Delaware Imposes Mandatory Re-Registration of Trade Names

The State of Delaware will require all Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Corporations to re-register their trade names, also known as DBAs. The move is aimed at making the registration process easier and eliminating a backlog of trade names that were not removed from the record when companies went out of business.

The start date for the mandatory re-registration is currently scheduled for June 2, 2025, with business owners required to complete the process by Aug. 1, 2025. A proposed change (House Bill 177) to this requirement, however, could delay the start date until Feb. 2, 2026.

If your LLC or Corporation uses a DBA in Delaware, here’s what you need to know about the re-registration:

• Shift to Statewide Registration – Under the new system, businesses will file DBAs with the Delaware Division of Revenue, eliminating the need to register the trade names and pay fees in each county. Note that all DBAs filed at the county level will expire, with no guarantee that you will be able to register the same DBA at the state level. DBAs will be available to businesses in the order that registration requests are received.
• One-time Event – The pending re-registration is a one-time event that’s necessary to maintain your DBA within the new streamlined system. Once you’ve re-registered your DBA, it will not expire and will not need to be reviewed as long as the name is in active use and your business is in good standing with the state.
• No Cost to You – There is no fee to re-register your trade name. A $25 filing fee will be temporarily noted on your record as a debt but will clear once your previous registration has been verified. If you miss the deadline or want to file a new trade name, the fee is $25.
• If Your DBA is Not Available – Because each DBA must be unique, you’ll need to choose another if your name has been claimed. You can use Delaware’s searchable online database to see if the name you choose is available. If it has been taken, you can choose a variation of the DBA you wanted or pick another name.
• Trade Name Only Business License – If your business is not actively conducting business in the state at this time, you can still register a DBA by getting a Trade Name Only Business License for $25. The license will exempt your company from filing for gross receipts and income taxes.
• Notarization – Under the new law, notarization for trade names will no longer be required.
• Documents You’ll Need – Delaware requires that you provide the legal name and address of the business, names and addresses of owners, date the business was formed, the nature of the business, and the proposed trade name. You’ll also need proof of an active Business License in Delaware, a Certificate of Good Standing, and a registered agent appointed in Delaware to re-register your trade name.

Warning! Failure to re-register by the imposed date would make your trade name available for another business to claim and could result in your losing access to the DBA.

CorpNet is Here to Help

If you do not have an active business license with the State of Delaware, are not currently in good standing, or do not have a registered agent, there are steps you can take to resolve compliance issues and get your business back on track. CorpNet is here to help you throughout the process!