases and does not include variations or trademarks. Results do not guarantee name availability or compliance with legal requirements.

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I was so nervous about my lack of…

I was so nervous about my lack of knowledge in forming an LLC! Legal Zoom made it so easy and clear! Super great service!

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Samuel Dean Horne Jr
March 18, 2026
LegalZoom

The process to form an LLC was easy

The process to form an LLC was easy. I would recommend paying a bit more instead of you trying to do it yourself. Paying extra for this service will ensure you correctly form your LLC.

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Paul Albert Paredes
March 16, 2026
LegalZoom

Filing for an LLC was a breeze

Filing for an LLC was a breeze, clear explatnations of what to select or not made the process very easy and fast.

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Daniel Rodriguez
March 7, 2026
LegalZoom

They made starting a business easy

They made starting a business easy. It took me an hour to get all the right documents done for starting an LLC. After an hour my business was registered and ready to go.

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Emily Marie Doyle
March 4, 2025
LegalZoom

I really appreciate the really easy…

I really appreciate the really easy step by step process they have. I had my LLC up and running in less then 7 hrs from starting the process.

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Robert
February 23, 2026
LegalZoom

Such an easy process helping us set up…

Such an easy process helping us set up our LLC! LegalZoom thinks of everything that we are still learning.

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K & R
February 25, 2026
LegalZoom

Legal Zoom made setting up my LLC so…

Legal Zoom made setting up my LLC so easy. They asked all the right questions and got my business going!

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Brandy Rogers
February 22, 2026
LegalZoom

Fast process and very easy steps

Fast process and very easy steps! The LLC formation was simple and smooth from start to finish. Everything was clearly explained, and the paperwork was handled quickly, I recommended!

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David Nicole
February 20, 2026
LegalZoom

The experience of setting up my own LLC…

The experience of setting up my own LLC was both quick, easy and simple

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Brian Pannebecker
February 12, 2026
LegalZoom

Efficient and professional assistance…

Efficient and professional assistance in quickly setting up my LLC. Started an application with Tailor Brands and later learned my expedited fee was only to submit to the State within two days, even though their website advertised 24 hours for an LLC formation and EIN. Should have started with Legal Zoom! Spoke with Gianna on the phone to set it up, logged into my account, and was done in an hour! Thorough and reliable.

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Jeanne Gamba
December 30, 2025
LegalZoom

BEST PHONE CALL IN THE 364.25 DAYS OF 2025

Wow! Being nervous and not knowing exactly which direction to take I went online last night and found LegalZoom. I wasn’t completely sure about it (getting the LLC) and my anxiety kicked in so I backed out of it. My number must have saved anyway in their archive because I received a call this morning. Martha Anguiano called and the encounter with her was just what I needed to encourage me further with my LLC process. She was very polite, knowledgeable and immediately gave me a list of what I can choose from to start. After discussing with her more about my plans she suggested the best start up package for me. Martha was so genuinely enthusiastic about my idea that I felt truly comfortable sharing with her. After getting off the phone my smile and heart expressed the connection that was made even if it’s only for the professionalism she offers as an agent, I’m grateful it was her that called as I stated to her, “I’m not sure how it would have went if it were another agent that called.” (I can be nervous when speaking and studdar my words but she made me feel completely heard and understood) I can only hope and believe the entire Team at LeagalZoom is just as pleasant, knowledgeable and concerned for the customers as she exemplified. If you see this message Martha, thank you so much you’re definitely a Golden Star in this universe. ⭐️✨⭐️ Looking forward to working with you & LegalZoom. Thank You!

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Shirley Hester
December 25, 2025
LegalZoom

Super easy to navigate

Super easy to navigate, This was the easiest deal to get my business llc. I am astounded at how painless this process was. You should really sign up.

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John Chambers
December 17, 2025
LegalZoom

My LLC setup

My LLC was set up quickly and efficiently, Thank you for the great job. Due today and completed today.

