This post will show you how to quickly search Delaware for business names using Delaware’s free entity search tool.
To verify the availability of the name, an LLC name search must be done before you can file the necessary documents to your new LLC.
It is important to ensure that your name is different from any other LLCs in the state.
After searching for a business name, you might want to visit this ZenBusiness article. It explains their 5 steps to forming an LLC in Delaware.
5 steps To Form An LLC In Delaware
https://www.zenbusiness.com/delaware-llc/
You can research a business entity name and availability in the State’s online database.
If your business is an LLC, there are some requirements to be aware of before searching.
As for name requirements, most states say your LLC name can end with the abbreviations LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company. Each state has its own requirements and guidelines. Most people choose LLC.
The name must be distinguishable and clearly unique. For example, if there is a business entity named ABC Plumbers, Inc., ABC Plumbers, LLC would not be available. The name ABC Plumbers & Contractors, LLC would have a better chance of getting approved. The final determination of a name’s availability is the State where the name is attempting to be registered.
Giving Your New Business a Name
When you name something, you get attached to it. Naming your soon-to-be business can only spur your decision forward. Backing out on the idea will be less of an option.
When forming a company, you and your co-founders need to brainstorm and decide on a few things, such as your business name. Before contacting the folks at ZenBusiness or Incfile, you need to:
- Come up with a name that hasn’t been used before. Visit the Delaware Div. of Corporations website and enter the business name in the Name Availability Search database.
- Even if unique or derivative, that name shouldn’t sound like an existing one as the Delaware Div. of Corporations would reject it.
- Ensure that the name does not violate any Delaware State Law.
- You can also call the State Business Information Line at 302-739-3073 and ask them to do a business name search.
- For more info, visit the Delaware Division of Corporations website.
How To Do A Delaware Business Name Search
Visit the Delaware Name Availability Search page https://icis.corp.delaware.gov/Ecorp/NameReserv/NameReservation.aspx
Check the disclaimer box, enter the “Entity Kind” for “Entity Ending” if you are searching for a corporation, the most common ending is “Inc.” for “Limited Liability Company” the most common ending is LLC. Enter the name you want to check, without LLC or Inc at the end, and then search. When searching for names in Delaware, remember,
- Don’t enter LLC after the name or variations (LLC, L.L.C., etc.) while doing searches.
- Search for both the plural and singular versions of names. For example, if your LLC name has the word “Publishers” in it, also search with “Publisher.”
- Search the first 1-2 words of your LLC name at first. For example, if your desired LLC name is “Delaware Electrician Service LLC,” search for “Delaware Electrician” and continue searching with some variations.
- The point is to check for any potential name conflicts and develop a unique LLC name.
Searching the Delaware database could take a bit of time. Still, with a few searches, you should get a pretty good idea about the business name’s availability that you are interested in registering.
It’s important to note that even when a given business appears to be available, the Delaware Division of Corporations will do their own search to confirm availability. There could be name variations or abbreviations that could cause a conflict.
That’s how you can search for a business name in Delaware. Again, the DE Div. of Corporations office will finally determine a business name’s availability.
Delaware Division of Corporations
Mailing address:
DE Division of Corporations
401 Federal Street, Suite 4
Dover, DE 19901
Phone:
DE Division of Corporations
302-739-3073
8:00 am to 4:30 pm, M-F
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