A DBA allows your business to legally operate under an alternate name. Until Feb. 2, 2026, you can file a DBA with the prothonotary’s (civil court clerk’s) office in each county where you do business. After Feb. 2, 2026, Delaware will transition from a county-level DBA registration system to a statewide, online system.
For now, here’s what else you need to know.
What is a DBA (trade name) in Delaware?
A “doing business as” (DBA), also called a fictitious name or trade name, is an alternate name for your business other than its legal name. A business’ legal name is either the legal name of its owner(s) for a sole proprietorship or general partnership, or the name listed on its formation documents for an LLC or corporation.
Delaware law (Title 6, Chapter 31) requires every person and unincorporated association that uses a trade or fictitious name to first register a DBA. Although LLCs and corporations don’t need to register a trade name, filing a certificate allows your business to do several things.
- Branch out into other markets without registering a separate entity
- Open a business bank account (under the trade name)
- Market your business under this new fictitious name
- Prevent another business from registering under your fictitious name
How to file a DBA in Delaware step-by-step
You can file a DBA with the prothonotary’s office in each county where your business operates. After Feb. 2, 2026, you’ll file through the Division of Revenue’s “One Stop” portal.
You can have LegalZoom file for you or complete the application yourself. Here’s what you need to do if you apply on your own.
Step 1: Check name availability
First, make sure the name you have in mind is available. Before Feb. 2, 2026, your trade name needs to be unique within the counties where you do business. Under the new statewide system effective Feb. 2026, names must be unique statewide. To check availability, conduct a name search through the Delaware Superior Court’s website.
In addition to a state-level search, you should also conduct a national trademark search. Since many national companies are based in Delaware, you may run into extra roadblocks with name choice. You can conduct a trademark search on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website, or use LegalZoom’s free trademark search tool.
Step 2: Fill out the application form
Delaware offers a standardized DBA application form that you can download from the state or Superior Court’s website. You can fill it out online and then print it out or print it out and fill it in by hand.
The certificate asks for the following information:
- County or counties where you do business
- Trade name
- Business address
- Phone number
- Name of the person, firm, or association filing
- Names and addresses of each owner, member, or partner
- Formation date
- Business purpose
- Notary public statement and signature
Keep in mind that this information will become publicly available on the Delaware name search database.
Step 3: Notarize and submit your document
For now, Delaware requires you to have the certificate notarized. You can do this at the prothonotary's office or go to a licensed notary public before submission. When you’re ready, bring the application in person or mail the notarized certificate, along with the filing fee, to each relevant prothonotary’s office. The filing fee is $25 per county. Pay it by check or money order payable to “the State of Delaware.”
Below are the addresses for each county.
For New Castle County:
Leonard L. Williams Justice Center
500 North King Street
Suite 500, LL1,
Wilmington, DE
19801-3746
For Kent County:
Kent County Courthouse
38 The Green
Dover, DE 19901
For Sussex County:
Sussex County Courthouse
1 The Circle, Suite 2
Georgetown, DE 19947
Step 4: Receive confirmation
Upon approval, you will receive a filed certificate that serves as proof of your DBA registration. Keep this document for your records, as banks and other institutions may require it.
How long does a DBA last in Delaware? Renewal, changes, and cancellations
Delaware DBAs don’t expire, so there’s no need to renew. However, you do need to file a supplemental certificate for an additional $25 if your trade name or ownership information changes. File a termination of registration form if you stop using the trade name. There’s no filing fee to cancel your registration.
What's the difference between a DBA, LLC, and corporation in Delaware?
A DBA only allows your business to operate under a different name than its legal name. It doesn’t form a separate legal entity, nor does it authorize you to transact business in Delaware in general.
In contrast, forming a Delaware LLC or corporation creates a separate legal entity under Delaware law that offers various benefits such as limited liability (asset) protection and potential tax benefits.
How LegalZoom can help with your Delaware DBA
LegalZoom can help you register your Delaware DBA online. Here’s what our service includes:
- Name availability search through Delaware’s databases to verify that the name you choose is unique and meets state requirements
- Form preparation and filing with the relevant town clerk
- Customizable website to help you market your new brand
- Access to ongoing support for renewals, amendments, and cancellations
LegalZoom also offers adjacent services, such as LLC or corporation formation, registered agent services, and trademark registration. Our expertise in business formation ensures your DBA gets filed efficiently and meets state requirements. If your filing is rejected due to our error, we'll correct it at no additional cost.
FAQs about DBAs in Delaware
What does DBA mean in Delaware?
DBA stands for "doing business as" and refers to a fictitious or assumed business name that differs from your legal name or registered business name. In Delaware, it's also called a trade name or fictitious business name.
Is a DBA required for LLCs in Delaware?
No, an LLC doesn’t have to file a DBA in Delaware to operate under a name other than its legal business name. However, it may choose to register for various reasons, such as to open a bank account under the fictitious name.
Can I have multiple DBAs in Delaware?
Yes, you can register multiple DBAs in Delaware. Each DBA requires a separate application and filing fee. Until Feb. 2, 2026, you must file in each county where you plan to use each DBA name.
How do I write my DBA name on contracts and checks?
The proper format is "[Legal Name] d/b/a [DBA Name]" or "[Legal Name] doing business as [DBA Name]." For example: "John Smith d/b/a Smith's Auto Repair."
Are there publication requirements for Delaware DBAs?
Delaware doesn’t require publication of DBA filings in newspapers, unlike some other states. The filing with the prothonotary's office (or Division of Revenue after Feb. 2026) is enough.
What documents do banks require for a DBA account?
Delaware banks typically require the filed DBA certificate and personal identification. They may request additional documentation such as a business license or EIN, depending on the bank's policies.
How do I cancel or change a Delaware DBA?
File a termination of registration form to cancel your registration. There’s no filing fee.
Carter Giegerich and Sam Eichner contributed to this article.
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