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customer
December 12, 2025
LegalZoom

Starting a new LLC

Starting a new LLC. Ali walked me through the entire process in less than 10 minutes. Quick, easy and highly professional. Thanks!!

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Christopher Eggert
December 12, 2025
LegalZoom

Piece of Cake!

Wow, if I had known HOW EASY it would be to create my own LLC I would have done it months ago! I literally created my own business in MINUTES. LegalZoom takes all of the fear, confusion, guesswork and administrative burden out of starting your own business. Strongly recommend it!

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Lori Ann Farrell
October 16, 2025
LegalZoom

Excellent, rapid, economical LLC formation…

Legal Zoom enabled me to very quickly and economically set up my LLC

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Sarah Collins
October 12, 2025
LegalZoom

They made creating my llc such an easy…

They made creating my llc such an easy process and gave me plenty of options. I genuinely never even thought of. So happy I had this option.

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Cassaundra Eckleberry
October 11, 2025
LegalZoom

Filed my LLC confidently thanks to LegalZoom

Sittie answered all my questions and made me feel much more confident about forming my LLC this morning. Including some basic tax questions that she was able to answer. So greatly appreciate her help.

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Cassandra E
October 8, 2025
LegalZoom

LegalZoom was great to start my first LLC

LegalZoom was great to start my LLC! The process was simple and easy! Very fast as long as you know what you want your name to be and what your business is doing. Highly recommend for the people that like to do it themselves online. Great experience

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Bruce. M
September 27, 2025
LegalZoom

Out-of-State LLC Business Formation

I was at a standstill with no resolution in sight - LegalZoom fixed me up within minutes & made filling the Out-of-State business form LLC-5 with the State of California, easy! Thank you!

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Cheryl Williams
September 23, 2025
LegalZoom

So Helpful…

Legal Zoom is quick and easy to create a New Corporation. The price is fair. Thank you for all your assistance.

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customer Kim
August 14, 2025
LegalZoom

I’m new to all this basically my first…

I’m new to all this basically my first time filing for a corporation on my own and I didn’t last in 30 minutes. This is great thank you it just walks you through everything you need with answering questions. Did you already know

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Brenda Reynoso
June 12, 2025
LegalZoom

Leogilyn Pavo was so helpful

Leogilyn Pavo was so helpful. I needed to change my business address and Leogilyn walked me through the process step by step. Leogilyn even looked up specific answers about my corporation so I could fill out the required forms correctly. I couldn’t have done this without Leogilyn’s help!

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Kate Lively
May 27, 2025
LegalZoom

Genaro was great!

Genaro was a great listener, remembered everything we spoke about and then walked me through the process of moving my LLC into a Corporation. Glad I called rather than try to do online - we got it all done in about 20 minutes.

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Folger Emerson
February 19, 2025
LegalZoom

Spoke clearly, was professional and very knowledgeable about his business

Edgar was so pleasant and professional and I will be sending more people to him for their corporation needs as well!! He is so knowledgeable about the sales products he sells. This was a flawless and simple process bc of him!

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Cheryl-Lyn LaRocca
February 10, 2025
LegalZoom

Nonprofit Advisor, Daniel Morgan is great

When I spoke with my nonprofit advisor Daniel, he was very thorough with explaining everything to me. I am new to this process and he made this experience a pleasant one.

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Brenda Jordan
March 2, 2026
LegalZoom

I'm a lawyer with almost 40 years of…

I'm a lawyer with almost 40 years of experience. I'm a DIY around the house handyman, and I DIM in law, but was short on time to establish a New York non-profit corporation in advance of actually moving to New York. Legal Zoom and Ms. Angeles were amazing. This project was accomplished with their professional zeal, and saved me a pile of time and money. Respect!

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Mary Thorpe
December 29, 2025
LegalZoom

Legal Zoom takes the guesswork out

I’ve used Legal Zoom to start my nonprofit, having them assist me with the 501(c)3 paperwork was the best thing I could’ve done. They took the guesswork out, they really made the process as simple and streamlined as possible. I have already referred several people to use this service!

