Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a name?

A Delaware entity may not use a corporate name that is already in use by an entity in Delaware or one that closely resembles one already in use. You can contact the Delaware Secretary of State’s office here to check the availability of a specific corporate name and to reserve such name (for a fee), for a limited period of time, on a renewable basis.

The entity name for a Delaware corporation must contain one of the words “association,” “company,” “corporation,” “club,” “foundation,” “fund,” “incorporated,” “institute,” “society,” “union,” “syndicate,” or “limited,” (or abbreviations thereof, with or without punctuation), or words (or abbreviations thereof, with or without punctuation) of like import of foreign countries or jurisdictions (provided they are written in roman characters or letters).

Under Delaware law, an LLC name must contain the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.” or “LLC.” In addition, the name can contain the names of members, or the words “club,” “foundation,” “fund,” “institute,” “society,” “union,” “syndicate,” or “trust.”