How to Perform a Business Name Search in Delaware: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Delaware’s Business Name Requirements

Before starting your business in Delaware, it is crucial to understand the state’s business naming requirements. Delaware requires that the business name is distinguishable from other registered business names. This means your name cannot be identical or too similar to an existing business name within the state. Additionally, certain words may require special approval or licensing. It is advisable to review all naming rules thoroughly to ensure compliance and avoid any legal issues in the future.

Accessing the Delaware Secretary of State Website

To perform a business name search, you will need to access the Delaware Secretary of State website. This site provides an online tool where you can search for existing business names to ensure your chosen name is available. Navigate to the Business Entity Search section, where you can enter the desired business name and check its availability.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Business Name Search

1. Go to the Delaware Secretary of State website.
2. Navigate to the ‘Business Entity Search’ section.
3. Enter the desired business name in the search bar.
4. Click ‘Search’ and review the list of results.
5. If your chosen name is not listed, it means the name is available for use.
6. If the name is taken, review similar names to brainstorm alternatives that are compliant.

What to Do If Your Desired Business Name is Taken

If your desired business name is taken, don’t worry! There are several steps you can take:

• Modify the name slightly by adding a unique identifier or changing the wording.
• Brainstorm completely new business names.
• Use a name generator tool to come up with creative ideas.
• Check out doola’s article about name ideas for additional inspiration.

Registering Your Business Name: Next Steps

Once you have an available and compliant business name, the next step is to register your business with the state of Delaware. This involves filing the appropriate documents and paying the required fees. doola’s business formation page can assist with this process, ensuring all paperwork is correctly filed and helping you navigate the requirements. doola can help with the registration process and also offers additional services such as bookkeeping, tax assistance, community support, and compliance filings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Name Search

When conducting a business name search, avoid these common mistakes:

• Failing to check for name availability in variations and common misspellings.
• Ignoring special requirements for certain words (e.g., “Bank,” “Corporation”).
• Not double-checking for names that might be too similar to existing ones, even if they are not identical.
• Overlooking potential trademark issues that could arise from similar-sounding names in different states.

Check for a domain name to register a website for your business

After confirming the availability of your business name, it is important to secure a domain name for your business website. You can easily check for a domain name on platforms like GoDaddy. Having a website is crucial for establishing an online presence, marketing your business, and reaching a wider audience. Make sure your domain name matches your business name as closely as possible to maintain brand consistency.

Conclusion: Ensuring a Smooth Business Registration Process in Delaware

Thoroughly checking the availability of your desired business name and ensuring it meets Delaware’s requirements is a critical first step in registering your business. For seamless registration, doola can help with the registration process. In addition to formation services, doola offers many other products to help quickly start your business, such as bookkeeping, tax help, a community, and required state and federal compliance filings. Start your business journey on the right foot with professional guidance and comprehensive support.