How to search Delaware business entities online

Delaware's business entity search is at icis.corp.delaware.gov — Entity Search, operated by the Delaware Division of Corporations within the Department of State. The search covers corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, statutory trusts, and general partnerships registered in Delaware.

The free search and its limits

Searching by entity name or file number is free and requires no account. Results show the entity name, file number, formation date, registered agent name and address, and entity kind (corporation, LLC, LP, etc.).

Current status — whether the entity is active, void, dissolved, or in another state — does not appear in the free search results. This is the most important practical difference from most other state registries. If status matters (as it usually does for due diligence or contract review), use the paid status service at corp.delaware.gov/onlinestatus: $10 for status only, or $20 for detailed information including current franchise tax assessment and filing history.

Searching by name

Name searches are not case-sensitive. To narrow results to a precise name, wrap it in quotation marks — for example, "Smith Holdings LLC" — which changes the search from a broad contains-style match to an exact-match lookup. The Division explicitly prohibits data mining and automated search tools; repeated high-volume queries can result in access suspension.

Searching by file number

Every Delaware entity receives a file number assigned by the Division at the time of formation. Searching by file number returns a single, exact record. No prefixes need to be stripped.

Accessing filed documents

Filed documents are not publicly viewable at no charge — Delaware's registry is more restrictive than most states in this regard. Obtaining copies requires either using a Delaware Online Agent listed at corp.delaware.gov/remoteagts-2 or submitting a request through the Division's Document Filing and Certificate Request Service at icis.corp.delaware.gov/ecorp2.

The Document Request Service operates Monday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., and Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (closed state holidays). Payment is by credit card or ACH — the card is not charged at submission but when the order is processed. Copy fees: $10 for the first page plus $2 per additional page; certified copies add $50 per document. Filing history is no longer available by phone or live chat — the paid online tools are the only route.

In-person visits by appointment only

The Division's office at 401 Federal Street in Dover requires appointments for in-person visits. Walk-in service has not been available since July 2021. Book at corp.delaware.gov/operations.

This guide is informational only and is not affiliated with the Delaware Division of Corporations. Verify current procedures at corp.delaware.gov. Source: Delaware Division of Corporations, Department of State, verified May 2026.