Note 
This blog post has been updated from its original publication due to a bill (HB 177) enacted on May 27, 2025, which extends the effective date of Delaware’s new DBA registration system.

Delaware recently enacted legislation revising the process for registering trade names within the state. Beginning February 2, 2026, 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 are 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. We anticipate that Delaware will announce a re-registration period before the new registration process goes into effect.

DBAs are names that a business or organization uses to identify itself. Note that a trade name or DBA is different from a trademark, which is used to identify a good or service the organization offers. However, a name used as a DBA could also function as the organization’s trademark.

Key Updates

• 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 February 2, 2026.
• 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.
• Beginning on February 2, 2025, you can visit https://onestop.delaware.gov/ to re-register your DBAs.

The post Delaware DBAs Must be Re-Registered Under a New State-Level Registration System appeared first on Perlman & Perlman.