Changing Your Business Name in Michigan | A Step-by-Step Guide

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Change Michigan Business Name

In Michigan, change is inevitable in today’s dynamic business environment. One such change that a business may undergo is a change in its name. A business owner might change their name for numerous reasons, even when starting an LLC in Michigan. Whatever the reason, changing a business name in Michigan can be a complicated process. Still, it’s essential to do it right to avoid potential legal issues and ensure a smooth transition. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to successfully Change a Business Name in Michigan.

Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you change your business name when necessary. You must be guided by all the factors gathered in this article.

How to Change a Business Name in Michigan

Before Changing Your Business Name in Michigan

Before you embark on the process of changing your business name, there are several considerations to keep in mind:

  • Research: Ensure that your new business name in Michigan is unique and not already in use by another company in Michigan. To avoid potential trademark infringement, you can conduct a preliminary search using the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.
  • Notify Stakeholders: Inform your employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders about the upcoming name change to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth transition.
  • Update Marketing Materials: Revise your marketing materials, such as your website, business cards, signage, and social media profiles, to reflect the new Michigan business name.
  • Consider the Impact on Existing Contracts and Agreements: Review your existing contracts and agreements to determine if they will be affected by the name change. You may need to renegotiate these contracts or obtain new ones under the new Michigan business name.

You should also amend the Michigan Articles of Organization and the operating agreement once you have changed your business name. The information should be up to date so your Michigan business won’t have any legal problems in the future. Check out the Best Trademark Services in Michigan to know whether your desired business name is available.

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How to Change a Business Name in Michigan

Depending on the kind of business entity you have, several processes may be involved in changing your business name in the Michigan. Here is a detailed explanation of each business structure:

Changing your company name in Michigan is relatively easy. Before we go into the steps, you should know that some rules must be followed when naming a business in Michigan. The name conventions may change depending on the type of corporate structure. The business must adhere to the following rules while changing the company name:

  • It should be possible to utilize the name.
  • Any other businesses do not use the name.
  • If the new entity is a limited liability company, the name must include “LLC.“
  • The name should be distinct from any governmental agency or institution, including banks and treasuries.

If you decide to start an LLC, read about the Michigan Business Name Search to check if your desired business name is available. Let’s now examine the procedures for changing the company name:

It is suggested that you speak with a legal professional before you begin changing your business name. They’ll understand what’s best for you and your company. To have an easy process for naming your LLC, you can alwasy hire the Best LLC Services for your business.

– WEBINARCARE EDITORIAL TEAM

Step 1: Choose a New Name For Your Business

You must decide on a new name before officially changing your business name in Michigan. Conduct thorough research to ensure the new name is unique, memorable, and represents your company’s values and services. You should also ensure that another business in Michigan does not already use the new name to avoid legal issues and customer confusion.

Some tips for choosing a new business name include:

  • Brainstorm a list of potential names and ask for feedback from friends, family, employees, and customers.
  • Consider the potential impact of the new name on your existing customers, partners, and vendors.
  • Research the availability of relevant domain names and social media handles to ensure a consistent online presence.

Before proceeding with the name change process, ensuring your chosen name is available in Michigan is essential. You must conduct a name search through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to do this.

If your desired name is already in use or too similar to an existing business name in Michigan, you must choose another name and repeat the search process. However, you can register your business under a different legal name if your preferred name isn’t available.  Once you have chosen a name, you can submit an application for a DBA (doing business as) in Michigan. In this manner, you can choose any name you desire for your business. A DBA allows a company to operate under the name of the person or entity who owns it. If you have decided to file for a DBA, you can file it in three methods, online, by mail, and in person filing.

However, before filing a DBA, you should know that you need to renew your DBA for up to five years, which costs $25 for LLCs and $10 for LPs.

In Michigan, if you do not wish to file your LLC right away but want to hold the name that you have decided on, then you can reserve your LLC name for 6 months. You must file a name reservation application with the Michigan Secretary of State to keep the name. 

