Starting a business in Delaware involves several steps, but one of the first is choosing a business name. This step is a little more complicated when setting up an LLC or corporation in Delaware because these business structures must have a unique name.
To help you verify that your corporation or LLC is available, our step-by-step guide will show you how to quickly search a Delaware business name using the Delaware Division of Corporations business name database.
Related: Checklist To Start A Business In Delaware
Steps To Do A Delaware Business Name Search
Step 1: Visit the Delaware Entity Name Database
Visit the Delaware Division of Corporation’s website.
Step 2: Search your Name
Enter the name you want to use in the “Entity Name” field. In this example, we will search for a Delaware LLC name by looking up “The Lawn Authority.” After entering the company name, click “Search.”
Step 3: Review the Results
When we search the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “Legendary Landscaping.” To register a corporation or LLC name in Delaware, the name must be distinguishable from the other registered names. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since one is already registered.
If you want to learn more about a business, you can click on the entity name link.
While the name “The Lawn Authority LLC” may not be available for an LLC, other variants, such as “Delaware Lawn Authority,” are. Searching for those business names brings a result that says, “No Records found.” While final approval is still with the Delaware Department of State, it is likely available to register.
This wraps up the basics of searching for a business name in Delaware. Even when the name of the business you want is available, the Delaware Division of Corporations will make a final determination when filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names.
Something to keep in mind is that even though each corporation and LLC name must be unique, it may not stop someone else from using that name since business names for a sole proprietorship or partnership are not registered by the Secretary of State and are not required to be unique. To protect your business name, consider getting a trademark.
What information can be found on the Delaware business entity database?
A Delaware business entity search can find information on registered businesses operating in the state. Some of this information includes:
- Date of Formation: The official date the business entity started.
- Secretary of State File Number: The Department of State assigns this number to a new LLC or corporation.
- Entity Kind: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership, etc.
- Entity Type: Could include general (most businesses), bank, closed corp, DISC corp, professional association, general partnership, regulated investment corp, LLC, LLC, non-profit or religious.
- Status: Good standing means all reports and filing fees are up to date.
- Residency: Domestic or Foreign entity
- Registered Agent Information: A Delaware registered agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice need to be sent to the business.
Delaware Business Name Search FAQs
How do I find the business name of a Delaware sole proprietorship?
A Delaware sole proprietorship or partnership can use the small business owner(s) full first and last name as the business name, but many will want to operate under a specific business name. In order to register the business name, they will register for a Delaware Trade Name, which is also known as “Doing Business As,” DBA, Assumed Name, or Fictitious Name.
Similar to the corporation or LLC, Trade Name registrations can be searched on the Department of State’s website.
Can an LLC name be reserved in Delaware?
If you are not ready to form the LLC but want to reserve a name, the Delaware Division of Corporations will hold a name for up to 120 days.
