Before you form a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Delaware Name Availability Search tool to check if your corporation name is available.
We'll show you how to check corporation name availability in Delaware in this guide.
Recommended: You’ll want to secure your website domain name as soon as possible. Check GoDaddy to make sure it’s available.
Delaware Corporation Name Search
The Delaware Department of State requires all business names to be distinguishable from other business entities in the state. So, you’ll want to search and make sure no other businesses in the state are already using your name.
It is also useful to see if your corporation name is available as a web domain (URL).
SKIP AHEAD:
How to Search Available Delaware Corporation Names
Once you know your corporation name meets Delaware business name guidelines, make sure it’s available by using the Delaware Name Availability Search tool.
Want to learn more about corporations? Check out our What Is a Corporation guide to get started.
How to Check Available Domain Names
When deciding on a name for your corporation, you should make sure that a similar or exact domain name is available. A matching URL will help potential customers find your corporation faster.
How to Register a Corporation Name in Delaware
Register Your Name
A corporation name is officially registered when you file your Delaware Certificate of Incorporation. You can hire a professional service to form a corporation for you or start a corporation yourself.
Ready to register your corporation name? Use our Form a Corporation guide to get started.
If you want to register a DBA in Delaware, known as a trade name, that’s a separate process that requires filing a separate form with the county where your business is located.
Reserve Your Name
While not required, you have the option to reserve your corporation name in Delaware for up to 120 days before you register it. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you are ready to register it yourself.
Name reservations can be filed online or by mail with the Delaware Department of State. The filing fee is $75.
Need Help Forming Your Corporation? ZenBusiness will get you started.
Delaware Corporation Name Requirements
Key Guidelines
Delaware has official requirements for its corporation names.
The name must include one of the following words (or their abbreviations): association, company, corporation, club, foundation, fund, incorporated, institute, society, union, syndicate, or limited, or words (or their abbreviations) of similar meaning in other countries or jurisdictions (as long as they are written with roman characters or letters).
There are also restricted words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” that you cannot use in order to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
Delaware corporation names also cannot contain the words “bank” (or any variation) or “trust” unless the company is authorized as a bank. However, the word “bank” (or any variation) can be used in a context that clearly doesn’t refer to a banking business or mislead the public about the nature of the business. An example of acceptable use would be Bank Shot Basketball Inc.
For more information, check out the Delaware state statute on corporation names.
Distinguishability
Your name must be distinguishable from all other Delaware business names. In Delaware, a distinguishable name is one that is substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
If your corporation name isn’t distinguishable, your Certificate of Incorporation filing will likely be rejected.
What if my corporation name is already taken? Our AI-powered corporation name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
For a list of brainstorming tips, check out our guide to naming your business.
Delaware Corporation Name Search FAQ
How do I check if a corporation name is taken in Delaware?
You can use the Delaware Name Availability Search tool to see if your business name is available.
Learn more about business entity name availability in the Delaware Corporation Name Search section.
Should I name my corporation after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming a corporation after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting a corporation is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use our free AI-powered business name generator.
What words can’t be used in a Delaware corporation name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Additionally, Delaware corporation names cannot contain the word “bank”(or any variation) unless the company is authorized as a bank. However, the word “bank” (or any variation) can be used in a context that clearly doesn’t refer to a banking business or mislead the public about the nature of the business.
Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the Delaware Corporation Name Requirements section.
Should I use a business name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your corporation, a corporation name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
Do I have to include ‘corporation’ in my name?
Delaware names must include one of the following corporate words (or their abbreviations): association, company, corporation, club, foundation, fund, incorporated, institute, society, union, syndicate, or limited, or words (or their abbreviations) of similar meaning in other countries or jurisdictions (as long as they are written with roman characters or letters).
Learn more about corporation naming requirements in the Delaware Corporation Name Requirements section.
Do I need to renew my business name in Delaware?
Delaware doesn't require corporations to renew their name.
Can my business name be different from my corporation name in Delaware?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or trade name in Delaware.
In Delaware, trade names for corporations are filed with the government office of the county where your business is located.
Learn more about trade names with our Delaware DBA guide.
Does my corporation need a DBA name?
Your corporation doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more with our Delaware DBA guide.