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Step 2: Prepare Documents to File the Certificate of Amendment

After choosing a new business name in Michigan, you must begin putting together the Certificate of Amendment as soon as you are prepared with the new Michigan business name. You must send the following information with the name change form: 

  • Current company name
  • New company name
  • Members’ (LLC) or Shareholders’ signatures (Corporation)
  • Michigan filing fee for amendments
  • The business’s entity number, as provided by the state of Michigan
  • Board of Directors expression of approval (for corporations)
  • Details about shares (if applicable)

When registering a new business name with the Michigan Secretary of State, you must provide the list of information indicated above. Ensure the information you offer for the Amendment corresponds to the initial filing materials. Please do so to avoid the registration being canceled.

Step 3: File the Certificate of Amendment

Once you’ve confirmed that your new business name is available, you must file the necessary paperwork with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office to change your business name officially. This process typically involves filing an amendment to your company’s Articles of Incorporation for a corporation or Articles of Organization for an LLC, depending on your business structure.

To file the amendment, you’ll need to:

  1. Obtain the appropriate amendment form from the Michigan Secretary of State.
  2. Fill out the form with the required information, including your current business name, new business name, and any other required details.
  3. Pay the filing fee, which may vary depending on your business structure and Michigan regulations. In Michigan, amendment cost is $25.
  4. Submit the completed form and payment to the Michigan Secretary of State’s office, either by mail or online, depending on your Michigan’s filing options.

Once your amendment has been processed and approved, your business name will officially be changed in Michigan.

Things to do After Filing the Certificate of Amendment

Additional considerations in filing the Certificate of Amendment in Michigan.

After changing your business name, there are a few additional steps you may need to take:

  • Update your EIN: If your business has an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may need to notify the IRS of the name change. You can do this by writing a letter to the IRS or completing and submitting Form 8822-B.
  • Update your Business License: If your business operates with a business license, you must update the license with the new business name. You can do this by filing Michigan business license and paying an application fee ranging from $50 – $300.
  • Notify the Michigan Department of Labor and Workforce Development: If your business has employees, you will need to notify the Michigan Department of Labor and Workforce Development of the name change.
  • Update your Local Tax and Business Registrations: Depending on your local jurisdiction, you may need to update your local tax and business registrations with the new business name.

Why Change Your Business Name?

There are various reasons why a  business owner might want to change their business name. These can include:

  • Rebranding: If your current Michigan business name no longer reflects your products or services, rebranding can help revitalize your company’s image and attract new customers.
  • Expanding or Refocusing: Your business may have evolved over time, and the original name may no longer accurately represent the scope of your operations.
  • Merger or Acquisition: If your business merges with another company or is acquired, a name change might be necessary to reflect the new owner or combined services.
  • Legal Issues: If your business name infringes on a trademark or is too similar to another company’s name, you may need to change it to avoid legal disputes.
  • Improved Marketability: A new business name in Michigan can be more memorable, easier to pronounce, or better suited to your target audience.

How Long Does Changing The Business Name Take?

The time it takes to change a business name can vary depending on factors such as the Michigan’s processing times, the method of submission (online or by mail), and whether all necessary information and fees have been submitted correctly. Generally, once you have submitted the required paperwork and fees to the Michigan Secretary of State, it can take a few days to several weeks for the name change to be processed and approved.

What Happens If I Don’t Update the Website or Stationery?

If you change your business name in Michigan but do not update your website, stationery, or other marketing materials, you may face several potential issues:

  • Customer Confusion: Your customers may need clarification about the change in the business name and may not recognize that your company is the same one they have previously done business with. This confusion could lead to a loss of trust and potentially a loss of customers.
  • Inconsistency in Branding: When your business name is inconsistent across all platforms, including your website and stationery, it can negatively impact your brand image. Not updating your marketing materials may make your company appear unprofessional or disorganized, which could harm your reputation.
  • Legal Issues: Depending on Michigan regulations, you may be legally required to update your marketing materials with your new business name. Failure to do so could result in penalties or fines. Additionally, if you use a trading name or DBA (Doing Business As) name, you may need to register that name separately with the appropriate government authority to avoid legal issues.
  • Communication Problems: Please update your website and stationery with your new Michigan business name to avoid issues. Clients, vendors, and other partners may not recognize the new name and may not associate it with your company, leading to missed opportunities and potential misunderstandings.

