For decades, registering a "doing business as" or DBA name in Delaware required companies to file paperwork in each relevant county. This process proved cumbersome and inefficient for businesses operating multiple entities or needing broader recognition.
Recent legislative consideration has addressed this complexity through House Bill 177. However, rather than implement immediate changes, Delaware's Department of Revenue announced a significant postponement. The effective date for the new streamlined system is set back to February 2, 2026.
This delay serves an important purpose: it allows state agencies and affected customers time to understand the forthcoming reforms and adapt accordingly. Businesses across the state can use this preparatory period to plan their transition to the simplified process. While having a trade name on file remains crucial for official Delaware business registration, protecting intellectual property requires more than just registering names.
Beginning February 2, 2026, Delaware will accept a single online filing submitted via the official OneStop portal managed by the Division of Revenue (at onestop.delaware.gov). This consolidated approach aims to drastically reduce administrative overhead and streamline trade name management for companies. The information required in this new application mirrors what was previously needed at the county level.
A crucial aspect impacting existing entities is that all currently filed DBAs will expire on June 2, 2025. Businesses must proactively re-register these names under the new system before it becomes mandatory to avoid losing them entirely. This deadline applies regardless of whether a business operates locally or remotely within Delaware.
Failure to complete this necessary re-registration by the specified date may render the name available for others and undermine brand protection efforts. The new system does not reserve names automatically, successful registration is based on a first-come, first-served principle.
To navigate these changes successfully, companies must be prepared to file appropriately before February 2nd. An active Delaware business license remains essential until its phased out in early 2026.
The new system introduces a specific exception: businesses can register trade names through a dedicated "Trade Name Only" business license available for $25. This option is particularly relevant for Delaware limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations not conducting active business transactions within the state, freeing them from traditional county registration requirements.
Even these entities should be aware of associated documentation needs, including providing a Certificate of Good Standing or other specified records. While this new license simplifies filing for non-operating entities in Delaware, it does not eliminate their requirement to file periodic reports if subject to standard active business rules.
This significant change underscores two critical points:
- Adaptability is Key: Relying on outdated registration methods offers no protection against future regulatory shifts.
- Proactive Trademark Monitoring: Regardless of the filing system, vigilance regarding potential name conflicts remains paramount. The window to re-register existing Delaware DBAs closes before this new system begins.
Businesses must ensure their trade names are properly accounted for during the transition period to maintain brand integrity and legal compliance once changes become effective.