Delaware DBA Name Search
Before filing your DBA in Delaware, you need to make sure your desired business name is available. Using a name that's already registered can delay your filing or result in a rejection.
How to Check Name Availability
1. Search the Delaware Secretary of State Database
The Delaware Secretary of State maintains a database of registered business names in Delaware. You can search it online at Delaware Secretary of State.
Search for your exact desired name and common variations. Look for:
- Exact matches
- Names that are confusingly similar to yours
- Names that differ only by punctuation, spacing, or common words like "The" or "LLC"
2. Check County Records
Even though Delaware handles DBA filings at the state level, checking county-level records can help you identify potential conflicts with local businesses.
3. Search Federal Trademark Records
Even if a name is available for DBA registration, it could be protected by a federal trademark. Search the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) database at uspto.gov to check for conflicts.
4. Check Domain Availability
If you plan to have a website for your business, check whether a matching domain name is available. This isn't required for DBA filing, but it's practical planning.
Name Requirements in Delaware
Your DBA name must:
- Be different from names already registered in your filing jurisdiction
- Not be misleading (for example, it can't imply you're a government agency)
- Not include restricted words like "Bank," "Insurance," or "University" without proper licensing
What If Your Name Is Taken?
If your desired name is already registered:
- Try a variation (add your city, a descriptive word, or initials)
- Check whether the existing registration has expired — expired DBA names may be available for re-registration
- Consider a completely different name that still represents your business well
We Include a Name Search
Our $99 service fee includes a name availability search as part of the filing process. We check the name before submitting your paperwork, so you don't waste time or money on a name that's unavailable.