Delaware Entity Search & Name Change | Harvard Business Services, Inc.

We use Javascript heavily to provide the best experience possible to clients, please enable Javascript.

Learning Center Menu

How to Do a Delaware Business Entity Search

Before you form a corporation in Delaware, you will need to select a name for your new company. With over 1.5 million companies incorporated in Delaware, you’ll first need to make sure the name you wish to use is available. This can be completed with a Delaware Business Entity Search. This official tool allows you to quickly check existing business names and avoid potential conflicts before filing your formation documents. Taking a few minutes to search now can help prevent delays or rejections later in the registration process.

What is a Business Entity Search?

A Delaware Business Entity Search is a public tool provided by the Delaware Division of Corporations that allows individuals to look up registered business entities in the state. The search yields key information such as the company name, formation date, entity type, Delaware file number, and the name of the registered agent. The tool does not, however, provide detailed information like the franchise tax data or filing history. This information is only accessible when users pay a fee through the division's website.

Entrepreneurs commonly use this tool to check business name availability before forming an LLC or corporation, as well as by investors and vendors performing due diligence. Because Delaware is a popular incorporation state for companies around the world, the database includes entities that may not physically operate in Delaware but are legally registered there. Users should also note that the search is name-based and may require trying multiple variations to locate the correct entity.

Please be aware that the Delaware Division of Corporations regulates what can and cannot be used in a corporation name. For more details on what is required and what is forbidden for a Delaware corporation name, please visit our page on choosing a company name before you check if a business name is taken.

Reasons to Conduct a Business Entity Search

A Delaware Business Entity Search is essential for anyone starting or evaluating a business. This process helps ensure that your chosen business name is available while providing important details about existing companies. A couple of the most common reasons to perform a search include:

Checking name availability: Ensure your desired business name is distinguishable from existing entities to avoid rejected filings.
Competitive intelligence: The database is a source of high-level market data, like corporate structure and formation history.

How to Conduct a Business Entity Search

If you’re not sure how to check if a business name is taken, it’s actually quite easy. Simply follow the link to our Delaware name check tool and submit the business name that you’re interested in, your name, email address, and phone number. Keep in mind that completing an entity search will not reserve the Delaware business name. Instead, it will only inform you if it is currently available.

Once you’ve chosen a compliant company name, our team at Harvard Business Services, Inc. can run a Delaware business name search to see if it is available. We have access to a database that includes the names of all of the companies incorporated in Delaware. If your preferred business name is already in use, you'll need to select another one.

Delaware Business Entity Search Tips

Using the Delaware Business Entity Search is straightforward, but a few best practices can help you find better results and avoid frustration.

Start with a broad search: If you’re unsure of the exact name, try entering only part of the business name. This can help surface similar or related results.
Try multiple variations: Business names may include abbreviations or punctuation (e.g., “LLC” vs. “L.L.C.”). Testing different formats can improve your chances of finding the correct entity.
Check for spacing and spelling: Even small differences in spelling or spacing can affect your results, so double-check your entries if nothing appears.
Review the results carefully: Some names may be very similar. Look at details like the formation date or the registered agent to identify the correct business.

Ownership Information & Officer Names

A Delaware Business Entity Search does not show ownership information of the names of shareholders, officers, directors, or a corporation, nor does it show the members of an LLC. This is a huge advantage for Delaware business owners, as many other states require some level of disclosure, especially for corporations. When forming a business in Delaware, you're not required to publicly list the shareholders, members, partners, or officers for most entity types. As a result, ownership details are not part of the public record. Instead, only the Registered Agent's name and address are publicly visible in an entity search.

Delaware Business Name Change

If you'd like to perform a Delaware LLC or corporation name change for your existing business, the process still involves a company name search. Once Harvard Business Services has confirmed your new business name is available, you can file a Certificate of Amendment indicating the change. Our team at Harvard Business Services, Inc. will be happy to file a Certificate of Amendment with the State of Delaware on your behalf.

To do a free company name check, visit our free Delaware business name search tool. Simply type in your proposed company name and your contact information, and we’ll reply quickly with the results of your business name search. There’s no limit to the number of business entity searches that you can submit, so we encourage you to check all of your top picks before deciding on the perfect Delaware business name. Put the names of every corporation and LLC in the state at your fingertips with a Delaware business name search.

If you need help with the company name search process or you would prefer to speak with someone directly, our helpful staff can assist you via phone at 1-800-345-2677 or by live chat.

FAQs

Is the Delaware Business Entity Search free?

Yes, the basic Delaware Business Entity Search is free to use and allows you to view information such as entity name and registered agent. However, more detailed reports may require a fee through the Delaware Division of Corporations website. Our team can also provide these reports.

Can I reserve a business name through it?

No, the entity search tool itself does not reserve names. It only helps you check availability. You can reserve a business name through the Delaware Division of Corporations (and pay the required fee) or with our team. This ensures the name is held for your use for a limited time.

Can I find the business owner through a Delaware Business Entity Search?

Delaware does not publicly list owners or members for LLCs in its basic search results. You may see a registered agent, but not ownership details. In some cases, limited information may be available through paid documents or filings, but ownership is typically kept private.

Form a Delaware Corporation Now