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Leah Arteaga
December 26, 2025
LegalZoom

Legal Zoom was incredibly user friendly…

Legal Zoom was incredibly user friendly! I was able to start my non-profit, Widows Walk Project Incorporated, within days. I had to call for support on one question. The representative was super helpful and had me off the phone within minutes. Legal Zoom mailed the established non-profit paperwork to me within three days. Thank you Legal Zoom for your expedience and support!

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Charlene Carroll
July 11, 2025
LegalZoom

Gail Vyeda Deserves Recognition — Outstanding Support!

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Gail Vyeda through LegalZoom’s Concierge service, and I cannot say enough good things about her. Gail is knowledgeable, patient, professional, and genuinely caring. From the very beginning, she made me feel supported, heard, and confident in the process of forming my nonprofit. She explained everything in clear terms, walked me through each step, and made sure I understood what was being filed and why. Even when I had questions outside the typical scope, she went the extra mile to help — always with kindness, clarity, and grace. She made what could’ve been a stressful experience feel seamless and empowering. Gail is exactly the kind of person who deserves to be recognized and promoted. Her dedication and warmth represent LegalZoom at its best. Thank you, Gail — you made a big difference in helping me bring my nonprofit vision to life! — LaTonya White, The Legacy Impact Fund (DBA Big Gló Foundation)

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LaTonya White
June 25, 2025
LegalZoom

The couple of representatives I spoke…

The couple of representatives I spoke with while in the process of registering my nonprofit and applying for the 501(c)3 status were professional, friendly, knowledgeable.

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Charles McGee
June 4, 2025
LegalZoom

LegalZoom has been a great source to…

LegalZoom has been a great source to work with. I would recommend anyone to utilize Legal Zoom who is starting a nonprofit. Very seamless and courteous! The customer service they have been providing has been excellent!

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Gabrielle Johnson
April 20, 2025
LegalZoom

Willie is the man!!

Willie did a great job answering all my questions and helping me understand different aspects of what what happens when starting my nonprofit with Legalzoom. Great customer service experience!

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Cody Daniels
March 4, 2025
LegalZoom

In the avalanche of many questions, Ana was there to guide me

Ana provided detailed information to my questions about a nonprofit. She was helpful and patient with me. She extended herself to keep in touch and work with me when I am ready. Thank you!

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Ms. Maria
February 18, 2025
LegalZoom

Incredibly helpful!

I called with some questions and received such helpful information! My nonprofit partner and I feel confident in moving forward with Legal Zoom services for our women centered nonprofit.

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Andrea
February 16, 2025
LegalZoom

Being a business owner of two businesses...

Being a business owner of two business. A for profit and now a nonprofit LegalZoom has made the business registration process effortless and seamless all while keeping my submitted documents legal with the state. I highly recommend any entrepreneur who's filing your business on your own to let LegalZoom do the handwork for you. They are fast, accurate, and efficient.

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Eujon S. Hughes, M.Ed.
February 3, 2025
LegalZoom

Gerald was extremely helpful to me in…

Gerald was extremely helpful to me in getting my order processed. He made it easy for me to just answer a question and continue with the process of setting up my nonprofit.

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Allison Melendez
January 20, 2025
LegalZoom

Outstanding Work

The professionalism of the team coupled with the speed of getting the nonprofit paperwork accomplished and through the system was excellent. I am very grateful. This is my second time working with Legal Zoom. Thank you very much.

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Mary G
January 2, 2025
LegalZoom

SO VERY EASY!

LegalZoom made licensing and setting up a DBA so very simple, it took less than 10 minutes.

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Cyndi McLendon Smith
March 23, 2026
LegalZoom

Smooth Process

Kurt was very helpful and provided all the information needed to successfully complete the DBA process.

