On February 7th, 2025, Delaware enacted House Bill No. 40, amending various legal provisions related to the registration of trade names (also known as “Doing Business As” or “DBA”). These amendments will become effective on June 2nd, 2025. As of this date, all entities currently holding a registered trade name in Delaware will be required to re-register it in accordance with the newly established procedure.
Key Aspects of the Amendment
1.- Implementation of a Statewide Online Registration System. Effective June 2nd, 2025, all trade name registrations must be filed exclusively through the Delaware Division of Revenue’s “One Stop” online portal available at: https://onestop.delaware.gov/. This new procedure eliminates both physical filings and the previous notarization requirement.
2.- Mandatory Re-registration and Initial Fee Waiver Period. All entities currently holding a Delaware trade name registration must mandatorily re-register them. Between June 2 and August 1st, 2025, this re-registration will be exempt from filing fees. Beginning August 2nd, 2025, a mandatory registration fee of $25 USD per registered trade name will apply.
3.- Trade Name Allocation Based on First-to-File Principle. Trade names will be assigned strictly based on the chronological order in which applications are received. Therefore, affected entities are advised to proceed promptly with re-registration to secure continued use of their current trade names.
4.- Special License Requirement for Entities without Active Delaware Operations. Entities incorporated in Delaware but not actively conducting business within the state must first obtain a special license known as a “Trade Name Only” license. This license will entail an initial fee of $25 USD and an annual renewal fee of $25 USD.
Additional Considerations
Affected entities are advised to take timely action to ensure compliance with the new provisions before August 1st, 2025, to prevent potential issues arising from loss or duplication of trade names.
For any specific query or advice related to this amendment, we remain at your disposal.
