Delaware’s updated trade name requirements went into effect on February 2, 2026. The new requirements transferred responsibility for registering trade names from the Superior Court prothonotaries to the Delaware Division of Revenue (DOR).
Centralized Registration Through the Division of Revenue
Responsibility for trade name registrations has shifted from the Superior Court prothonotaries to the DOR. All new trade name filings must now be submitted electronically through Delaware’s One Stop application and are maintained in a centralized DOR registry.
Under the new process:
- A Delaware business license is required.
- The business must be in good standing.
- Filings are completed entirely online.
- Notarized original signatures are no longer required.
Status of Existing Court-Registered Trade Names
Trade names previously registered with the courts remain valid and do not need to be re-registered. However, businesses may optionally re-register their trade name through the One Stop system. Re-registration may be necessary if the trade name needs to be amended or cancelled. Re-registration is available at no cost if the original court file number is provided, though a Delaware business license is still required.
Special License for Out-of State Businesses
Delaware entities not actively transacting business within the state must obtain a Special Trade Name-Only License before registering a trade name with the DOR.
- License fee: $25
- Subject to standard renewal and maintenance requirements applicable to Delaware business licenses
Trade Name Certificates
Trade Name Certificates are now issued exclusively by the DOR. Only trade names registered in the DOR registry are eligible for authentication. If a trade name exists only in the court records, re-registration is required in order to obtain a certificate.
Important Limitation
Registering a trade name in Delaware does not provide exclusivity. The registration serves as public notice of use but does not prevent others from registering or using the same trade name.
Additional information can be found in the Division of Revenue’s Trade Name FAQs. If you would like assistance registering or re-registering a trade name in Delaware, please contact our Delaware team at delawarecorp@capitolservices.com or 800.316.6660.