Nowadays, the number of business owners in all states of the U.S. has increased. Delaware entity search is an essential step toward the foundation and verification of your LLC.
In general, a business entity search is an important tool for all business owners. More specifically, it helps to find information regarding active businesses. In such a way, you can also find out if the name you chose for your company is available or not.
To look up an LLC in Delaware, you should first explore the database of the Delaware Division of the Corporation’s website.
What You Need to Know About a Delaware LLC Search
A Delaware LLC Search is used to check if the appellation you are going to use for your business is open. After registering your company, you will be able to use it when confirming entry.
The Division of Corporations allows new candidates to explore the database by file number or by name.
Searching by Name
To start the process of searching by name, you should first visit the website of the Delaware Division of Corporations. Afterward, enter the name in the Entity Name search space and click on the “search” button.
Then, you will see a list of your inquiry results. If there are no similar results, you can confirm your appellation. However, if there are companies registered in that exact way, you should click on the title to view it. In this way, you will see the entry details.
If the system says: “The name (your desired title) LLC is available.”, you can choose to pay the reservation fee. If you change your mind, it is possible to reject the reservation offer.
Note that you will have access to information for the general public. It is made available by the Delaware Secretary of State. In addition, you will have access to more information by paying $10 or $20.
Searching by File Number
If you want to search by file number, you need to visit the Delaware Division of Corporations website. Then, type the file number of an entity and click on “search”. In most cases, this type of inquiry produces only one end result. Click on the title to view the details.
If the appellation you choose for your company is not on the results, it means that it is available. If it is on the list, it indicates that others already took it.
Reservation
You may have heard that you need to reserve a title beforehand. However, it is not true. In this state, you do not need to make a reservation.
You should simply look for the name and lock it up. After that, you must pay the fee of $75 within six months.
Requirements
Before starting the main process of the examination, it is important to learn some requirements.
- You will be able to use both “LLC” and “L.L.C” abbreviations. Make sure to use them at the end of the name. In addition, “LLC” is more common than “L.L.C.”
- It must be memorable and different among all businesses in Delaware.
- As you know, LLC is not a Corporation. Thus, the title you chose cannot contain words such as “Incorporation,” “Corporation,” etc.
Moreover, the differences in grammar and spelling are not making the appellation distinguished. For instance:
- Three/3
- Singular/plural
- A, an, the
- and/&
- Periods, commas
Restrictions and Things to Consider
There are several laws and regulations regarding how you can entitle your company. It is important to pay attention and follow all necessary rules. Your desired title cannot:
- Cause harm to the public
- Damage the state’s business reputation
- Cause harm to the state
- Discriminate against race, age, religion, national origin, disability, etc.
- Violate the law
- Cause public confusion
- Inspire illegal activities
If the examiner decides that the name violates the rules, your request will be rejected. However, if your desired title is questionable, you should contact the state and ask your questions.
Delaware Registered Agent
When you find a proper title for your company, the next stage takes place. You will have to select your LLC’s Registered Agent. A letter is a person/company that agrees to receive legal notices and emails on behalf of your LLC.
Contact Information
In case of any questions, you can contact the state’s Division of Corporations at 302-739-3073. The working hours are from Monday to Friday (8 am- 4:20 pm).