Delaware Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide

Ensuring Your Delaware LLC Name Is Available

A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Delaware.

This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.

Delaware LLC Name Verification

When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Delaware, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.

How to Search the Delaware Business Entity Name Database

You can use the business entity search to check if your business name is already in use in Delaware.

The Delaware Secretary of State provides two tools to help you ensure your LLC name is unique and available:

1. Name Availability Search: This tool gives you a straightforward yes or no answer about whether your name is available. It's also the first step in the Name Reservation process, but you don’t need to complete a reservation to form an LLC in Delaware. You can simply use this tool to check the name and close the window without filing a reservation.
2. General Information Name Search: This tool lets you browse through existing businesses to find similar names. It helps ensure that your name stands out and is not too similar to existing ones.

Search Tips:

• Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
• You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.

Delaware Name Availability Search

1. Navigate to the Delaware Division of Corporations and select the Name Availability Search tool.
2. Check the box to agree to the disclaimer and terms.
3. Choose "Limited Liability Company (LLC)" from the "Entity Kind" dropdown menu.
4. Select the desired suffix from the "Entity Ending" dropdown, with "LLC" being the most common choice.
5. Enter your preferred LLC name without adding "LLC" or any other suffix—just the name itself.
6. Complete the Captcha to prove you're human.
7. Click the "Search" button. Avoid pressing the "Enter" key on your keyboard, as it may take you to a different page.

You will receive one of two possible messages:

1. "The name '(your name) LLC' is available. The cost for reserving this name is $75.00". This means your chosen LLC name is available. You can select "No" when asked if you want to reserve the name, and then proceed to use the name on your LLC documents as planned.
2. "The name is not available for reservation". This indicates that your chosen LLC name is already taken. You will need to come up with a new name or a different variation to proceed.

Delaware General Information Name Search

1. Visit the Delaware Division of Corporations website and go to the General Information Name Search tool.
2. Type your desired LLC name into the "Entity Name" field. Exclude the suffix "LLC" and any punctuation. Capitalization is not important.
3. Leave the "File Number" field empty.
4. Click "Search" and review the list of registered businesses in Delaware.

How to Understand Delaware LLC General Information Search Results

The Name Availability Search provides a straightforward "available" or "not available" result, whereas the General Information Name Search requires you to manually review the search results.

For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.

What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?

If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.

Delaware Division of Corporations Contact Information

You can contact the Delaware Division of Corporations to check if your LLC name is available.

While this service might not be available in every state, Delaware representatives can guide you through the process of using the Delaware Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.

Call the LLC Department at 860-509-6002, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am to 4 pm Pacific Time.

Delaware LLC Name Requirements

As per Section 18-102 of the Delaware LLC Act and Section 102 of the Delaware Corporations Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Delaware business entity.

Prohibited Names & Naming Practices

A Delaware LLC name must not:

• Harm the public
• Harm the State of Delaware
• Harm Delaware's business reputation
• Discriminate against any protected group (as detailed below)
• Encourage or promote illegal activities (details below)
• Mislead or confuse the public
• Be excessively long or complex (e.g., names with 500 characters)

The Delaware Division of Corporations may reject a name if it discriminates against, belittles, or insults any protected class, including:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sexual orientation
• National origin
• Disability
• Age (40 and over)
• Marital status
• Genetic information

The Division may also deny a name if it encourages or supports:

• Terrorism or terroristic threats
• Offensive physical contact
• Actions that endanger someone’s life or safety
• Threats to public safety
• Hate crimes, stalking, cyberstalking, bullying, or cyberbullying
• Illegal drugs, opioids, or controlled substances
• Fraud
• Deadly weapons or dangerous tools
• Obscene language or defamation
• Any other criminal act under Title 11

If an LLC name does not comply with these guidelines, the Division may reject your filing.

You can get informal advice regarding names by calling the state, but this will not be a formal decision if you are unsure about them. You may also turn in your Certificate of Formation using the dubious name. You can select a new name and get a refund if your request is denied.

If a questionable name is approved, remember that the state has the authority to cancel your Certificate of Formation at any time under Section 18-112(a) of the Delaware LLC Act for misuse or abuse of the LLC's privileges. Therefore, it’s best to choose a name that adheres to all regulations.

Restricted Words in Delaware LLC Names

Your Delaware LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.

For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.

Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.

Comma Usage

You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:

• Delaware Horizons LLC
• Delaware Horizons, LLC

Permissible Designators

Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:

• LLC
• L.L.C.
• Ltd. Liability Co.
• Limited Liability Co.
• Ltd. Liability Company
• Limited Liability Company

Restricted Designators

Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:

• Inc.
• Corp.
• Corporation
• Cooperative

Restricted Words in Delaware LLC Names

Your Delaware LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.

For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.

Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.

Ensuring Your Delaware Business Name Is Distinguishable

When using the Delaware Division of Corporations' business name tools, you’ll compare your chosen LLC name with those already registered in the state.

If your name isn't unique, you will need to create a new variation or select a different name.

Below are guidelines and examples of LLC names that may not be considered distinct.

Rules for Distinguishability

Designators

Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Delaware Coastal Ventures LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Delaware Business Name Search:

• Delaware Coastal Ventures, Inc.
• Delaware Coastal Ventures, Corp.

Filler Words

Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Delaware Meadows LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:

• The Delaware Meadows LLC
• A Delaware Meadow Inc.
• Delaware and Meadows L.L.C.
• Delaware & Meadows Corp
• To Delaware Meadows Inc.

Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words

Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.

If your desired LLC name is "Delaware Gardens LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:

• Delaware Gardens LLC
• Delaware Garden's Inc.
• Delaware Garden L.L.C.

What If My Business Name Is Rejected?

If you submit your Delaware Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.

The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.