Doing Business As (DBA)
Who Needs to File?
Persons who own, conduct or transact business in Iosco County are required by statute to file their business names in this county on forms provided by the County Clerk’s office. A Certificate of Assumed Name and a Certificate of Co-partnership must be filed in every county where business is conducted.
The following entities do not file at the county level:
- corporations
- limited partnerships
- limited liability companies
- assumed names owned by corporations
- nonprofit organizations owned by corporations
Registration Process
At the time of filing, this office will verify if the business name chosen is available. Once accepted, certified copies of that business name will be issued. It is your responsibility to check local telephone books and news media to make certain there is no existing business using the name you have chosen.
The Certificate of Assumed Name and Certificate of Co-partnership are not complicated, yet they are legal documents. Information given on them should be as complete and accurate as possible. Each certificate is valid for five years from the date of filing.
Notarization of the certificate is also necessary. This office will provide notarization if the owner has a current valid driver’s license or state-issued ID. If more than one person owns the business, all need to be present for notarization.
When to Notify the Clerk’s Office
It is the responsibility of persons owning a business to notify this office and file the required forms if:
- The principal address of the business changes (Download Form)
- Persons are added or deleted from the business name certificate (Download Form)
- The business is dissolved (Download Form)
Please note: The only function of this office is to register business names at the county level. There may be other local, state or federal agencies that handle requirements and regulations which affect your business name.
Forms & Resources
Costs
$10.00 for filing or renewing the Certificate of Assumed Name Two (2) certified copies will be provided.
Make checks (local checks only) or money orders payable to Iosco County Clerk:
Nancy J. Huebel
Iosco County Clerk
P.O. Box 838
Tawas City, MI 48764
Business Registration Online Application
Register your business or co-partnership online.
Business Registration Application
Register your business or co-partnership online.