Delaware Business Entity Search (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re thinking of forming a new company in Delaware, the first thing you’ll need to do is conduct a business name search on the Delaware.gov website.

The point of the name search is to ensure that an existing business is not using the desired name. There are a number of ways that you can conduct a name search on the Division of Corporations website.

Business search by name

You’ll need to start by visiting the search page, typing in the name you want to look up, and then clicking on the search button.

If there are no results, you’ll see a message that says “No Records Found“.

If the business is registered, it will display in the search results.

By clicking on the business name, you’ll view specific details about the business, including whether it is active or inactive, letting you know whether or not the name is available for use.

By clicking on each company name, you’ll have access to all of the information listed by the state. However, if you require more detailed information pertaining to a specific company, this will come at a cost.

When it comes to determining the status of the business, it will cost you $10, and if you’d like to know the filing history, current franchise tax assessment, and more about a specific business in Delaware, it will cost you $20.

If the business is registered, it will display in the search results. At this point, you’ll know whether or not the desired name is available.

Business search by file number

If you have a file number for an existing Delaware business, you can go back to the search page and enter the number, then click Search.

When searching for a specific file number, the result will display if a match is found. You’ll view all the available information about the business by clicking on the company name.

The name is most likely available for use if you don’t find any search results.

Business search results

After searching the Delaware business Registry, and if matches are found, the following information will be made available:

The above-mentioned information is available for free during the business name search. However, if you’re looking for additional information pertaining to any business in the state, it will be made available to you for a fee.

What you should note is that the search results will display both active and inactive organizations on the state’s database. However, this is no indication of the current status of the business. 

Additionally, the information is provided in real-time and displays up-to-date information on the database as of the date of the search. If you’d like to find out the status of the organization, you’ll need to contact the Division of Corporations Department.

Copies of documents and certificates

As mentioned earlier, the business entity name search displays general information pertaining to a company, corporation, LLC, or any business for that matter. 

Suppose you would like to learn more about the business entity type or current status. In that case, you’ll need to contact the Department of State: Division of Corporations and request detailed information. 

As per the state department’s website, you’ve got two options when it comes to online status. The first option is a $10 fee for a company’s current status. The next option requires a $20 fee and provides the current status with history and tax information. 

It’s also important to note that requesting an online status of a business in the state will not generate an official Certificate of Good Standing. Instead, the $10 fee status option displays a screen with the current status of the requested business, which can be printed off your PC. Alternatively, you may choose to email the status result.

If you are requesting the $20 fee status option, it will not return actual images of the recorded documents. Instead, the application will display a page listing the status, franchise tax assessment, the last five filings, tax due you as well as total authorized shares (if relevant).

You should also note that the names and addresses of all officers and directors are not available through this application. If you want to order a copy of the annual report, you need to contact the Division of Corporations.

In the event that you require an official Certificate of Good Standing for any business entity, you may submit a request to the Division of Corporations using the state’s document upload service.

Business name availability

If the Delaware LLC or corporation search brings up no results, then it means that the name is most likely still available for use. However, even when the name of the business is available, the final determination at the time of filing is made by the Division of Corporations. Ultimately, they will ensure that the name you picked isn’t too similar to other existing businesses in the state. 

You should also note that in most cases, sole proprietorships and partnerships do not register their business with the Delaware secretary of state, and therefore their business names may not come up on the Delaware Business Registry. 

Consequently, it also does not stop sole proprietorships and partnerships from making use of your corporation or LLC name. Therefore, it is recommended that you consider getting a trademark to protect your company name.

If your new business name appears to be available, but you’re still not ready to create your Delaware business, you can have the name reserved for a period of 110 days by paying a $75 fee to the Delaware Division of Corporations. This fee is non-refundable and cannot be applied to Delaware company registration fees. 

Also, keep in mind that you will need the name reservation receipt to incorporate your business with this name, so ensure that that is kept safely on hand.

Domain name availability

When deciding on the Delaware business name, it’s essential that you consider whether or not it’s going to make a good web domain name. It’s equally important to choose a Delaware business name that potential customers will be able to easily remember and search.

One of the best ways to check if your business name is available as a web domain name is to use a web domain tool like namechk.com. It’s an excellent service that filters available domain names and also gives you suggestions for alternative domain names.

Fictitious business name search

If you have intentions of conducting business under any other name aside from the business name you’re planning on registering, it’s a good idea to register a Delaware DBA. 

A DBA is short for the (doing business as) name and is also referred to as a fictitious business name. The registration of a DBA name in Delaware is completed through the Delaware state courts.

In order to conduct business under your fictitious name, you’ll need to file a Fictitious Name Certificate on the Division of Revenue’s One-stop Business Registration and Licensing Website.

Before filing a Delaware DBA, it’s important to conduct a fictitious name search on the Delaware Courts Judicial Branch website by using their search tool.