Delaware lesson 1 of 6
Name your Delaware LLC
Delaware rejects a Certificate of Formation if the name is not distinguishable from one already on file, so check before you send in the $110 filing.
Required wording
A Delaware LLC name must contain the words Limited Liability Company or an abbreviation such as LLC or L.L.C. Some restricted words, such as bank or trust, need approval from the relevant Delaware regulator before they can be used.
- Acceptable: Brandywine Holdings LLC, Brandywine Holdings L.L.C.
- Not acceptable: a name identical or confusingly similar to one already on file
Checking availability
The Division of Corporations does not offer a free public name-search database the way many states do; entity name availability is typically checked by phone, through a registered agent, or as part of the filing itself. Most filers work through a registered agent service that runs the availability check before submitting the Certificate of Formation.
Because Delaware does not require members or managers on the public filing, your ownership structure stays off the Certificate of Formation entirely. The name is essentially the only identifying detail made public at formation.
🇺🇸 Check United States company name availability
Search the official United States state registry before you file. Opens the government portal in a new tab.
Tip: also confirm the .com domain and matching social handles are free before you commit.
Key takeaways
- End the name with Limited Liability Company, LLC or L.L.C.
- Delaware does not publish a free self-service name database; check availability before filing.
- Member and manager names are not required on the Certificate of Formation.
Official sources
Or let us file your Delaware LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Certificate of Formation, act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team