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Courtney Jackson
December 17, 2025
LegalZoom

Easy and professional

I was notified by text that I needed to contact LegalZoom to provide more information to move my DBA filing along. I called in and got Raffy. He was friendly and professional and took the time to confirm that LegalZoom had received the signed documents from me that were needed to take the next steps in this process. I was connected to Raffy on my first attempt and did not have to sit in a queue waiting for someone.

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Linda Crossley
September 3, 2025
LegalZoom

10/10 customer service

Both Kathy and Princess made the process of filing my DBA incredibly easy and were able to walk me through the process the entire time. Both were incredibly kind and helpful and I'm so grateful to the LegalZoom team for being there to support me through any troubles I have with my small business!

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Kate
August 19, 2025
LegalZoom

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was…

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and pointed me in the right direction. My dba was filed swiftly and I was informed about the progress the entire time. Very happy with the results.

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karl anderson
July 11, 2025
LegalZoom

KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service

KIERVE was very knowledgeable and provided the information I requested with additional things to assist me with creating a new DBA. I appreciated how patient they were and ensured everything had processed to the next step before we signed off the chat. Excellent customer service!

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Tenika Ashley
July 2, 2025
LegalZoom

Customer Service exceeded my expectations.

After an initial dilemma with my DBA filing in California, a LegalZoom account executive took the reigns and made everything right by going above and beyond my expectations. Thank you LegalZoom!

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Clinton Goodrich
May 19, 2025
LegalZoom

Very helpful

I called in looking for help with my DBA and was able to complete setting it up effortlessly and got help with a few more items I didn’t even know I needed.

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Kevin McCarthy
February 23, 2025
LegalZoom

Joe was extraordinary

Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!

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Juan Ferrer
February 19, 2025
LegalZoom

Perla Gallegos was Great

Perla Gallegos was great with follow ups and transparency as it relate to my business formation. I hope all Legal Zoom employees represents the way in which Perla Gallegos has done so in representation of the company.

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Joe Davis
March 2, 2026
LegalZoom

Legalzoom has handled all our business…

Legalzoom has handled all our business formation needs with the utmost professionalism and timely filing. We appreciate their friendly and easy to use website.

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KOTEKA OGBURN JENKINS
October 20, 2025
LegalZoom

Love how easy to understand the process…

Love how easy to understand the process of formation they have made!

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Y.A
August 26, 2025
LegalZoom

The request I made for formation…

The request I made for formation documents was taken care of immediately and professionally. They were very helpful in getting me what I needed.

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Bruce Fleishaker
August 9, 2025
LegalZoom

I had the absolute pleasure of working…

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Maria as my business formation specialist at LegalZoom, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her support throughout the process of creating my LLC. From start to finish, Maria was patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly thorough. She took the time to answer every one of my questions—no matter how small—and walked me through each step with clarity and confidence. Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but Maria made the entire experience smooth and manageable. Her dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for her clients truly stood out. Thanks to her guidance, I felt supported and well-informed every step of the way. Thank you, Maria, for your outstanding service and for going above and beyond. You are truly an asset to the LegalZoom team!

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Diego Louis
May 24, 2025
LegalZoom

Using Legal Zoom made my business…

Using Legal Zoom made my business formation very easy. The program is user friendly and explains every step clearly.

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Anna Silvia Mejia
April 19, 2025
LegalZoom

Legal Zoom is a true one stop shop

This is the second company I have formed using Legal Zoom. They say what they are going to do and they do it. Legal Zoom provides all the tools and services you will need to quickly start your company, allowing you to focus on your business. The business formation specialist I spoke with, Juan was great; extremely knowledgeable and professional while giving me the feeling that I was talking with an old friend.

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Steve Robbins
March 21, 2025
LegalZoom

The agent was extremely helpful and…

The agent was extremely helpful and gave me the info that I was looking for. As soon as I got off of the phone with her, I got the official acceptance of my business formation!