To avoid these potential issues, updating your website, stationery, and all other marketing materials as soon as possible after changing your Michigan business name is essential. This ensures that your customers know the change, maintains consistency in your branding, and helps prevent legal or communication.

If I Have a Foreign LLC, Can I Change the Name Aside from the Original Name?

Yes, if you have a foreign LLC in Michigan (a limited liability company formed in one state but doing business in another state), you can change the name of the foreign LLC. 

FAQs

What is the process to change my business name in Michigan?
To change your business name in Michigan, you’ll have to file the necessary paperwork with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
How long does it take to change my business name in Michigan?
It takes about two to three weeks for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to process a business name change application.
What are the legal requirements to change my business name in Michigan?
There are not many legal requirements to change your business name in Michigan. The main requirement is that the new name cannot already be in use by another business in Michigan.
Will I have to get a new tax identification number (TIN) when I change my business name in Michigan?
No, you generally don’t need to get a new tax identification number when changing your business name in Michigan.
Will changing my business name affect my LLC’s or corporation’s status in Michigan?
No, changing your business name will not affect your LLC or corporation’s status in Michigan.
Can I change my business name if I am a sole proprietor in Michigan?
Yes, you can change your business name if you are a sole proprietor in Michigan.
Is there a fee to change my business name in Michigan?
Yes, there is a fee to change your business name in Michigan. The fee is typically around $25-$35.
How do I check if the new name I want for my Michigan business is already in use?
You can check if the new name for your Michigan business is already in use by searching the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs database or hiring a lawyer to conduct a trademark search for you.
Can I change my business name to a name that is not related to my business’s products or services?
Yes, you can generally change your business name to a name that is not related to your products or services in Michigan.
What happens if I don’t like my new business name after I’ve changed it in Michigan?
If you don’t like your new business name after you’ve changed it in Michigan, it is generally difficult and expensive to change it back or change it again.
Will I need to get a new business license after changing my business name in Michigan?
No, you do not generally need to get a new business license after changing your business name in Michigan.
If I change my business name in Michigan, do I need to notify my customers and vendors?
Yes, it is a good practice to notify your customers and vendors if you change your business name in Michigan.
Can I change my business’s legal structure at the same time that I change its name in Michigan?
Yes, you can change your business’s legal structure (e.g., from a sole proprietorship to an LLC) at the same time that you change its name in Michigan.
Can I change my business name to a name that is currently owned by another business outside of Michigan?
Yes, you can change your business name to a name that is owned by another business outside of Michigan, as long as the name is not currently being used by a business in Michigan.
Is changing my business name a difficult process in Michigan?
Changing your business name is not a particularly difficult process in Michigan, assuming you have all of the necessary paperwork and fees.
What types of business structures can be renamed in Michigan?
Sole proprietorships, corporations, and LLCs can all be renamed in Michigan.
If there is another business in Michigan with a similar name to my current business name, can I still change my name to something similar?
Yes, you can change your business name to something similar to another business’s name in Michigan, as long as you aren’t intentionally trying to confuse customers.
Can I trademark the new name of my business in Michigan?
Yes, you can trademark the new name of your business in Michigan.
What happens if I’ve already registered my business name with the Secretary of State in Michigan and then want to change it?
You can still change the name of your business even if it has been registered with the Secretary of State in Michigan.
Can I change my business name to a trademarked name in Michigan?
No, you generally cannot change your business name to a name that has already been trademarked in Michigan.
Can I change my business name in Michigan if I still owe taxes?
Yes, you can change your business name in Michigan even if you still owe taxes.
Will changing my business name affect my business credit score in Michigan?
No, changing your business name will not affect your business credit score in Michigan.
Is there a specific time of year I should change my business name in Michigan?
No, you can change your business name at any time of year in Michigan.
Is it better to change my business name in Michigan early on or wait until my business has grown?
There is no right or wrong time to change your business name in Michigan. It can be done early on or when your business has grown.
Can I change my Michigan business name more than once?
Yes, you can change your Michigan business name as many times as you like, but it can be expensive and time-consuming.
Can I change my Michigan business name if I have outstanding debts?
Yes, you can change your Michigan business name even if you have outstanding debts.
Will changing my Michigan business name affect my online presence and search engine rankings?
