How to Conduct a Delaware Business Search

When starting a business, a company name is essential since it describes the main business activity. When choosing a company name for your business, check the name's availability in your jurisdiction before registering the company.

Starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Delaware requires a business search to determine whether the company complies with the naming regulations. If you are using an Icon Office registered agent, we will help you find the availability of your proposed company name.

When choosing your company name, it is important to understand how the Delaware corporation search tools work. This article will explore just that, not forgetting the guidelines for naming a business in Delaware.

What is a Delaware corporation search?

When you want to find information regarding a Delaware LLC or any corporation, you can conduct a Delaware corporation search to find a database of all registered entities in Delaware. 

With this tool, you can conduct a name search where you can access all names registered in Delaware, helping you not incorporate a company with an already-used name.

You can also access basic information about businesses using the search tool. You can search for a specific Delaware corporation, such as its name, address, and registered agent.

It can also be used to check the status of the company, including whether it is active or inactive.

What are the guidelines for naming a Delaware LLC?

When choosing a name for your business, you do not necessarily have to register the company immediately, it can be reserved for 120 days. The guidelines include;

Abbreviation inclusion: when incorporating a limited company, the name must end with the abbreviation ‘LLC’ or ‘Limited Liability Company’ in full.

Distinguishable: Even when incorporating an LLC, the name must not be similar to existing names of corporations and partnerships in Delaware whether local or foreign.

Should not mislead: The name you choose for your company should not mislead customers. This is by the nature of the business activities and implies a connection with chartered institutions such as banks, government institutions, or healthcare facilities. 

Should not contain restricted terms: There are terms restricted to be included in company names without approval. The terms include ‘Medical’, ‘Bank’, ‘Trust’, ‘Insurance’, ‘Colleges’, or ‘Universities’. To use either of these terms in your company name you must obtain approval from the relevant Delaware departments.

Member/Manager Names: The name can include the name of a member or manager of the LLC.

Additional words: The name can include words like "Company," "Association," "Club," "Foundation," etc., or their abbreviations.

No objectionable words: The name cannot contain any objectionable words by the Delaware Secretary of State, including racist, lewd, or vulgar terms.

Before incorporating a company, it is important to check the availability of the proposed name using a name checker to ensure the name you choose is unique.

Why do I need to conduct a Delaware corporation search?

Name availability

A search confirms that your chosen business name hasn't already been registered with the Delaware Division of Corporations.

State compliance

Verifying a company's status ensures compliance with Delaware's business laws and regulations.

Fraud prevention

The search database provides detailed information about registered entities, helping you distinguish legitimate businesses from potentially fraudulent ones, according to NCH Inc.

Enhanced business credibility

Regular verification and compliance demonstrate a business's reliability and credibility, which can enhance its reputation with customers, partners, and investors.

Where to conduct a Delaware corporation name search?

Delaware Division of Corporations website

This is an online tool by the state government to help you determine if your proposed name is available. 

Dun & Bradstreet company search

This is the leading provider of business information and credit data on companies worldwide. Their company name search allows users to look up business profiles using the D-U-N-S Number or company name to access:

• Company background and ownership
• Business credit scores
• Risk factors
• Key financials
• Trade payment history

How to conduct a name search

Access the Name Search Tool

Go to the Delaware Division of Corporations website.

Enter Your Name

Type the proposed name for your business into the search tool, excluding any entity suffixes like "LLC" or "Inc.".

Review Results

The search tool will display a list of entities with names similar to yours.

Check for Variations

Consider variations of your name, including different spellings, phonetic equivalents, or names that sound similar.

Consider Trademark Search

While the Delaware name search checks for Delaware entities, it's also a good idea to search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to ensure your chosen name doesn't infringe on an existing trademark.