Change to Delaware law requires re-registration of DBA names

Delaware is revising its DBA (Doing Business As) filing process, marking a significant change in the way that businesses register trade names in the state. Effective June 2, 2025, businesses will no longer need to make DBA filings at a county level but instead register them statewide with Delaware’s Division of Revenue, in accordance with House Bill No. 40.

As part of the progression to an online process, all existing trade names will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that businesses with existing DBAs must re-register as soon as possible to retain their trade names come June 2.

Here is everything you need to know about this legal change:

DBA filings will now be state-wide

Currently, businesses in Delaware must register DBA trade names at a county level. To streamline this process, DBA filings will now be processed at the state level, making it more straightforward. Additionally, the requirement for notarization of DBA applications will be eliminated.

Businesses must re-register DBA names

Due to the change in the DBA filing process, businesses must re-register their trade names via the Delaware One Stop platform. The re-registration period for existing Delaware trade names runs from June 2, 2025, to August 1, 2025; however, we recommend registering as soon as the window opens on June 2. There is no fee for active businesses that re-register their trade names during this window. If you re-register within this period, any $25 fee that appears during the process will be automatically waived upon completion of your registration.

Failure to re-register jeopardizes your trade name

Trade names will be released and made available for others to use on a first-come, first-served basis starting June 2, 2025. Failure to re-register your DBA name as soon as possible could mean you lose the legal right to use it if another business claims it. Not only could this cause issues such as business disruption and contractual issues, but you’ll need to obtain a new DBA name and potentially rebrand.

Business license requirements

To ensure you can re-register for your DBA name, you’ll need a valid business license. For companies not carrying out business in Delaware, but that nonetheless want to file a DBA in the state, they’ll need a special Trade Name Only business license, which comes with a $25 filing fee. You’ll need to renew this license annually, or for three years at triple the cost.

No ongoing DBA renewals

After re-registering your DBA name in Delaware, you won’t need to renew it. Your trade name will remain yours as long as your business license is active; otherwise, it will become available for other companies to claim.

How Corporate Creations can help you

Staying on top of changes to state regulations such as the Delaware DBA registration process, is crucial for your business’s success. Corporate Creations specializes in business compliance services and can support you during periods of regulatory change.

For more information on how we can assist with your Delaware DBA re-registration or any other compliance requirements, contact us and we’ll get back to you promptly.