DBA Certificate
Your step-by-step guide to filing a DBA certificate in the U.S.
A “DBA (Doing Business As)” certificate—also called an Assumed Name Certificate—is the official document that allows a person or business entity to legally operate under a name different from its legal name.
Below is a clear, step-by-step guide, tailored for the United States (with Michigan noted where relevant).
What Is a DBA Certificate?
A DBA certificate proves that:
You are legally allowed to use a business name different from your personal name or LLC/corporation name.
Banks, vendors, and clients can verify who owns the business name.
Example:
Legal name: Accometrics LLC
DBA name: AccountingForest
Why It Matters
Who Needs a DBA?
You need a DBA if:
A sole proprietor uses a business name (e.g., “Kafi Consulting”)
An LLC or corporation uses a different brand name
You want to open a business bank account under a trade name
You plan to invoice or advertise under a different name
How to Get a DBA Certificate (Step by Step)
1️⃣ Choose Your DBA Name
Must be unique in your state or county
Cannot mislead the public (e.g., “Bank” or “University” without approval)
Should match branding and domain names if possible
2️⃣ Check Name Availability
Search your state or county business database.
For Michigan:
Search via Michigan LARA; https://www.michigan.gov/lara
3️⃣ File the DBA (Assumed Name)
✅ Sole Proprietor or General Partnership
File with the County Clerk where the business operates
✅ LLC or Corporation
File with the State agency (Secretary of State or LARA)
For Michigan:
File Certificate of Assumed Name
Fee: typically $10–$25
Validity: 5 years
4️⃣ Receive the DBA Certificate
You’ll receive:
A stamped DBA / Assumed Name Certificate
PDF or paper copy (keep this safely)
This is your official DBA document.
5️⃣ Use the DBA Certificate For
Opening a business bank account
Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, Square)
Contracts and invoices
Business licenses
Marketing and branding
Michigan-Specific Summary
Since you operate businesses in Michigan:
Sole proprietor → County Clerk
LLC (e.g., Accometrics LLC) → Michigan LARA
Name valid for 5 years
Renewable before expiration
Important Notes
A DBA does NOT create a legal entity
A DBA does NOT protect the name like a trademark
For name protection nationwide → consider USPTO trademark
Below is the exact place and method to file a DBA (Assumed Name) when your business type is an LLC, with Michigan-specific precision.
✅ Where an LLC Files a DBA in Michigan
If your business is an LLC, you DO NOT file at the county level.
You must file with:
🏛️ Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Corporations Division
📄 Exact Document to File
Certificate of Assumed Name (Form CSCL/CD-541)
This form allows your LLC to operate under a different business name.
🌐 How to File (Step-by-Step)
Option 1: Online (Fastest – Recommended)
Website: LARA Corporations Online Filing System
Processing: Immediate or same day
Fee: $10
Option 2: Mail Filing
Send completed Form CSCL/CD-541 with check or money order
Mailing Address:
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
Option 3: In-Person Filing
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
2407 N. Grand River Ave.
Lansing, MI 48906
🧾 What You’ll Need to File
Exact legal name of your LLC (as registered)
LLC ID number (from Articles of Organization)
The DBA / Assumed Name
Authorized signer (Member or Manager)
Filing fee ($10)
⏳ Validity & Renewal
Valid for 5 years
Must be renewed before expiration
Renewal uses the same form
📂 What You Receive
Official Certificate of Assumed Name
Stamped confirmation (PDF or paper)
Accepted by banks, IRS, Stripe, PayPal, Square
📌 Example
Legal LLC Name: Accometrics LLC
DBA Name: AccountingForest
Filed with: Michigan LARA
Form: CSCL/CD-541
Status: Valid for 5 years
What This Does NOT Do
❌ Does not create a new LLC
❌ Does not replace EIN
❌ Does not protect the name as a trademark
✅ Yes — You CAN have multiple DBAs under one LLC
In Michigan (and most U.S. states), one LLC can legally register and operate multiple DBAs (Assumed Names) at the same time.
How It Works (Simple Explanation)
Your LLC is the legal umbrella.
Each DBA is just a brand or trade name under that umbrella.
Example:
Legal Entity:
Accometrics LLC
DBAs under the same LLC:
Accometrics Accounting
AccountingForest
SidoLegal Services
Dream2USA Consulting
All of these can legally operate under one LLC, one EIN, and one tax return (unless you choose otherwise).
Where You File Multiple DBAs (Michigan LLC)
All DBAs are filed with:
🏛️ Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Form: Certificate of Assumed Name (CSCL/CD-541)
One DBA per filing
Fee: $10 per DBA
Valid: 5 years each
Key Rules for Multiple DBAs
✔ Each DBA must be unique
✔ Each DBA requires a separate filing + fee
✔ All DBAs remain linked to one LLC
✔ One EIN can be used for all DBAs
✔ One business bank account can accept multiple DBAs (bank must approve)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Multiple DBAs Under One LLC
1. Can one LLC legally have more than one DBA?
Yes. One LLC can legally register and operate multiple DBAs (Doing Business As names) at the same time. Each DBA represents a separate brand or trade name, but all DBAs remain legally owned and controlled by the same LLC. This structure is common for businesses offering different services under different brand identities.
2. Where does an LLC file DBAs in Michigan?
An LLC files DBAs—called Certificates of Assumed Name—with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), not with the county clerk. Each DBA requires a separate filing, fee, and approval, and is officially recorded at the state level under the LLC’s legal name.
3. Do I need a separate EIN for each DBA?
No. All DBAs under one LLC use the same EIN issued to the LLC. The IRS treats DBAs as alternative names, not separate tax entities. Income, expenses, payroll, and taxes for all DBAs are reported together under the LLC’s EIN unless separate legal entities are formed.
4. Is there a limit to how many DBAs one LLC can have?
There is no legal limit on the number of DBAs an LLC can register, as long as each name is available and properly filed. However, each DBA must be filed separately, renewed on time, and managed carefully to avoid confusion in accounting, banking, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
5. Does having multiple DBAs provide liability protection between brands?
No. Multiple DBAs do not create liability separation. All DBAs share the same legal and financial liability because they belong to one LLC. If one DBA faces a lawsuit or debt, the assets of the entire LLC—including other DBAs—may be exposed. Separate LLCs are required for legal separation.
6. Can I open one bank account for multiple DBAs?
Yes, most banks allow one LLC bank account to accept payments for multiple DBAs. However, the bank will require each DBA certificate on file. Some businesses also choose sub-accounts or accounting class tracking to keep financial records clear while maintaining one primary account.
7. How should DBAs be shown on invoices and contracts?
Best practice is to list the DBA name prominently, followed by the LLC’s legal name. For example:
“AccountingForest, a division of Accometrics LLC.”
This ensures transparency, legal clarity, and enforceability of contracts while preserving the branding benefits of the DBA.
8. When should a DBA become a separate LLC instead?
A DBA should become a separate LLC when it involves high legal risk, separate partners, independent investors, or distinct financial exposure. If the brand grows large, hires employees independently, or needs its own banking, insurance, or contracts, forming a separate LLC is usually the safer and more scalable option.
