How to search Delaware business entities online
Updated August 2026
Quick Answer
Delaware's free entity search is at icis.corp.delaware.gov, run by the Division of Corporations. Search by entity name (wrap it in quotes for an exact match) or file number to see the registered agent and formation date — but not current status, which requires the separate paid service at corp.delaware.gov/onlinestatus. The search covers corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, statutory trusts, and general partnerships registered in Delaware, through the Division of Corporations within the Department of State.
- Go to icis.corp.delaware.gov — Entity Search.
- Search by entity name (use quotes for an exact match) or file number.
- For current status, use the separate paid lookup at corp.delaware.gov/onlinestatus.
Free search does not show entity status
Delaware's free entity search does not display current status — whether an entity is active, void, or dissolved. Checking status requires the paid status service at corp.delaware.gov/onlinestatus ($10 for status only, $20 for detailed information including franchise tax assessment and filing history). Filed documents are also not viewable for free; copies require a Delaware Online Agent or the Division's paid Document Filing and Certificate Request Service.
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 on Federal Street in Dover requires appointments for in-person visits — walk-in service without a scheduled appointment is not available. Book by calling the Division directly; details are at corp.delaware.gov/operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Delaware's free business search show whether a company is active or dissolved?
No. Current status doesn't appear in the free search results — this is the biggest practical difference from most other states. Checking status requires the paid service at corp.delaware.gov/onlinestatus: $10 for status only, or $20 for detailed information including franchise tax assessment and filing history.
Can I view Delaware's filed business documents online for free?
No. Delaware's registry doesn't offer free public document viewing. Getting copies requires either a Delaware Online Agent or the Division's paid Document Filing and Certificate Request Service, which charges $10 for the first page plus $2 per additional page, and $50 more for certification.
Can I walk into Delaware's Division of Corporations without an appointment?
No. The Division's Dover office, on Federal Street, requires a scheduled appointment for any in-person visit — walk-in service isn't available.