Delaware LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Delaware’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting a Delaware LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.

How to Name an LLC in Delaware

Time needed: 10 minutes

There are guidelines to follow in forming an LLC. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.

  1. Check Name Availability

    Search the Business Entity Records in Delaware’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.

    Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names.

  2. Check Domain Availability

    If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.

  3. File Name Reservation

    A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in-person with a $75 filing fee (plus tax for online).

    File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Delaware. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Delaware Division of Corporations 401 Federal Street –Suite 4 Dover, DE 19901.

Check Name Availability
Reserve Name Online
Download Reservation form

Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC

  • Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
  • Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
  • Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
  • Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.

Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.

How to do a Colorado LLC Online Name Search

To search the LLC name online, one has to perform the task through the official State of Delaware website. There are a few steps to search for the name for LLC and reserve the online. Following are the steps to follow for online name search and reservation.

Searching for names

LLC names are crucial and they should be unique. Before you search for the name, you need to check if the name is available or if there is any business entity in Delaware that is present with the exact name or similar name. To perform the business entity search visit the Delaware Entity Search Website.

delaware name search step 1

Click on the ‘Entity Search’ to go to the entity search page. On the next page, enter the name of your LLC or the file number. Hit the ‘Search’ button to get the information about the same/similar name entities in Delaware.

delaware name search step 2

Reserving name

Step 1: To reserve a name for your Colorado LLC, start by visiting the Name Reservation official portal.

Step 2: There, check the terms and conditions box and enter the required information in the given boxes. Enter the type of business you have, i.e. Limited Liability Company. Next enter the entity ending such as LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company. Finally, add the name you want to reserve for your LLC. Hit the ‘Search’ button after providing the captcha.

Step 3: If the name you have entered is available then you can reserve the name immediately after making a payment of $75.

delaware name search step 3

Step 4: Click on the ‘Yes’ button to get the details of your LLC name and get the Payment link.

delaware name search step 4

Step 5: Click on the Payment button to start the payment process. To make the payment one has to register with the website. If you are already registered then sign in to the portal with your login ID and password. If not then register by clicking on the ‘New User’ button.

delaware name search step 5

Step 6: Finally, after registering/logging in you will get the Payment page. Make the payment of $75 by using your VISA or MasterCard. The name search and reservation process will be completed. You will receive the name reservation certificate via email.

delaware name search step 6

F.A.Qs

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.

What if my name is unavailable?

For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.

How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Delaware

To reserve an LLC name in Delaware you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Delaware Division of Corporations by mail, in person or online by paying a filing fee of $75.

When it comes to reserving an LLC name in Delaware, the process is relatively straightforward. The Division of Corporations, part of the Delaware Department of State, is the authority responsible for overseeing the registration and management of business entities in the state.

To reserve a name for your LLC, you will need to submit a Name Reservation Request Form. This form can be downloaded from the Division of Corporations website or obtained in person at their office in Dover. The form requires you to provide the desired name for your LLC, along with your contact information and a $75 filing fee.

When choosing a name for your LLC, it is important to select something that is unique and distinguishable from the names of other businesses registered in Delaware. The Division of Corporations will conduct a thorough search of their database to ensure that your desired name is not already in use. If your chosen name is already taken, you will need to come up with an alternative name that is available for use.

Once you submit the Name Reservation Request Form and the filing fee, the Division of Corporations will review your application and, if approved, reserve the name for a period of 120 days. During this time, the name will be temporarily unavailable for use by any other business entities. This gives you the opportunity to finalize your business plans, secure financing, and complete the formal registration of your LLC.

Reserving a name for your LLC is not only a necessary step in the formation process, but it also provides you with peace of mind knowing that your business identity is protected. By having a reserved name, you can begin promoting your brand, securing a domain name for your website, and developing marketing materials without the risk of another business claiming the same name.

In conclusion, reserving a name for your LLC in Delaware is a critical step in establishing your business and building a strong foundation for future success. By following the guidelines set forth by the Division of Corporations and submitting the necessary paperwork and filing fee, you can secure your desired name and pave the way for launching your business with confidence. Take the time to choose a unique and memorable name that reflects your brand identity and resonates with your target audience. A reserved LLC name not only sets you apart from your competition but also signals to the market that you are a professional and serious business owner.

In Conclusion

LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name

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