Business Names

Persons who own, conduct or transact business in Van Buren County are required by statute, to file their business names in this county, on forms provided by the County Clerk's Office. Assumed Name and Co-partnership Certificates must be filed in every county where business is conducted. The following entities do not file at the county level:

• Assumed names owned by corporations
• Corporations
• Limited liability companies
• Limited partnerships
• Non-profit corporations owned by corporations

At the time of filing, this office will verify if the business name chosen is available in this county. 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. An online index beginning with 1987 is available at https://clerk.vanburencountymi.gov/.

The Certificate of Assumed Name and Certificate of Co-partnership are not complicated, but they are legal documents. Information given on them should be as complete and accurate as possible. This office reserves the right to receive documents, but delay filing, until all statutory requirements are met.

Fees

The fee for filing or renewing either the Certificate of Assumed Name or the Certificate of Co-partnership is $10; two certified copies of the "Assumed Name" or "Certificate of Co-Partnership" will be provided. The certificate is valid for five years (less one day) from the date of filing.

Notarization

Notarization of the certificate is also necessary. This office will provide notarization, for a fee, if the owner has a current valid driver's license or state-issued ID, with correct residential address. For assumed names, all signatures must be notarized. If more than one person owns the business, all need to be present when filing, if the certificate is to be notarized by this office. If filing a co-partnership, all owners signatures are required; however, only one owner's signature needs to be notarized.

When Forms Must Be Filed

It is the responsibility of persons owning a business to notify this office and file the required forms if:

• Persons are added or deleted from the business name certificate
• The business is dissolved
• The principal address of the business changes

Please note: the only function of this office is to file business names at the county level in Van Buren County. There may be other local, state and federal agencies that handle requirements and regulations which affect your business.