This page helps users complete a Business Entity Search in Delaware and understand the main official options for finding entity details, checking status, and requesting records.
The Delaware Division of Corporations Entity Search is the main public search tool for retrieving basic information about Delaware entities. Separate Division services handle paid status checks, certificates, copies, and filing requests.
Delaware Division of Corporations Entity Search
Use the search for a Delaware business entity tool to look up entities by name or file number. Search results can include both active and inactive entities, so a result listing does not by itself confirm the current status of the entity.
Have one of these details ready before using the search:
- Entity name
- File number
For an exact name search, use quotation marks around the name. The search field is not case sensitive.
- Open the Delaware Division of Corporations Entity Search.
- Enter the entity name or file number.
- Review the returned names.
- Select the entity name to open the information page.
Search limit: The Division of Corporations prohibits mining data and excessive repeated searches that negatively affect its systems or customer experience.
Information available from the free search
The free entity information page provides general business entity details from the Division of Corporations database. The information is real time and reflects the database as of the date of the search.
- Entity name
- File number
- Incorporation or formation date
- Registered agent name
- Registered agent address
- Registered agent phone number
- Registered agent residency
Additional information, certificates, and copies of filed documents require a separate request or paid service.
Entity status and certified records
The Division of Corporations offers separate options for checking status and ordering official records. Online status results do not generate an official certificate of good standing.
The following options are supported by Division of Corporations services:
| Option | What it provides | Fee or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Online status | Current entity status that can be printed or emailed | $10 |
| Online status with tax and history information | Status, the last 5 filings, franchise tax assessment, total authorized shares if applicable, and tax due | $20 |
| Short form Certificate of Status | Entity name and status when issued | $50 |
| Long Form Certificate of Good Standing | Filed documents, filing dates and times, name changes, and status when issued | $175 |
Use the Division’s check entity status service for paid online status options. Use the Document Filing and Certificate Request Service information when you need to submit a certificate request, copy request, or business entity filing.
Copies, certificates, and filing requests
The Document Filing and Certificate Request Service is for electronically submitting business entity filings or certificate and document requests. It does not provide direct online filing or direct retrieval of business entity documents and certificates, and it does not calculate fees.
Requests for certifications or copies should clearly state the document or information requested, including dates when a specific filing is needed. Payment is required before processing. Credit card payments must be made through the Document Filing and Certificate Request Service. Checks must be payable to the Delaware Secretary of State and drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. funds.
The service is available Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. and Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. It is not available on weekends, state holidays, or during unexpected Division closures.
Name availability and registered agents
A business entity search is different from a name availability search. For a possible new Delaware entity, the Division provides a separate check entity name availability tool.
Every entity formed or incorporated in Delaware must be represented by a Registered Agent located in Delaware. The registered agent must have a physical street address in Delaware.
Name reservation is not required to form an entity, but it holds a name for 120 days. The online name reservation fee is $75.00, and transactions submitted through that site are non-refundable.
Division of Corporations contact information
Contact the Delaware Division of Corporations for help with business entity information, status questions, filing requests, certificates, copies, and related services.
- Delaware Division of Corporations — General Information: (302) 739-3073 option 2
- Delaware Division of Corporations — Franchise Tax: (302) 739-3073 option 3
- Delaware Division of Corporations — Uniform Commercial Code: (302) 739-3073 option 4
- Delaware Division of Corporations — Service of Process: (302) 739-3073 option 5
- Delaware Division of Corporations — All other inquiries: (302) 739-3073 option 0
- Express Mail Division of Corporations, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal Street, Suite 4, Dover, DE 19901
- Regular Mail Division of Corporations, PO Box 898, Dover, DE 19903
Common questions
Where do I search for a Delaware business entity?
Use the Delaware Division of Corporations business entity search to look up an entity by name or file number.
Does the free entity search show whether a business is currently active?
The search results may return both active and inactive entities. The returned list is not an indication of current status, so use the Division’s paid online status option when you need a status check.
Can I get an official certificate of good standing from the online status result?
No. Online status does not generate an official certificate of good standing. Request an official Certificate of Status or Certificate of Good Standing through the Division of Corporations request process.
Does the $20 status option show document images?
No. The $20 option lists status, recent filing history, franchise tax assessment, total authorized shares if applicable, and tax due, but it does not return actual document images.
Can I get officer or director names through the online status application?
Officer and director names and addresses are maintained on annual report images and are not available through the online status application.