Delaware recently enacted legislation revising the process for registering trade names within the state. Beginning June 2, 2025, registration of trade names (i.e., DBAs or “doing business as” names) must be registered statewide with the Division of Revenue. This new process replaces the current framework in which registration and payment of fees is required on a per-county basis. Any organizations or businesses that have previously filed DBAs in Delaware must re-register their trade names through Delaware’s new online-only registration system.
DBAs are names that a business or organization uses to identify its business or organization. Note that a trade name or DBA is different than a trademark, which is used to identify a good or service the organization provides. However, a name used as a DBA could also serve as the organization’s trademark.
Key updates to be aware of.
- DBA filings in Delaware will now be handled by the Division of Revenue at the state level.
- Delaware will begin administering its new statewide DBA registry on June 2, 2025, and the re-registration window will remain open through August 1, 2025.
- Re-registration of a Delaware DBA is free if re-registered by August 1, 2025. (A $25 debt will be temporarily generated at the time of registration. This debt will be cleared for re-registrations the state confirms had previously registered.)
- After August 1, 2025, DBA names will be available to any registrant for a $25 registration fee on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If you do not re-register your Delaware DBA by August 1, 2025, the trade name will become available to anyone who registers it first. Therefore, we strongly recommend re-registering your DBAs as early as possible during the re-registration window.
- Any corporation incorporated in Delaware that wants to register a Delaware DBA or has previously registered a DBA in Delaware but does not actually conduct business in Delaware must obtain a special Trade Name Only business license from the Division of Revenue. The Trade Name Only license fee is $25 and must be renewed annually by December 31 (or can be renewed for three years for 3x the license fee). Note that a certificate of good standing is also required to obtain the Trade Name Only license.
- Trade names in Delaware do not require renewal as long as they are utilized by a business or organization possessing an active business license or trade name only license. If the requisite license is not maintained for three or more years, the trade name will revert to the available pool, and the business or organization will be notified.
- For additional information, Delaware has published a Trade Names FAQ.
What should your organization do now?
- Determine whether your organization has previously filed any DBAs in Delaware that it wishes to maintain.
- Beginning on June 2, 2025, visit https://onestop.delaware.gov/ to re-register your DBAs.
- To ensure you do not lose your previously registered DBAs, re-register by August 1, 2025.
UPDATE – June 2, 2025
The state recently voted and passed legislation changing the effective date from June 2, 2025, to February 2, 2026. The previously communicated changes regarding the cancellation of assumed names at the county level and the need to reapply, starting on June 2, 2025, are officially extended to February 2, 2026
If you have any questions or would like assistance re-registering your Delaware DBAs, contact one of our attorneys or the firm through our website.