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Joshua Roberts
March 17, 2025
LegalZoom

Seamless Support from Day One

I was impressed by how quickly Alan, my Business Formation Specialist, reached out to me. Having support from day one is incredibly reassuring, especially as I navigate starting my first business. I look forward to seeing how my relationship with LegalZoom and my experience with their services evolve.

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Rosemart Aoki
March 6, 2025
LegalZoom

ClarisseTravel Wine Tourism Agency

I recently utilized LegalZoom's services. The platform was user friendly, making the complex process of business formation straight forward and accessible. The customer service team was knowledgeable and responsive, promptly addressing all my inquiries. The efficiency and professionalism demonstrated by LegalZoom have provided me with confidence and peace of mind. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable business formation assistance.

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ClarisseTravel LLC
February 20, 2025
LegalZoom

The business formation specialist…

The business formation specialist Ramses Cardenas understood my needs and articulated well the company's product. I chose the pro package because it was my best option based on the information Ramses supplied. The process was quick easy and to the point.

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Aaron Kinney
February 20, 2025

Find a name, launch your dream

A great name is the foundation for your marketing, legal structure, and online presence. This guide will help make the process of selecting a legally compliant and commercially viable business name as smooth and fast as possible, so you can focus on launching your dream company.

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Pick the perfect name

Choose a business name that is memorable, relevant, and easy to remember. Identify several options, as your first choice may be taken or too similar to an existing name. A strong name should be available across state registration records, federal trademark records, and domain name databases.

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Make your name official

Register your name with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) by filing the appropriate formation document. Once your filing is reviewed and accepted, the name is officially registered for your use in Michigan, and its status is made public in the state’s database.

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Protect your business name

Registering your name in the state of Michigan only grants protection within the state's borders. For comprehensive, nationwide protection of your brand, consider a trademark. This step can help prevent others from using similar marks and provides you with essential legal recourse.

Start your business, guided by experience

From naming your business to registering it as an LLC, our services help ensure accuracy and let you start your business with confidence. Let us handle the details so you can focus on your vision.

Start My Business

100% Accurate Filing Guarantee

100% Accurate Filing Guarantee

We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect 

due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.

We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.

How to conduct a Michigan business name search

A Michigan business search allows you to verify if a name appears to be available for registration and determine the current status and key details of an existing company in the state.

Key takeaways

  • A search for your chosen name in the Michigan Business Registry Portal can help pinpoint whether your desired name.

  • LegalZoom's free business name search can also check for the availability of your preferred business name in Michigan’s database.

  • Searching these tools doesn’t guarantee your name is available but it is a good preliminary step and may give you a good idea of whether you need to think of alternate names.

  • The state of Michigan may reject your application if the business name is too similar to one already registered.

Get into the details of a business name search below, and learn more about registering a business in The Great Lakes State.

A smiling woman holds her phone and uses a calculator

Why conduct a Michigan business name search?

It’s a good idea to conduct a business entity search before you file your business formation documents with the state. Doing so can help ensure your business name is unique and hasn’t already been claimed by another Michigan business.


If your exact business name (or a very similar one) is already registered, the state of Michigan could reject your filing. You would then need to select a new name and file again, which can cost you valuable time and money.

Example: If "Great Lakes Plumbing LLC" is already registered, you'll need something clearly different like "Mitten State Plumbing LLC".

Who needs to conduct a business name search in Michigan?

Any business that is preparing to do business within the state of Michigan should do a business entity search before they prepare their formation documents. It’s also important to understand the different rules and regulations for business names by entity type.

  • Limited liability companies (LLCs): LLC business names must include designators such as “LLC” or “limited liability company.”

  • Corporations. Corporations must also include a specific designator within their names, such as “corporation”, “corp.” or “Inc.”

  • Limited partnerships. Limited partnerships must also register their name with the State of Michigan and adhere to name availability rules, which includes using the designator “L.P.,” “LP,” or "Limited partnership”

  • Nonprofits. Like for-profit corporations, nonprofits must follow naming guidelines and must register with the state to qualify for nonprofit tax incentives.

