All business entities in Michigan must comply with the Secretary of State’s LLC naming guidelines, which includes conducting a Michigan business name search before creating a limited liability company.

The purpose of our guide is to demonstrate ways that will help you check the Michigan LLC name availability. Along with complying with Michigan’s Secretary of State’s guidelines, it is crucial to take into account that your chosen business name is unique and that it is only used by your company.

Before deciding on your business entity name, we strongly advise that you perform a Michigan LLC search.

In fact, the first and most essential step of the process is coming up with a business name. It’s critical to remember that you should pick an LLC name that meets Michigan’s guidelines and can be easily found online by your potential customers.

For additional information, read more about naming guidelines on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.

Our team recommends that you use specific tools like the Michigan Business Name Search before filing a name reservation. This tool will help you check whether your potential business name is available for use in your state. To make the most out of your research, enter the desired name, excluding identifiers such as “LLC,” and leave the remaining boxes unfilled. This will return all entities with names that are the same or similar.

Moreover, if you choose more than one word to form your company name, you can limit your search to the first two words to ensure that you find all similar names.

After performing a Michigan LLC lookup and skimming through the Business Entity Records, you discovered that your chosen name was already in use. So, what are your next steps?

If your Michigan LLC name is already registered, your final choice is to create a new legal name. You must keep in mind that your LLC name should not be too close to the one you choose previously. Then, once you’ve decided on a legal business name that adheres to the Secretary of State’s naming requirements, reserve it.

This step may be more difficult for foreign companies registering in Michigan.

Although your LLC’s original name may be recognized in other states, due to the naming rules, you may need to come up with a new name.

Having a domain name that corresponds your potential business name is a minor yet crucial step to take into account before forming an LLC. You must make sure your potential online clients will be able to find your limited liability company easily.

Additionally, you can check the list of domain names available on prominent domain registries, such as GoDaddy, and you can create a URL that compliments your chosen LLC name.  

All LLC naming inquiries and requests are managed by Michigan’s Secretary of State Corporations Division. For the six months following the month of filing, business names can be reserved.

You must file an application online or by mail to reserve a business name. Applicants may also submit their applications via email (CDfilings@michigan.gov) or fax (517) 241-0538. If you email or fax an application, you must use this form to create a MICH-ELF account.

You must pay a filing fee of $25 when reserving your name. Checks should be made out to the State of Michigan.

Aside from your state’s naming guidelines, there are several important factors to consider when naming your business. Furthermore, searching in various networks and sources is always beneficial; therefore, our team recommends that you conduct extensive research through Social Media and Trademarks, and you can be assured that you will be able to obtain your desired business name.

Searching for a trademark will help you develop various aspects of your business, such as the name, logo, and even a slogan. It will also enable you to avoid potential and costly litigation. As a result, discovering that other businesses have trademarked the name you’ve chosen does not preclude you from using it.

However, identifying the company that owns your desired entity name, as well as their industry and location, is critical to avoiding inadvertently infringing on the business owner’s property rights.

The following are the steps for conducting a trademark search:

1. Perform a Michigan trademark search to discover whether your chosen name or slogan is ready for you to use.
2. Search through the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s records if other local business entities currently hold your desired LLC name.

Lastly, having a memorable and easily accessible business name on social media platforms is critical. This is possible thanks to online tools like Namecheckr, which allows you to do a Michigan LLC name check across all social media platforms at once.

You must perform a Michigan Secretary of State business search before establishing your limited liability company. The name you pick should be valid and unique from the names of other businesses in the state.

After completing the Michigan Entity Search and deciding on a company name, you may need to choose a web domain name that matches it in order for potential customers to find your business online.

Just by completing the Michigan LLC name reservation form, you may set yourself apart from your future competitors. Securing your desired LLC name may help you go forward with the creation of your business.