Delaware House Bill 177
The Governor of Delaware signed House Bill 177 today, delaying the effective date of changes to Delaware trade name registrations originally slated to go into effect on June 2, 2025. Beginning February 2, 2026, trade name registrations will no longer be filed with the Superior Court prothonotaries and will instead be filed with the Division of Revenue via Delaware’s online One Stop application.
Mandatory Re-Registration: All current trade names must be re-registered through the new system starting February 2, 2026. The Division of Finance is sending out letters to trade name holders to notify them of this requirement, and re-registration will be free. The deadline for re-registration has not yet been announced.
Name Protection: With this new centralized system, Delaware trade names will be protected from use by multiple companies. Prompt re-registration is encouraged if a company would like to secure a name.
Registration Fee: The statutory filing fee for new trade name certificates will remain at $25.
Business Licenses: Entities will need a business license to file a Delaware trade name. LLCs and corporations that were formed in Delaware but not actively transacting business within the State will have the option of choosing a Special Trade Name License.
If you have questions or would like our assistance with registering or re-registering a trade name in Delaware, please contact us at delawarecorp@capitolservices.com or by phone at 800.316.6660.