Delaware LLC Name Search — Step 1 of 8
Before you file a Delaware LLC, choose a name that includes an approved LLC designator and is distinguishable on the Delaware Secretary of State's records. This guide shows the current naming rules, the official availability tools, the optional $75 name reservation, the separate trademark check, and how to turn a good LLC name into a matching web domain.
A Delaware LLC name must contain "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." and be distinguishable on the Secretary of State's records. Delaware offers an official online name-availability tool, and an optional reservation costs $75 for 120 days. State name approval is separate from federal trademark rights and domain-name availability.
- Required designator
- LLC / L.L.C.
- Name search
- Free
- Must be
- Distinguishable
- Reservation
- $75 / 120 days
- Approved when
- Certificate files
- Official check
- Name Availability
- Next step
- Step 2 →
Delaware LLC Naming Rules
Delaware LLC naming rules are set mainly by 6 Del. C. § 18-102. The important rules are straightforward:
- Include the LLC designator — use “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC.”
- Be distinguishable on Delaware's records — the name must be distinguishable from names already reserved or registered on the Secretary of State's records, subject to limited statutory consent rules.
- Some words are expressly allowed — Delaware law says an LLC name may contain words such as “Company,” “Association,” “Foundation,” “Fund,” “Institute,” “Limited,” “Public Benefit,” or “Trust.”
- “Bank” is specially restricted — Delaware law limits use of “bank” or variations of that word, with exceptions for qualifying regulated entities and certain non-misleading contexts.
- Member or manager names are allowed — the LLC name may include the name of a member or manager.
Delaware Name Compliance Checker
Type your proposed name to instantly flag the most common problems before you run the official search:
This LLC School tool checks basic formatting only. It cannot query Delaware's database. Use Delaware's official Name Availability tool for the live state check.
Use Delaware's official availability tool before filingLLC School can flag formatting problems, but Delaware's own system is the source for the live name-availability check. The Division of Corporations also reserves the right to review a name for legal compliance when the filing is submitted.
From LLC Name Idea to Filing-Ready Brand
Six checks that belong in this naming step.
Reserving a Name (Optional)
If you've settled on a name but aren't ready to file — say you're still lining up partners or funding — you can reserve it for 120 days for $75 with the Division of Corporations. Most founders skip this and simply file their Certificate of Formation, since the name is locked in the moment the LLC is approved. Reservation mainly helps when there's a gap between choosing a name and forming.
State approval isn't trademark protectionClearing the Delaware database means no other Delaware entity has your exact name — it does not mean you own the name nationally. Before you invest in branding, search the USPTO trademark database and check domain and social handles so you don't build on a name someone else already owns.
Build a Matching Domain, Then Check It on Hostinger
Your LLC name and domain should work together. Build clean domain options here first, select the one you prefer, then open Hostinger's domain checker.
Important: LLC School generates domain ideas here but does not claim live availability. When you continue, your selected domain is copied automatically and Hostinger's official domain-search page opens. This avoids making you type the domain again; if Hostinger does not auto-fill it, simply paste the copied domain into its search box. Affiliate disclosure: LLC School may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
- ✓Checks your Delaware LLC name as part of the formation process
- ✓Files the Certificate of Formation for founders who want filing help
- ✓1 FREE year of Delaware Registered Agent service
- ✓No upsells · No data selling · Privacy by Default
Disclosure: LLC School may earn a commission through this link, at no extra cost to you. See our Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure.
Official Delaware Sources
These are the primary government sources used to verify the naming rules on this page.
- Delaware Code § 18-102 — LLC naming rules
- Delaware Division of Corporations — Name Reservation
- Delaware — Online Name Availability / Reservation
- Delaware Division of Revenue — Trade Name FAQs
Official sources checked August 2026The LLC designator rule, distinguishability standard, words expressly allowed by § 18-102, special “bank” restriction, $75 / 120-day reservation, and February 2, 2026 statewide DBA transition were checked against current Delaware government sources. Some Delaware government sites may block particular countries, IP addresses, VPNs, or networks.
Delaware LLC Name — FAQ
Ahmad Adil is the founder of LLC School. The Delaware naming rules on this page were rechecked in August 2026 against 6 Del. C. §§ 18-102 and 18-103, Delaware Division of Corporations name-reservation guidance, and Delaware Division of Revenue trade-name guidance. LLC School separates state entity-name availability from federal trademark and domain availability because those are different checks.
About Ahmad Adil → Delaware LLC Overview →