How to look up Delaware business entity information

All Delaware business entity information, including entity name, type, number, and formation date, is available through the Delaware Division of Corporations business search portal. This free online database provides immediate access to the key details you need for onboarding, compliance, or business transactions.

Below, we'll walk you through exactly how to search the Delaware database, where to find each piece of information, and what format each data point takes in Delaware's system.

Summary table: Finding your Delaware entity information

How to search for Delaware business entities

Navigate to the Delaware Division of Corporations portal and enter your business name in the search field. Results appear immediately with all entity details accessible. Delaware's search accepts partial matches (searching "Coastal" returns "Coastal Capital Partners LP" and similar entities), but it’s generally advisable to input the name exactly as registered, for precise results.

Delaware displays up to 50 results per page and includes both active and inactive entities in search results. Click the entity name hyperlink to view complete details, including file number, formation date, and current status.

What you'll see in search results

Delaware search results immediately display essential information:

• Legal entity name (exact spelling and punctuation)
• Entity type (LLC, Corporation, LP, LLP, etc.)
• File Number (Delaware's unique identifier)
• Formation/incorporation date
• Current status (Active, Void, Forfeited, Cancelled, Dissolved)

How to find your entity number in Delaware

Your Delaware entity number (officially called your "File Number") follows the format 1234567 and was assigned by the Delaware Division of Corporations when your entity was formed.

Where to locate your Delaware entity number

1. Delaware business search (fastest method)

• Located: Left column of search results as a blue hyperlink
• Labeled as: "File Number"
• Format: 7-digit number (e.g., 5432109)

2. Certificate of Formation/Incorporation

• Usually at the top of the document
• May be labeled as "File Number" or "Document Number"
• Stamped with the Delaware Division of Corporations seal

3. Annual tax confirmations and state correspondence

• Appears on all official Delaware Division of Corporations documents
• Used as your account identifier for franchise tax filings

Delaware entity number format

Format: 7 digits

• Example: 1234567
• Pattern note: Numbers are assigned sequentially, so newer entities have higher numbers

How to find your entity type in Delaware

Delaware recognizes multiple business entity types, listed exactly as shown in your business search results and formation documents.

Where to find your Delaware entity type

1. Delaware business search (most accessible)

• Displayed: Prominently in search results and on entity detail page
• Listed as: "Entity Type" or "Classification"
• Shows formal designation (Limited Liability Company, Corporation, Limited Partnership, etc.)

2. Certificate of Formation/Incorporation

• At the top of your formation document
• States the complete entity type (e.g., "Certificate of Formation of a Limited Liability Company")

3. Annual reports (corporations only)

• Listed in entity information section for corporations
• Cannot be changed without formal amendment filing

How to find your formation date in Delaware

Your formation date (when the Delaware Division of Corporations officially filed and approved your business entity) appears in Delaware business search results and on your Certificate of Formation.

Where your Delaware formation date appears

1. Delaware business search (easiest access)

• Listed as: "Incorporation Date" or "Formation Date"
• Location: Entity details page after clicking the entity name
• Format: MM/DD/YYYY

2. Certificate of Formation/Incorporation

• Filing date is typically shown, often as a time-stamp or date-stamp (usually in a corner)
• Usually includes the Delaware Division of Corporations filing stamp or seal

3. Annual tax confirmations (for LLCs/LPs/GPs)

• References may appear on annual tax payment confirmations
• Corporation annual reports reference the original filing date

Formation date vs. effective date

Delaware allows businesses to specify a future effective date when filing, creating two different dates:

• Formation date (file date): When the Delaware Division of Corporations processed your paperwork
• Effective date: When your entity officially began operations (if you specified a later date)

For most Delaware entities, these dates are identical, but always verify which date you need for specific compliance requirements.

Onboard your entity to Discern in minutes

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