Office of County Clerk/Register of Deeds

Assumed Names (DBAs) / Co-Partnerships

Persons who own, conduct or transact business in Kalamazoo County are required, by statute, to file their business names in this county, on forms provided by the County Clerk's Office. Persons must file a separate certificate for each individual business name.

There are two types of certificates filed at the county level:

An Assumed Name consists of one or more parties. It is more binding since all parties listed must sign the documents in front of a notary public and no changes can be made without the signatures of all parties involved.

A Co-Partnership consists of two or more parties and may be dissolved or changed by the signature of any party.

The following entities do not file at the county level:

Corporations
Limited Liability Companies
Limited Partnerships
Nonprofit Organizations Owned by Corporations

The Kalamazoo County Clerk's Office is required to ensure that the business name you are seeking is not being used as an Assumed Name or Co-Partnership within Kalamazoo County.

Kalamazoo County Business Name Search

Search online for businesses registered in Kalamazoo County

How to File / Register

You may first use the online business name search above to see availability of a name. To ensure the business name you are interested in has not been registered with the state, search the State of Michigan LARA website at State of Michigan Business Entity Search - LARA.

We are prohibited by law from accepting a name for filing that is the same as or similar to another name already on file. Keep in mind that spelling variations may exist.

Please note that final approval of a business name is the decision of the Kalamazoo County Clerk's Office.

Each business name is valid for 5 years, subject to renewal.

Complete the DBA Application

Complete the Co-Partnership Application

Business Registration or Renewal

Complete either Assumed Name or Co-Partnership Registration form.
A Notary Public must notarize the application (Notary Publics can be found at banks, insurance companies, and at the Clerk's Office).
Fee is $10. Method of payment includes credit/debit card, check, money orders payable to KALAMAZOO COUNTY CLERK.
Mail or drop off the completed application, payment, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:

Kalamazoo County Clerk
201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Room 103
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

*Please do not mail cash.

Two certified copies will be provided at time of filing.

Notice of Dissolution of Business

Complete the Notice of Dissolution of Business (PDF).
A Notary Public must notarize the application (Notary Publics can be found at banks, insurance companies, and at the Clerk's Office).
Fee is $10. Method of payment includes credit/debit card, check, money orders payable to KALAMAZOO COUNTY CLERK.
Mail or drop off the completed application, payment, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:

Kalamazoo County Clerk
201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Room 103
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

*Please do not mail cash.

Change of Address

Complete the Change of Business Location Certificate (PDF).
A Notary Public must notarize the application (Notary Publics can be found at banks, insurance companies, and at the Clerk's Office).
Fee is $10. Method of payment includes credit/debit card, check, money orders payable to KALAMAZOO COUNTY CLERK.
Mail or drop off the completed application, payment, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:

Kalamazoo County Clerk
201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Room 103
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

*Please do not mail cash.

How to Obtain a Certified Copies of Business Registrations

Complete the DBA and/or Co-Partnership Certificate Request Form (PDF).
Fee is $2/copy. Method of payment includes credit/debit card, check, money orders payable to KALAMAZOO COUNTY CLERK.
Mail or drop off the completed application, payment, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:

Kalamazoo County Clerk
201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Room 103
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

*Please do not mail cash.

All inquiries regarding an Assumed Name (DBA) or Co-Partnership, please email the Clerk’s Office at DBACPFiling@kalcounty.com or call 269-363-8840 for assistance.