Delaware DBA

A Delaware DBA (doing business as or trade name) is any name you conduct business under that’s not your company’s legal name. To register a DBA for your Delaware business, you must file a Registration of Trade, Business, & Fictitious Name Certificate ($25) in each county where your business operates.

On this page, we go over:

And if your LLC or corporation needs a DBA? Make things easy for yourself, and hire us! When you sign up for our $29 registered agent or business formation service, you can add DBA (trade name) filing service for just $125 plus state fees.

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What is a Delaware DBA?

A Delaware DBA (doing business as) name is any name a business operates under that’s not the business’s legal name. Some states refer to DBAs as trade names, assumed names, or (as with Delaware) fictitious names.

Businesses (like LLCs or corporations) often use DBAs to expand their business, brand, or product line without creating a new entity. Businesses like sole proprietors and general partnerships often establish DBAs to better market their business and services rather than doing business under their human name(s).

What are the benefits of using a DBA?

While most companies (especially those registered with the state) choose to conduct business under their legal name, utilizing a DBA can be beneficial in some cases.

Here are a few reasons why Delaware businesses use a DBA:

  1. You’re currently a sole proprietor or general partnership: Without a DBA, sole proprietors and general partnerships (unless otherwise noted in a partnership agreement) must use their human name(s) as their business name. For example, suppose Becky Bennett (a sole proprietor) offers dog training services. In that case, the legal name of her business will be “Becky Bennett.” But, with a DBA, Becky can operate under “Good Dog Academy.”
  2. You’re rebranding the business or launching a new product line: Registering a DBA can be an easy and cost-effective way to rebrand your business or launch a new product line. How? Let’s say your LLC (Grace Glowing) sells handmade scented candles. But you’re looking to expand into vintage clothing. Instead of going through the hassle of establishing a new business, you can sell clothing under the DBA “Timeless Fashion” and continue selling candles under Grace Glowing.
  3. You want to conduct business under your domain name: Sometimes, companies will decide to operate under their domain name–typically because the business’s legal name wasn’t available as a domain or the domain name is easier to remember. For example, “malleycustomwickerchairs.com” is a long domain, so you might go with “malleychairs.com” and start doing business under the name “Malley Chairs.”

Delaware DBA vs. Starting a New Business

Registering a DBA is different from forming a legal entity such as an LLC or corporation. A Delaware DBA is like a nickname for your business that gives you the flexibility to operate under a name different from your LLC or corporation’s legal name–i.e., the name listed on your state formation documents.

Because establishing a Delaware DBA is different than forming a new business, there are limitations as to what you can do under your DBA. For example, DBAs don’t offer business owners liability protection like an LLC or corporation. So, if you’re a sole proprietor or general partnership, you (the human) will still be liable if your business faces legal action.

Sole Proprietor or General Partnership seeking liability protection?

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How do I register a DBA name in Delaware?

To register a DBA in Delaware, you must file a Registration of Trade, Business, & Fictitious Name Certificate ($25 per county) with each county where you plan to conduct business. Thankfully, Delaware only has three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. And they all use the same form.

Here’s a breakdown of how to register a DBA in Delaware:

Step One: See if the DBA you want is available

Although, like in other states, Delaware allows multiple businesses to operate under the same DBA, you’ll want to make sure the name you want is unique and distinguishable from other Delaware companies. You can search the Trade, Business & Fictitious Name Database to see if your DBA name is available.

Step Two: File a Registration of Trade, Business, & Fictitious Name Certificate

To complete your DBA registration, you’ll need to provide the following information:

  • County where you’ll conduct business under your DBA (if you plan on doing business in multiple counties, you’ll need to file a separate form for each county).
  • The DBA you’re registering.
  • Business address and phone number.
  • Parent company (if applicable).
  • Names and addresses of each owner/member.
  • Date of formation.
  • Business purpose.

The filing fee for the registration certificate is $25 per county. So, if you conduct business (under your DBA) in all three counties, you’ll pay $75. In addition, you’ll need to file a separate form for each county. Typical processing time (for each county) is about 4-5 weeks from when your application is received.

You can file by mail or in person at:

Kent County:
Kent County Courthouse
Prothonotary
Superior Court
38 The Green
Dover, DE 19901

New Castle:
Leonard L. Williams Justice Center
Prothonotary
Superior Court
500 North King Street, Suite 500, LL1
Wilmington, DE 19801-3746

Sussex:
Sussex County Courthouse
Prothonotary
Superior Court
1 The Circle, Suite 2
Georgetown, DE 19947

Note: All DBA applications you file must be notarized.

Why not make things easy for yourself and hire us? When you sign up for Delaware registered agent service OR business formation, you can easily add DBA service ($125 plus state fees) to your order. Already a client? No problem! You can add DBA service inside your client account.

Why hire us to register your Delaware DBA?

Hiring a Delaware registered agent to register your DBA can save you time and money–making your life easier. And who doesn’t want that?

You also get:

  • Privacy protection: When you hire us to form your Delaware LLC or corporation, we’ll list our business address (instead of yours) on the formation paperwork AND your DBA registration.
  • Local expertise: Our team knows the ins and outs of filing state documents. We’ll make sure everything is done correctly the first time.
  • Convenience: We’ll take care of everything for you—it doesn’t get more convenient than that!

Get started today! Sign up for Delaware business formation or registered agent service. Just make sure you check “Trade Name (DBA)” when checking out.

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Already a client? You can easily add DBA service inside your client account. It’s that easy.

FAQs

Do I need to renew my Delaware DBA?

Nope. Your Delaware DBA will last forever—unless you cancel it.

Can I change or cancel my Delaware DBA?

Yes. If you need to change your Delaware DBA, you must file a Registration of Trade, Business & Fictitious Name Supplemental Certificate ($25 per county). If you need to cancel your DBA, you must file a Termination of Trade, Business & Fictitious Name. There is no fee for canceling a DBA.

Do I need a new EIN for my Delaware DBA?

No. Because a DBA is not a business entity like an LLC or corporation, you will not need a new EIN.

Do I need a separate bank account for my Delaware DBA?

No. You are not required to create a separate bank account for your DBA. However, no state law prevents you from establishing a bank account for your DBA if you believe it’s necessary.

How many DBAs can I have?

There is no limit to the number of DBAs you can have for your business. However, remember that you must file a separate Registration of Trade, Business, & Fictitious Name Certificate for each DBA you wish to register.

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