Yes, changing your Michigan business name can affect your online presence and search engine rankings.
Do I need to update my Michigan Secretary of State filings after changing my business name?
Yes, you do need to update your Michigan Secretary of State filings after changing your business name.
Do I have to reapply for the licenses and permits my business holds in Michigan after changing my name?
No, you do not have to reapply for the licenses and permits your business holds in Michigan after changing your name.
What is the process for changing a business name in Michigan?
The process involves filing forms with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Are there any fees associated with changing a business name in Michigan?
Yes, there is a fee of $10 to file for a name change.
Can a business name be changed by filing a DBA (Doing Business As) in Michigan?
Yes, filing a DBA is one option for changing a business name in Michigan.
Do I need to notify other government agencies of a business name change in Michigan?
Yes, you will need to update your business name with the IRS, Michigan Department of Treasury, and other agencies.
Can I change my business entity type at the same time as changing my business name in Michigan?
Yes, you can file for a business entity change at the same time as a business name change in Michigan.
Can I change my business name without changing my tax ID number in Michigan?
Yes, you can keep your existing tax ID number after changing your business name in Michigan.
Do I need to notify my business clients or partners of a name change in Michigan?
Yes, you should notify anyone you do business with of a name change.
Can I transfer my existing business name registration to a new owner in Michigan?
Yes, the process for transferring a business name registration in Michigan is similar to changing a business name.
When should I change my business name registration in Michigan?
You should change your business name registration in Michigan immediately upon changing your business name.
What is required to change a business name on a Michigan business license?
You will need to file a form with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to change a business name on your license.
Will changing my business name affect my Michigan sales tax registration?
Yes, you will need to change your sales tax registration to reflect your new business name in Michigan.
Will changing my business name in Michigan affect my business insurance policies?
Yes, you will need to notify your insurance providers of a business name change.
Can I change my business name online in Michigan?
Yes, you can file for a business name change in Michigan online.
Do I need to update my website and social media pages after changing my business name in Michigan?
Yes, you should update all of your online profiles to reflect your new business name.
Can I revert to my old business name after changing it in Michigan?
Yes, as long as the old business name is not currently being used by another business in Michigan.
Will changing my business name affect my existing contracts in Michigan?
Yes, you will need to review any existing contracts to determine if the name change will be an issue.
What happens if I fail to change my business name registration in Michigan?
Failing to change a business name registration in Michigan can result in fines and penalties.
Will I need to obtain new business licenses and permits after changing my business name in Michigan?
You may need to obtain new licenses and permits if they contain your old business name.
Can changing my business name affect my credit rating in Michigan?
No, changing your business name should not affect your credit rating in Michigan.
Do I need to update my bank account after changing my business name in Michigan?
Yes, you should update your bank account to reflect your new business name.
Can I trademark my new business name after changing it in Michigan?
Yes, if the new business name meets the requirements for a trademark.
Do I need to update my employer identification number (EIN) after changing my business name in Michigan?
No, you can keep your existing EIN after changing your business name in Michigan.
Can I change my business name to anything I want in Michigan?
No, Michigan has restrictions on business names that suggest illegal activities or are likely to mislead the public.
Will I need to update my personal information on file with government agencies after changing my business name in Michigan?
Yes, you should update your personal information on file with government agencies if it was associated with your old business name.
Can I change my business name more than once in Michigan?
Yes, you can change your business name as many times as you like in Michigan but you’ll have to keep paying the processing fee each time.
Can I file for a business name change in Michigan if I am an out-of-state business?
Yes, you can file for a business name change in Michigan regardless of where your business is located.
Do I need to obtain a new employer identification number (EIN) after changing my business entity type and name in Michigan?
Yes, you will need to obtain a new EIN if you change your business entity type and name in Michigan.

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Conclusion

Changing your business name in Michigan can be a strategic decision that helps your company evolve and remain competitive. By following the steps outlined in this guide and conducting thorough research, you can ensure that your business name change is completed legally and efficiently. Remember to notify all relevant stakeholders, update your marketing materials, and revise any contracts or agreements to reflect the new business name.

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