You can read more about these different types of businesses below.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

The simplest, most flexible way to structure your business to protect personal assets.

Read about LLCs

Corporation

(S corp or C corp)

A more complex structure with the ability to issue shares and go public, or go global.

Explore corporations

Partnership

(LP or LLP)

Allows business partners to work together while maintaining some liability protections.

Partnership basics

Nonprofit

(501c3)

A structure designed to support a public or social benefit that can be eligible for tax breaks.

Dig into nonprofits

How to conduct a business name search with LegalZoom

Our free Michigan Business Name Check tool searches the official Michigan LARA database to see if your business name is already in use. Enter the name you wish to use and our tool will instantly check against existing registered Michigan LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits. The tool is free to use and gives you a preliminary idea of the availability of your name, but you should also search for similar names and consider doing a trademark search for additional peace of mind.

How to conduct a trademark search

LegalZoom makes it easy to conduct a trademark search for your preferred business name. You have two options:

  • Use LegalZoom’s free trademark search tool. LegalZoom’s Free Trademark Search checks the  U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database for names matching your search terms. You can browse the status and class details of each matching result.

  • Dig deeper with LegalZoom’s comprehensive trademark search. The Comprehensive Trademark Search executes a full-scope search of existing and pending marks with the USPTO and provides ranked results to help pinpoint potential conflicts. You can select between a federal search and a combined federal, state, and common law search, based on your specific needs.

With our free trademark lookup tool, you can search as many names as you want. When you’re ready to register your trademark, turn to LegalZoom’s Premium Trademark Registration service—the #1 trademark filer with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 1

A man sits in his spacious kitchen and uses a laptop

Need name ideas?

LegalZoom offers a free AI-powered business name generator tailored to over 40 industries, including real estate, construction, and photography. It's fully customizable to your business, your market, and your brand.

Other ways to conduct a business name search in Michigan

Checking for existing business names through the Michigan LARA website can give you a good idea of whether your name is available, but it’s not the only step you should take. Additional sources can help provide additional assurance that your chosen business name is available and other aspects of your brand aren’t infringing on another business’s rights.

USPTO trademark search

When you reserve a business name in any state, your name is protected in that state only. Just because you have the right to use “Joe’s Car Wash” in Michigan doesn’t mean that another business in New Jersey can’t also use the same name.


If you never intend to expand your business outside Michigan, this may not bother you. However, if you think you may one day expand into other states (or an out-of-state business expands into Michigan), you may have a problem.


Perform a trademark search with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to help you identify names already in use and trademarked in other states outside Michigan. You can search the Trademark Center database or use LegalZoom’s Free Trademark Search tool.


Beyond searching for trademarked business names, a USPTO search can help ensure you’re not infringing upon another business’ trademarked brand assets, such as:

  • Logos

  • Taglines

  • Brand-specific symbols

In addition to searching the national database, you may want to consider doing a Michigan trademark search.

Domain name search & social media search

If you plan to build an online presence for your business, you’ll also want to search social media and e-commerce sites to ensure you won’t be competing with similar business names within those realms.

  • Check domain availability. Performing a search on a major domain registrar (GoDaddy and Namecheap are examples) will allow you to check if your desired name (or a variation) is available as a top-level domain, such as .com or .net.

  • Use search engines. Search for names that are the same or similar to the one you want to use.

  • Check social media. Browse Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube for businesses that have similar names to yours.

Even if your preferred name is available, if you’re unable to build an online presence that feels distinct from other businesses, it might be hard to stand out from your competition. In this case, you may want to explore other name options that are more unique.

What to do after a Michigan business name lookup

If you find that your business name is available for use, you can move forward with the following steps:

  • Reserve your name. If you’re not quite ready to form your business, you can pay to reserve your business name for 180 days. The fee is $25 for LLCs and $10 for corporations and limited partnerships.

