How to Change Your Delaware Business Name

To successfully execute a business name change in Delaware, you'll be required to submit either a Certificate of Amendment for an LLC or a Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation for a corporation. This page is designed to provide guidance on how to prepare and submit your amendment. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, our Amendment Filing Service can take care of the paperwork, leaving you with the freedom to manage your business efficiently.

The subsequent sections of this page will walk you through the step-by-step process of changing your business name in Delaware.

How to Obtain a New Business Name:

‍Before embarking on the journey to change your business name in Delaware, it's crucial to prepare for the completion of a Certificate of Amendment. This involves three key steps:

1.Select a new business name:

Your new business name should align with your business's evolving goals, offering you the flexibility to choose a name that resonates with your vision. However, it must comply with the state's naming requirements, including:

• For LLCs, incorporating "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" in the name.
• Corporations have more naming options but must include words like "association," "company," "corporation," "club," "foundation," "fund," "incorporated," "institute," "society," "union," "syndicate," "limited," or their abbreviations.
• Ensuring your name is distinguishable from other registered Delaware businesses, which involves conducting a comprehensive search for similar business names. Delaware's definition of "distinguishable" is broad, encompassing variations such as plural forms and different keyword arrangements.

To streamline this process, utilize our Business Name Services, where our experts will conduct a name search through the Delaware Division of Corporations and even explore domain name availability. Additionally, if you're not ready to implement your chosen name immediately, you can consider reserving it for up to 120 days.

2.Collect information for your amendment filing:

‍Changing your business name involves amending your initial business formation documents. Therefore, gather the following information from your Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Incorporation:

• Your LLC or corporation's existing name, as stated in your original formation certificate.
• Confirmation that the resolutions were properly adopted by shareholders.
• The specific article within your Certificate of Incorporation that requires amendment (typically Article 1, which certifies the business name).
• The signature of an authorized individual.

If you're submitting a paper form, a cover letter with your personal details and contact information is necessary. Alternatively, online filing generates a cover letter automatically. Be prepared to cover the filing fee, which varies depending on your business's type and size. Updated fee amounts can be found on the Delaware Division of Corporations' website.

3.Submit your Delaware amendment:

‍Once you have all the required information for your amendment form, it's time to submit it to the Division of Corporations. You can choose to file online using the state's electronic Document Upload Service or opt for traditional mail submission. Online payments can be made using American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa cards, while mail submissions require a check payment.

Although the amendment process can be time-consuming, our Amendment Filing Service can save you valuable time by ensuring the completion of your amendment with precision.

After Changing Your Business Name:

‍Upon legally changing your business name, it's essential to update this information with your clientele, suppliers, and relevant agencies. Don't forget to notify:

• Your bank, for your business checking account and loans.
• Third-party suppliers or service providers.
• Your branding and marketing materials, including websites, business cards, and uniforms.

Taking proactive steps to update your new name will prevent confusion and safeguard your liability protections.

We're Here to Assist:

‍Stellar assists entrepreneurs of all backgrounds in understanding their compliance obligations. In addition to guiding you through the process of changing your business name in Delaware, our team of experts offers comprehensive support throughout every stage of your business journey. Explore our Business Formation Services if you're looking to register your business as a new Delaware LLC or Delaware corporation. As your business grows, consider our Worry-Free Compliance Service, designed to store your documents securely on your dashboard and send reminders for crucial compliance deadlines.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. Seek the counsel of a licensed professional for specific questions related to these topics.