A Delaware file number is a unique identifier the Delaware Division of Corporations assigns to certain business entities formed in the state. File numbers are used to identify corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other business structures in state records. You must provide your Delaware file number when filing an annual report, paying Delaware's annual franchise tax (the tax that Delaware charges entities formed in the state), or requesting a certificate.
Below, we'll discuss what you need to know about Delaware file numbers, including how to get one, where to find it, and when to use it.
Key takeaways
A Delaware file number is a unique identifier that the Delaware Division of Corporations assigns to business entities after they file formation documents.
You can find your business's Delaware file number on your filed formation documents, in the division's online entity search, and in your annual report and tax filings. Or you can ask your registered agent for the number.
Your Delaware file number identifies your business with the state. You'll typically need the number when filing annual reports, paying Delaware taxes, ordering certified copies, validating certificates, and responding when banks, lenders, or investors ask to verify your company.
What is a Delaware file number?
A Delaware file number is the identifier that the division gives each business entity in its records. The number applies to every business entity that files with the division, including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and statutory trusts. Your file number identifies your business entity in the division's records, and the state uses it to match filings, tax payments, and requests to the right business entity.
Delaware often uses the term "file number" when referring to a Delaware file number. However, you might also see it called a "state file number" or "business entity number" by third parties such as banks. Other terms for a file number include "Delaware state file" or "registration number", and "Delaware corporation file number" is commonly used when describing file numbers for corporations.
When is a Delaware file number assigned?
Your business's Delaware file number is assigned automatically after you submit a new entity filing with the state and the process is complete. This typically happens when you receive your official business formation documents, such as a certificate of formation for an LLC or a certificate of incorporation for a corporation.
You can find the file number on filed documents the state returns to you; they arrive electronically or by mail depending on how you filed. Turnaround times depend on the filing method and the division's workload.
A Delaware file number belongs to the entity rather than its name, and you cannot choose your number or change it. Your file number remains unchanged when you file updates to your entity records, such as a name change.
Where can you find your Delaware file number?
Here's where you can commonly find your Delaware file number:
Business formation documents: The division's filing stamp on your certificate of incorporation or formation shows your file number. Certified copies print the file number on the certification page, next to an SR number and an authentication number.
Online entity search: The division's online entity search lets you perform a no-cost Delaware file number lookup. You can search by entity name, and the results list the file along with your business's formation date, entity kind and type, and registered agent details. However, the search doesn't show whether your business is in good standing with the state.
Annual report and tax filings: Delaware's online tax portal identifies your entity by file number when you file an annual report or pay tax. You can also check records from your past filings to find your file number.
How is a Delaware file number different from an EIN and other business IDs?
A Delaware file number identifies your business entity in Delaware's state records, while an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax ID issued by the IRS that identifies your business for federal tax purposes.
You'll use your Delaware file number for state filings, such as annual reports and franchise tax, and the EIN for federal tax returns, payroll, and business banking. The division doesn't issue or keep records of EINs, and Delaware lets you file an annual report without one.
A Delaware file number also differs from a Delaware business licence. All businesses that operate in Delaware must have a licence issued by the Division of Revenue to operate legally.
|
Business ID number
|
Issued by
|
What it identifies
|
Common uses
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware file number | Delaware Division of Corporations | Your Delaware business entity in Delaware's state records | Annual reports, franchise tax, certificates |
| EIN | IRS | Your business for federal tax purposes | Federal tax returns, payroll, business bank accounts |
| Delaware business licence number | Delaware Division of Revenue | Your licence to conduct business in Delaware | State licensing and licence renewals |
When do you need to provide your Delaware file number?
You'll typically provide your Delaware file number whenever you file, pay, or request records from the division for an existing entity.
Annual reports and franchise tax: Delaware corporations file an annual report and pay franchise tax by 1 March. LLCs, limited partnerships, and general partnerships do not file an annual report, but they must pay an annual tax by 1 June. The state's online portal requests your file number when you file.
Amendments and certificate requests: The division's cover memos for filings and certificate requests require your file number when you submit a request for an existing entity, such as a certificate of amendment or a certified copy of a document.
Certificate validation: To confirm that a Delaware certificate is genuine in the division's online validation tool, you must enter your file number and the authentication number printed on the certificate. You can validate a certificate for one year after the state issues it.
Banks, lenders, and investors: Banks, lenders, and investors might request your file number, a certified copy of your filings, or a certificate of good standing, which confirms your entity is current on its state filings and taxes. Some banks require one of these documents when you apply to open a business account.
What should you do if you can't find your Delaware file number?
If you can't find your file number, try these steps:
Search by your full legal name: Be sure to search by the full legal name used in your filing documents. You can also try adding quotation marks around the name to help find an exact match. The search isn't case sensitive, and it returns active and inactive entities, so you'll need to confirm the entity type and formation date to make sure you have the correct file number.
Ask your registered agent: Delaware requires registered agents to receive official paperwork that includes your file number. These documents are sent to registered agents on behalf of Delaware business entities that aren't physically located in Delaware. If you're unsure what your file number is, you can ask your registered agent to provide it.
Review past filings and formation records: You can find your file number years after establishing your business entity in Delaware by searching formation documents and past filings. Check your certificate of incorporation or formation, correspondence about past annual reports or taxes, and emails from your formation service, attorney, or registered agent.
Contact the division: If you still can't locate the number, contact the Division of Corporations. The division no longer provides entity filing history by phone or live chat, so have your entity's legal name available.
Note that the division warns businesses about deceptive solicitations related to annual reports and taxes and advises treating any correspondence that doesn't come from the state or your registered agent with caution.
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FAQs about Delaware file numbers
The content in this article is for general information and education purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Stripe does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, adequacy, or currency of the information in the article. You should seek the advice of a competent lawyer or accountant licensed to practise in your jurisdiction for advice on your particular situation.