  • Register your business with the state. If you’re ready to move forward with formation, you can submit your documents online or register by mail. Or, you can use LegalZoom to help form your Michigan business and let us take care of the details.

  • Register trademarks for any logos, slogans, or business names you want to use. LegalZoom’s trademark registration service is the #1 trademark filer by volume with the USPTO. 1

  • Register trademarks. LegalZoom can help with that too. Our trademark registration service is the #1 trademark filer by volume with the USPTO. 1

  • Register a DBA. If you want to market your business under a different name than one you used on your formation documents, you need to register a DBA (or doing business as). LegalZoom’s DBA filing service can handle the paperwork for you.

What to do after you’ve registered your business name

Reserve a domain name and social handles

Your online presence is just as important as your storefront. Here’s how to secure it:

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Claim your domain name

Choose a domain that matches your business name as closely as possible.

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Check social media availability

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are key for connecting with customers. 

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Think long-term

Even if you don’t plan to use all platforms right away, securing them now ensures you won’t lose them later.

Protect your brand with a trademark

A trademark ensures your business name is legally yours and provides:

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Exclusive rights

Prevents competitors from using your name.

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Legal protection

Enforces your rights in court if necessary.

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Brand credibility

Demonstrates professionalism and trustworthiness.

LegalZoom’s trademark registration service connects you with experienced attorneys who guide you through every step of the process, increasing your likelihood of approval.

How to find information about a Michigan business

If you need information about a specific Michigan business, there are a few ways to find it.

Search with an employer identification number (EIN)

It can be particularly helpful to search for a business using their EIN if you’re looking for financial or credit information or need to verify their identity.

  • Third-party services. Companies like Dun & Bradstreet allow you to search for a company using its EIN, often for a fee.

  • Credit bureaus. You can find companies using their EINs through the major credit bureaus. For example, an Experian Business Credit Report allows you to check a company’s financial and legal standing before partnering with them or using their services.

Search with a registered agent

Registered agents are the legal point of contact for Michigan businesses. Their primary job is to receive communications on behalf of the business, and their contact information is part of the public record.


You may need to reach out to the registered agent if you need to formally serve legal documents or obtain contact information that is not otherwise publicly disclosed by the state.

  • Step 1: Find the agent. Conduct a business search using the business name. The search results should include the registered agent’s contact information.

  • Step 2: Contact the agent. You can contact the registered agent if you have legal business with a company or would like more information about the business.

LegalZoom can help you file your state's formation paperwork for as little as $0 + state filing fees.

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Frequently asked questions

Does a Michigan business lookup guarantee my name is available?

A Michigan business search is just the first step in ensuring your business name is available. It can give you a good idea whether you can move forward with your chosen name, but it isn’t a guarantee. Ultimately, the Michigan Secretary of State is the only authority that can determine whether your name is unique enough.


Also, remember that a Michigan business lookup only includes businesses within state lines. If you want to expand your business outside of Michigan, you’ll want to search for trademarks through the USPTO as well.

What do I do if my name is already taken?

If your chosen name is taken or very similar to an existing business name, you’ll want to consider variations that are more unique to lessen the likelihood that your business filing is rejected and also lower the risk of legal entanglements with an existing business.

Can I reserve my business name if I’m not ready to use it?

Yes, Michigan allows you to reserve a business name for up to six months. The fee for LLCs is $25. The fee for corporations and limited partnerships is $10.

What happens if I choose a name that’s already in use by a Michigan business?

The most likely outcome of trying to form a business using an existing business name is that your application will be rejected by the Michigan Secretary of State. You’ll need to re-submit your formation paperwork with a different name and pay the filing fee again.


Trying to use a business name that is similar to an existing business also carries some legal risk as the existing business may feel that you’re infringing upon their right to use the same. That’s why it’s worth considering whether your name feels distinct enough from other businesses. The more unique your name, the less likely you are to run into issues.

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1 LZ Legal Services is the number one law firm filer by volume for US-based businesses at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.