Delaware Secretary of State

Corporations and LLC filings are handled by the Delaware Secretary of State, Department of State, Division of Corporations, whose mailing address is P.O. Box 898, Dover, Delaware 19903, and whose physical address is 401 Federal Street, Suite 4, Dover, Delaware 19901.

Department of State, Division of Corporations

Delaware differs from most other states in the emphasis it places upon its relationship with its corporate and legal service providers and registered agents. In its own words, "the Division of Corporations provides this material [on its Web site] as a general guide. Delaware law requires every business entity to maintain a registered agent in Delaware. The Division works closely with the registered agents that provide incorporating services and we encourage the users of this Web page to contact one of the registered agents for additional information." The state prides itself upon "the expertise of Delaware's corporate and legal service providers". As a result of this relationship, it can be more difficult to obtain information with respect to the progress of a corporation or limited liability company filing for the do-it-yourselfer.

For matters not unique to Delaware, but common to many states, see common concerns.

The Division of Corporations advises that it "does not provide corporate status or information directly through the Internet. To access verbal corporate status or information you may choose from the following options: contact our office at 302-739-3073 and select option # 1. Verbal corporate status is available for a $10 charge to your Visa, MasterCard or Discover card; or call 900-555-2677 for verbal corporate status on up to 2 corporations per $10 charge directly to your phone bill... or visit our public terminals at our office at 401 Federal Street in Dover, Delaware at no charge, or purchase direct Web access to Delaware corporate information by contacting an authorized vendor. Some vendors may charge for this service."

Persons dealing with the Division of Corporations should also be aware that, while the forms filed do not specifically require that the registered agent consent to serving in that capacity before filing, "any document that appoints a Registered Agent will not be filed until the Registered Agent agrees to act as such. Please contact your agent for approval prior to filing."