There are many reasons to change the name of your business. Business growth, expansion into new areas of industry, downsizing or moving from one industry to another might require a business name change. So can merging with another business. Filing amendment paperwork is necessary to legally change the name of an LLC, partnership or corporation in Michigan.

File a certificate of amendment to the articles of organization to change the name of a limited liability company or limited liability partnership. File a certificate of amendment to the articles of incorporation to change the name of a corporation. Include the old and new business name in the amendment paperwork. Submit the amendment and a $25 filing fee to the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth Bureau of Commercial Services, Corporate Division P.O. Box 30054 Lansing, MI 48909-7554

File a certificate of amendment to the certificate of limited partnership to change the name of the partnership. Include the old and new business names. Submit the amendment and a $10 filing fee to the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you registered your sole proprietorship, to obtain business name change forms. Submit forms and filing fees to the county clerk's office.

Tip

Before making an amendment to articles of organization or article of incorporation, hold a vote so all members have the opportunity to approve or oppose of a business name change. You are required to obtain some or all members' signatures, depending on business structure.

Warning

Reserve a new LLC, partnership or corporation name with DELEG before making filing a certificate of amendment to ensure that you can legally use the new business name. Conduct online research of business name directories, or hire a research firm to determine whether the name is available.