Before you form a limited liability company (LLC), register a trade name, or start a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Delaware Name Availability Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Delaware Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Delaware.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your Delaware LLC Name Is Available
Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps, such as ensuring your business name follows state requirements and performing a domain name and state search. These are the steps you need to take to determine if your business name is available in Delaware.
1. Follow LLC Naming Rules
Before you perform an LLC name search, you need to make sure your business name follows the state’s business name requirements.
Some key guidelines for Delaware LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company,” the abbreviation “L.L.C.,” or the designation “LLC.”
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Delaware reserved names.
Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
Delaware also has the following restrictions for LLC names:
- Your name can’t imply the LLC is organized for an unlawful purpose.
- Your name can’t include the word “bank” or any variation of the word without approval from the State Bank Commissioner.
For more information, check out Delaware’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Delaware, a distinguishable name is one that’s substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in the rejection of your formation filing.
2. Search for LLC Names
Delaware requires unique LLC and business names. You can check your business name availability by searching the Delaware Name Availability Search online database.
3. Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.
The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.
What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
4. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Avoid potential legal headaches by conducting a thorough trademark search. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)‘s online database allows you to check if your desired business name or logo is already trademarked. Keep in mind that state-level LLC name approval doesn’t ensure federal trademark availability. Need expert guidance? Our review of trademark services for startups can help.
5. Reserve Your LLC Name
You may reserve your LLC name in Delaware for up to 120 days before you officially register it with the state. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
You can file a name reservation online or by mail with the Delaware Department of State. The filing fee is $75.
6. Form Your Delaware LLC
After confirming the availability of your business name, the next step is to register your business with the state. Delaware, known for its business-friendly environment, allows you to form an LLC by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Division of Corporations.
This document establishes your company’s legal existence in the First State. Your Certificate of Formation should include the LLC’s name, registered agent details, and the name of the organizer.
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Start NowDelaware LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Delaware?
You can use the Delaware Name Availability Search tool to see if your business name is available.
Should I name my LLC after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting an LLC 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 LLC name generator.
What words can’t be used in a Delaware LLC 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 LLC names can’t imply the LLC is organized for an unlawful purpose or include any variation of the word “bank” without permission.
Should I use an LLC name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
What is a brand name?
A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.
Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name Your LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. Delaware requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., “LLC” or “L.L.C.”) in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in Delaware?
Delaware doesn’t require LLCs to renew their name.
Can my business name be different from my LLC 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 a trade name in Delaware.
In Delaware, LLC trade names are filed with the applicable county office.
Learn more about trade names with our Delaware DBA guide.
Does my LLC need a DBA name?
Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Delaware DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Delaware from the drop-down menu.