How to Change Your LLC Name in Delaware

Changing your LLC name in Delaware requires filing Articles of Amendment with the Delaware Division of Corporations. Whether you’re rebranding your business, expanding into new markets, or simply want a name that better reflects your company’s direction, the process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

When You Might Need to Change Your LLC Name

Business owners change their LLC names for various strategic and practical reasons. You might be expanding your services beyond what your current name suggests, resolving trademark conflicts, or simply rebranding to better connect with your target market.

Common reasons for LLC name changes include:

• Business expansion or pivot requiring a broader name
• Trademark issues or potential conflicts
• Merger with another company
• Marketing rebrand to improve customer appeal
• Professional growth requiring a more formal business name

Step-by-Step Process to Change Your Delaware LLC Name

Step 1: Check New Name Availability

Before filing any paperwork, you must verify that your desired name is available. Delaware requires LLC names to be distinguishable from other registered entities in the state.

You can search Delaware’s business name database online through the Division of Corporations website. Your new name must include “LLC,” “Limited Liability Company,” or an acceptable abbreviation.

If you want to secure your chosen name while preparing your amendment, you can reserve it for 120 days by paying a $75 reservation fee to the Delaware Division of Corporations.

Step 2: Prepare Articles of Amendment

You’ll need to file Articles of Amendment (also called a Certificate of Amendment) with the Delaware Division of Corporations. This document officially changes your LLC’s name in the state records.

The Articles of Amendment must include:

• Your LLC’s current legal name exactly as it appears on state records
• The new name you want to adopt
• The date the amendment takes effect (can be immediate or future-dated)
• Signature of an authorized person (member, manager, or authorized representative)

Step 3: File with the Delaware Division of Corporations

Submit your completed Articles of Amendment along with the $110 filing fee. You can file online, by mail, or in person at the Division of Corporations office in Dover.

Source: Delaware Division of Corporations Fee Schedule, verified March 2026

Delaware offers several processing options:

• Standard processing: 3-5 weeks ($110)
• 24-hour service: Next business day (+$100 expedite fee)
• Same-day service: Same business day (+$200 expedite fee)
• 2-hour service: Within 2 hours (+$500 expedite fee)
• 1-hour service: Within 1 hour (+$1,000 expedite fee)

After Your Name Change Is Approved

Once Delaware approves your Articles of Amendment, your LLC officially has a new name. However, your work isn’t finished. You need to update your name with various government agencies, financial institutions, and business partners.

Update Your Federal Tax ID (EIN)

Contact the IRS to update your LLC’s name on your Employer Identification Number (EIN) records. You’ll need to send a letter to the IRS that includes:

• Your EIN
• Your LLC’s old name
• Your LLC’s new name
• The effective date of the name change
• The reason for the change
• A copy of your approved Articles of Amendment

The IRS will send you Letter 147C confirming the name change on your tax records.

Update Banking and Financial Accounts

Contact all banks, credit unions, and financial institutions where your LLC has accounts. Bring a certified copy of your approved Articles of Amendment and be prepared to update:

• Business checking and savings accounts
• Business credit cards
• Lines of credit
• Merchant services accounts
• Investment accounts

Update Business Licenses and Permits

Review all your business licenses and permits to determine which ones need updating. This typically includes:

• Professional licenses
• Industry-specific permits
• Local business licenses
• Sales tax permits
• Federal and state tax registrations

Contact each issuing agency to understand their specific requirements for name changes.

Update Internal Documents

Revise your LLC’s internal documents to reflect the new name:

• Operating agreement
• Member agreements
• Employment contracts
• Vendor contracts
• Customer agreements

Consider having an attorney review important contracts to ensure the name change doesn’t affect their validity or terms.

Update Marketing Materials and Online Presence

Update all customer-facing materials with your new LLC name:

• Website and domain name
• Business cards and letterhead
• Social media accounts
• Email signatures
• Advertising materials
• Signage

Processing Time and Expedited Options

Standard processing for Delaware LLC name changes takes 3-5 weeks from the date the Division of Corporations receives your completed Articles of Amendment. However, if you need faster processing, Delaware offers multiple expedited options.

The 24-hour service (+$100) is the most commonly used expedited option, providing approval by the next business day. For urgent situations, same-day (+$200), 2-hour (+$500), and 1-hour (+$1,000) services are available.

Cost Summary

Here’s what you can expect to pay for changing your Delaware LLC name:

• Articles of Amendment filing fee: $110
• Expedited processing: +$100 to +$1,000 (optional)
• Name reservation: $75 for 120 days (optional)
• Certified copies: $50 per Certificate of Good Standing

Additional costs may include attorney fees, new marketing materials, updated signage, and potential banking fees for account changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my LLC name online?

Yes, Delaware allows online filing of Articles of Amendment through their Division of Corporations website. You can pay the filing fee and any expedite fees using ACH bank transfer or major credit cards.

Do I need a registered agent for the name change?

Your existing Delaware registered agent remains unchanged when you modify your LLC name. However, you should notify your registered agent service about the name change so they can update their records.

Will changing my LLC name affect my tax obligations?

The name change itself doesn’t alter your Delaware LLC tax obligations, including the annual franchise tax of $300 due June 1st. However, you must update your name with the IRS and any other tax authorities where you’re registered.

How long is my old name protected after the change?

Once you file Articles of Amendment, your old name immediately becomes available for other businesses to use. Delaware doesn’t provide a grace period or protection for your former name.

Can I change back to my old name later?

Yes, you can change back to your previous name by filing new Articles of Amendment, provided the name is still available and not being used by another entity.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.