Delaware

Delaware LLC Naming Rules

Complete 2026 guide to Delaware LLC naming requirements — required designators, forbidden and restricted words, uniqueness rules, and how to check availability before filing.

Required Designators in Delaware

Your Delaware LLC name must end with one of these official designators:

LLC

L.L.C.

Limited Liability Company

Forbidden and Regulated Words

Cannot use without state regulatory approval:

Bank, Banking (requires DE Department of Banking approval)
Insurance (requires DE Insurance Commissioner approval)
Trust (requires Delaware banking regulator approval)

Restricted Words (Require Licensing Board Approval)

Attorney, Counsel — verify with DE Supreme Court
University, Academy — requires Department of Education approval

Uniqueness Requirement in Delaware

Must be distinguishable from existing Delaware entities on DE Division of Corporations records.

Delaware-Specific Naming Rules

Name reservation available for $75, holds for 120 days
Delaware allows 'LLC' without periods (most flexible)
Name can contain any letter, Arabic numeral, or standard punctuation

Check Delaware LLC name availability — free

Run a free check against Delaware's business database plus USPTO federal trademarks in one search.

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FAQ

What must my Delaware LLC name include?

Your Delaware LLC name must include one of the following designators: LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company. Most common: simply appending 'LLC' at the end (e.g., 'Acme Ventures LLC').

How do I check if a Delaware LLC name is available?

Search the Delaware Secretary of State's business name database online (most states offer free search). Also run a USPTO trademark search for federal conflicts and a .com domain check. FormifyAI's free name-search tool checks both state availability and trademark conflicts.

What words can't I use in my Delaware LLC name?

Delaware restricts or forbids: Bank, Banking (requires DE Department of Banking approval); Insurance (requires DE Insurance Commissioner approval). These typically require approval from specific state regulatory boards (e.g., insurance commissioner, banking regulator) before use.

Can I use a similar name to an existing Delaware business?

No. Must be distinguishable from existing Delaware entities on DE Division of Corporations records. "Distinguishable" typically means the names must differ in more than just punctuation, spacing, or articles ('The', 'An', 'A'). Even if the state accepts the filing, you could face trademark lawsuits from the existing business.

Can I reserve a Delaware LLC name before filing?

Name reservation available for $75, holds for 120 days

What if my preferred Delaware LLC name is taken?

Options: (1) Modify the name slightly to make it distinguishable. (2) File under a different legal name and operate as a DBA (fictitious business name). (3) Purchase the existing LLC if it's dormant. (4) Wait for administrative dissolution if the existing LLC is non-compliant. FormifyAI's LLC name generator can suggest 20+ alternatives in seconds.

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