Our free guide provides you with all of the information you'll need to file your DBA in Delaware. Bookmark this page as a reference so you can return easily as you complete each step of the process.
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Filing a DBA (also known as Doing Business As) allows you to operate and receive payments under a name that is different from your legal business name. This helps you create an identity for your business that presents it in a professional light to customers and vendors, while allowing customers to write you checks and make payments directly to the business name you have chosen. Follow our step by step guide or let us handle the paperwork on your behalf, ensuring your business is filed quickly and accurately.
File a Delaware DBA for just $129 + state fees
or scroll down to our guideMore than one million business entities call Delaware their legal home. However, it's important to know that several other factors have led to Delaware's dominance in business formation. These factors focus on more than favorable tax laws. Additional benefits include an enabling statute, known as the Delaware General Corporation Law, the state's judicial system, and case law and lawyers that specialize in Delaware corporate law. Even the Delaware Secretary of State provides a wide range of services and resources for all entity formations, including Delaware DBAs.
As you can see, Delaware is a haven not just for tax purposes, but because the state offers a complete package of business entity services. Entrepreneurs interested in filing a DBA in Delaware can get started by following our free guide.
MyCorporation® can help you file all of the necessary documents to file your
DBA in Delaware.Our free guide provides you with all of the information you'll need to file your DBA in Delaware. Bookmark this page as a reference so you can return easily as you complete each step of the process.
Use Our Free GuideOur filing experts can get you up and running quickly and accurately, completing the required filings on your behalf.
Are you looking for another entity type? We offer several other guides for the state of Delaware.
For those unfamiliar with the acronym, DBA stands for "doing business as." Delaware refers to a DBA as a Fictitious Name and also as a DBA. No matter which type of business structure you have incorporated as, whether it's a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC, if you plan to operate your business under a name different than your real name or an existing corporate name, then you need to file a DBA.
What else can you do with a DBA? Here are a few additional benefits you'll receive by registering a fictitious name in Delaware:
The first step is determining if a DBA is right for you. There are a few common situations where registering a DBA makes the most sense:
The next important step seems obvious: you'll need to decide on a name to register. Here are a few rules to keep in mind as you come up with a name in Delaware.
There are a few approaches you can take once you have chosen a name that meets the guidelines listed above in order to determine if the name is available to register. One basic approach is to do a Google search for other Delaware business with the same name. While it may not prove that the name you want to register is available, it is an easy way to weed out any names that are already taken. You can also check to see if the web domain for your business name is available, since it is likely you will need a website domain that matches your company name.
Another, more reliable approach is to conduct a Delaware DBA Name search. MyCorporation may complete a thorough business name search on your behalf, and report back the findings to help you avoid unnecessary rejections.
According to the State of Delaware, there are several filing options available for obtaining a DBA. You may choose one of the three filing methods:
Now that you have determined the name is available for registration, it's time to complete the filing with the forms provided by your county. It is important that you file your DBA in the county where you plan on operating your business. Most counties in Delaware require similar, basic information:
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File a DBAWe hope you find this detailed list of steps makes the process of registering a doing business as name (DBA) a bit more simplified for you. However, we understand that filing a DBA for your business can be confusing and time-consuming process. That's why MyCorporation offers DBA filing services for businesses all across the state of Delaware.
Our experts will complete the forms for your county, check its registration status, and even publish the DBA notice where required. All you need do is sign and return a few documents in our prelabeled envelope. You'll receive the approval and publication certificate for your records without any heavy lifting.
We make filing a DBA easy.
Operate your business under your business name, open a bank account for your business, and build credibility without all of the hassle. MyCorporation will handle the paperwork for you, so you can focus on building your business.
Start My DBA FilingNo. A business license is required of all businesses, whereas a DBA is required only if the business is operating under a name different from the name of the owner.
In Delaware, all businesses are required to file for a general business license (sometimes referred to as a business tax certificate). Business licenses are issued by cities and municipalities, and every city in Delaware differs in their requirements. If you plan on operating your business in multiple cities, you will need to apply for a business license in each location. Some additional permits may be required in addition to a general business license, which may need to be filed with the county or the state. You can find out about the specific licenses applicable to your business by checking with the city offices where you will conduct business, or by using MyCorporation's business license compliance package. Our team of skilled professionals will identify the licenses required by your business and provide you with all the information you need to file.
You may also utilize Delaware One Stop Opens in a new window, which helps Delaware businesses find appropriate permit information.
A DBA does not grant exclusivity for the use of a business name. DBAs identify the business and claim the business's name, but they only claim the name itself. Once you file for a DBA, the name cannot be used by another business on the state level. However, if a business in a different state wanted to register the same DBA as your business, they could so long as no other business in their state had already claimed that name. It is also possible to trademark a DBA. This would offer nationwide protection against infringement.
A Certificate of Assumed Name does not require renewal once approved by the state and county.
Filing a DBA in Delaware will not impact your taxes, as it does not alter your tax status. Only the name you conduct business as will change. The structure of your business is what determines how you will be taxed (sole proprietor, corporation, LLC, etc.), so you will continue to pay taxes as usual after filing a DBA.
If you are not planning to continue using your DBA, it is advised that you consult with the appropriate state agencies to determine the next steps moving forward with your DBA.