Delaware’s New DBA Rules for Corporations and LLCs: What You Need to Know
Starting February 2, 2026, Delaware is launching a new system for registering a DBA (doing business as) name, also known as a trade name, for corporations and LLCs. If your Delaware entity plans to operate under a name different from the legal name on file with the Delaware Division of Corporations, these updates are important to understand.
Previously, businesses looking to register a DBA in Delaware had to file at the county level, specifically with the Prothonotary’s office in the county where they were physically operating. This decentralized system led many business owners, especially those who formed a Delaware corporation or LLC but operated outside the state, to believe that filing a DBA either wasn’t necessary or wasn’t even an option. Since DBA filings were tied to physical presence in Delaware, clients often assumed that if they weren’t doing business within state lines, they didn’t qualify.
That confusion is exactly what the new law aims to fix. Beginning February 2, 2026, all Delaware DBA registrations will be handled online through the Delaware Division of Revenue. This statewide system not only streamlines the filing process but also opens the door for out-of-state businesses formed in Delaware to register a DBA, even if they have no physical operations in Delaware. Now, you can formally align your public-facing brand name with your Delaware legal entity, no matter where you conduct business.
Now, even if your Delaware entity isn’t conducting business in the state, you can still register a DBA. This update allows you to formally link your public-facing brand with your legal entity, providing clear, consistent documentation that benefits your business, regardless of where you physically operate.
Many corporations and LLCs opt to register a DBA when the name they use publicly differs from the name on their certificate of incorporation or formation. Registering a DBA with the Division of Revenue creates an official, documented connection between your legal entity and your operating name. It’s a smart move for transparency and credibility. It also helps when setting up bank accounts, signing contracts, or applying for licenses, and it provides clear documentation for clients, regulators, and partners. In effect, your legal name remains on file with the Division of Corporations, while your DBA is recorded separately with the Division of Revenue.
For Delaware corporations or LLCs that do not actively transact business in the state but still wish to register a DBA, the process includes one additional step. These entities must first apply for a “DBA-only” license through the Division of Revenue. This license allows companies without a standard business license to register a DBA for administrative or branding purposes.
To register a DBA, you’ll need to submit information including your legal entity’s name and address, the DBA name you wish to use, names and addresses of the owners or managing members, your date of formation, and a brief description of your business. The Division of Revenue may request additional documentation for entities not conducting business in Delaware. You can find complete instructions and answers to common questions on the Division’s DBA FAQ page.
The fee for a new DBA registration is $25, and you must have either a standard Delaware business license or a special DBA-only license to complete the process. Once registered, your DBA does not expire or require renewal as long as your license remains active. If your license lapses for more than three years, the DBA will become inactive, and the name may be made available for others to use. For details on licensing, the Division of Revenue provides a helpful overview on its Business License FAQ page.
At Harvard Business Services, Inc., we make it easy to form your Delaware corporation or LLC. Don’t forget the first step in building any business is creating the legal foundation, your LLC or corporation. That’s what everything else is built on, including the DBA we’ve discussed in this post. The DBA is filed in the name of the company we help you form. We can also act as your Delaware Registered Agent and provide a Delaware mailing address if needed. If you’re ready to get started or just have questions about the process to form your new Delaware entity, we’re happy to help.
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