Wedding Planner Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees, operate as an LLC/corporation, or file certain business tax returns. Free from the IRS. Sole proprietors with no employees may use their SSN instead.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Michigan Sales Tax License

   Required for businesses selling taxable goods or services in Michigan. Register with the Michigan Department of Treasury.

   Official government source

   Free·1–2 weeks

   Free

   1–2 weeks

2. General Liability Insurance (Recommended, Not Required)

   Michigan does not require wedding planners to carry general liability insurance. Wedding and event planning is not among the occupational professions LARA's Bureau of Professional Licensing regulates under the Michigan Occupational Code, and no state licence or bond applies. Liability coverage is nevertheless a practical necessity because it is imposed privately: venues commonly require a certificate of insurance naming the venue as an additional insured before a planner may work on site, and client contracts often require it as well. Because the requirement comes from each venue's own contract rather than from Michigan law, the required limits vary by venue and must be confirmed with each one; do not assume a standard figure. Planners who handle client funds, transport goods, or hire subcontractors should also review whether separate commercial auto, inland marine, or workers' compensation coverage applies.

   Official government source

   Set by the private insurance market — Michigan mandates no coverage and therefore publishes no premium. Actual cost depends on the carrier, the limits your venues require, revenue, and claims history, so quote it with carriers rather than relying on a published range.·No state process and no regulatory waiting period. Binding a policy is a commercial transaction whose speed depends on the carrier and on underwriting; venues generally require the certificate of insurance in hand before the event date, so allow time before contracting a venue.

   Set by the private insurance market — Michigan mandates no coverage and therefore publishes no premium. Actual cost depends on the carrier, the limits your venues require, revenue, and claims history, so quote it with carriers rather than relying on a published range.

   No state process and no regulatory waiting period. Binding a policy is a commercial transaction whose speed depends on the carrier and on underwriting; venues generally require the certificate of insurance in hand before the event date, so allow time before contracting a venue.

1. Detroit Business License

   The City of Detroit does not require a general business license, and business licensing is administered by BSEED (Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department), not the City Clerk's Office. BSEED licenses only specific enumerated categories (vendors, lodging, amusement venues, consumer services, gas stations, second-hand dealers) — wedding planning is not among them, so wedding planners operating as sole proprietors, LLCs, or corporations do not need a city business license.

   Official government source

   $0 — no general business license applies·N/A

   $0 — no general business license applies

   N/A

2. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration

   If operating as a sole proprietor or partnership under a trade name (e.g., "Perfect Day Events" rather than your legal name), you must file a Certificate of Persons Conducting Business Under Assumed Name with the Wayne County Clerk before accepting payments under that name. (If instead operating as an LLC or corporation, the assumed name is filed with Michigan LARA at the state level, not the county.)

   Official government source

   $16.00 filing fee·1-2 weeks

   $16.00 filing fee

   1-2 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Detroit — Business Licensing
• Michigan Secretary of State
• IRS — Apply for EIN

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