When is the transition to the new process?

The Division of Revenue will start administering Delaware’s statewide DBA registry on June 2, 2025, through https://onestop.delaware.gov/.

What documentation is required to register a DBA in Delaware?

To register a DBA in Delaware, you need to provide the legal name and address of the entity, the proposed trade name,  names and addresses of ownership, date of formation, and nature of business. Additional documentation such as a Certificate of Good Standing from the Delaware Division of Corporations may be required for entities not actively transacting business in Delaware.

What changes does the online process bring to Delaware’s DBA application?

The required fields for the DBA application will remain the same as they were with the Courts. DBA registration is now available online and is managed statewide rather than by individual counties. The process also now requires a business license in Delaware.

How much does DBA registration cost? The fee remains $25, but the DBA is now registered statewide, eliminating the need to pay multiple fees per county .

I already have a Delaware DBA. What is required of me, and what will it cost?

All DBAs are required to  re-registered as Division of Revenue (DOR) aims to update the registry to reflect active businesses only. This requirement and the re-registration process have been detailed in correspondence sent to the business addresses listed with the Courts. Re-registration can be done without upfront payment; a $25 debt will be temporarily generated. This debt will later be cleared for those who had previously registered, using Courts data to confirm payments. This clearance will occur  after the re-registration window closes on August 1, 2025.

How long do I have to re-register my existing Delaware DBA?

The re-registration window will remain open through August 1, 2025, via OneStop.

What are the consequences of not re-registering my trade name by the deadline?

Failure to re-register your trade name by the specified deadline will result in the name being released and available  for another entity may claim your unique trade name.  If the trade name is still available, you will have to pay the registration fee again to associate that unique  trade name with your business license.

I do not conduct business in Delaware but need a Delaware DBA; what are my options?

For such companies, a Trade Name Only Business license is available. This special license is required to register a Delaware Trade Name if the registrant does not intend to conduct business in Delaware.

How does the Trade Name Only business license differ from typical business licenses?

This special license is similar to a regular business license but does not require Gross Receipt and Business Income Tax filings. It costs $25 and shares the same renewal and maintenance requirements as a standard business license.

What happens if a business license is not maintained?

If a license is not maintained for three or more years, the Trade Name will revert to the available pool, and the business will be notified.

What if I have a Trade Name Only license but want to transition to a standard business license?

Registering a normal business license will nullify a Trade Name Only license. Updates or transfers of Trade Names between licenses can be done without a fee through the Update Trade Name flow in OneStop.

Can I use the same OneStop login for multiple client services?

Yes, actions in OneStop are based on knowledge of business details (i.e. license numbers and business names) rather than user accounts (i.e. login information), enabling flexible management across multiple clients

What should I do if my business details change?

Updates to key staff, ownership, or business address can be managed through Delaware One Stop in the Update Trade Name flow. Changes to the Taxpayer ID associated with a trade name will require a new registration.

Is notarization required for trade name applications?

Notarization is no longer required as of June 2, 2025. All applications will be processed online.

Do trade names need to be renewed?

No, trade names in Delaware do not expire and do not require renewal provided they are actively used by a registered business.

Can I sell or transfer my Trade Name to another business without selling my business?

From June 2, 2025, every trade name must be linked to a Taxpayer ID (TPID)—either a FEIN or SSN/ITIN. To transfer a trade name:

• First, terminate the trade name under the old TPID.
• Then, re-register it under the new TPID. Standard filing fees apply.

What if my trade name is similar to another already registered name?

Delaware requires that each registered trade name be unique, however there have always been and will continue to be similar trade names registered. If your proposed name exactly matches an existing name, you will be required to choose an alternative name.  Delaware Trade names do not confer any legal rights and only ensure the appropriate parties can be reached in the event contact is necessary for legal or other reasons.

Is there a public database where I can check the availability of a trade name before registering?

Yes, DOR will host the Delaware Trade Name Registry once the registration process is fully transferred. A static version of the Courts online database will also be host for historical reference.

For now, Courts online database can be found at https://courts.delaware.gov/tradenames/  The new online process will also check for active trade names during application.

Can I have multiple trade names under a single business license?

Yes, Delaware allows businesses to register multiple trade names under a single business license.

How do I cancel my trade name if I no longer need it?

To cancel your trade name, you must submit a request through the Delaware One Stop portal. This will remove the trade name from the active registry and make it available to other businesses.

I held a DBA in Delaware, but I did not receive correspondence regarding my trade name, why and what do I do?

If you did not receive correspondence regarding the change, it is likely that existing DBA data either had a missing address or a bad address. The re-registration is partially intended to improve the accuracy of this address information.  The business should re-register using the steps noted in correspondence and other FAQ answers.