Michigan DBA (Doing Business As) Guide (2026)

Fees and rules for all 83 Michigan counties · Updated 2026

Michigan assumed name (DBA) certificates are filed with the County Clerk under MCL 445.1, which sets a filing fee of $6.00 (445.1(1)). The amounts counties publish are higher than that and differ from one another: Berrien, Muskegon and Eaton $10.00, Alpena $15.00, Kalamazoo $22.00. The $6.00 is a floor, not a price: all 61 counties whose figure has been confirmed charge more, most commonly $10.00, up to $22.00 in Kalamazoo. Confirm the amount with your county clerk before you file.

The process

1. File with the County Clerk

   Assumed name (DBA) certificates are filed with the County Clerk under MCL 445.1.

2. Pay the certificate fee

   Expect $10.00 in most counties, up to $22.00. MCL 445.1(1) sets a $6.00 filing fee; the amounts counties publish are higher than that.

3. Request certified copies if needed

   Certified copies are charged separately and that fee varies by county too - ask when you file.

DBA filing by county — all 83 Michigan counties

What to bring

• Your assumed (DBA) business name
• The fee your county charges - $10.00 in most of the 61 counties confirmed, up to $22.00
• County-specific filing requirements

Frequently asked questions