Legal business names aren’t always the catchiest. For example, “Francis Smith, LTD” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue the way “Frank’s Delicious Hotdogs” or “Frank’s Franks” does.
A DBA can provide you with the opportunity to expand your brand by operating under a name that better aligns with your target audience or business goals. Read on to learn more about the process of filing for a DBA in the state of Pennsylvania.
What is a DBA?
A DBA—short for doing business as—is a business name that differs from its proper legal name. For formal business structures such as corporations or limited liability companies (LLCs), the proper name refers to the name listed on the business organizational registration documents filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State. For individuals, sole proprietorships, or general partnerships, the proper name is the legal name of the business owner(s).
Filing for a DBA allows companies to register their secondary name with the state to make the name legal for operating purposes. This transparency helps customers and investors understand with whom they're working.
Once you’ve filed your DBA, you will be able to legally enter into contracts, receive payments, and open business bank accounts or apply for credit using your preferred name. Without official registration of your DBA name, these transactions would be invalid and may even result in penalties.
How to get a DBA in Pennsylvania
You can register for a DBA—usually called a “fictitious name” in the state of Pennsylvania— by following these detailed steps:
Step 1: Confirm availability of your desired name
Before filing, you’ll need to conduct a thorough name search to ensure your desired DBA name is available. You can do this by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of State business search page and entering your desired fictitious name in the search field.
You’ll also need to ensure your desired name conforms to the rules set forth by the state of Pennsylvania:
- Your name can't use words or identifiers that suggest it's a different entity type than it actually is (example: using LLC for a corporation). Words like company and co. are generally ok.
- Your name should not imply that it offers services that it doesn’t actually provide.
- Your business name can only use words implying alignment with regulated professions if it has received proper approval from the associated department or licensing board (examples include medical, legal, banking services).
Step 2: Prepare the registration of fictitious name form
Whether you file online or by mail, you need to complete a registration of fictitious name form. The Pennsylvania Department of State prefers typed submissions, but handwritten forms are acceptable if completed legibly in black ink.
Step 3: File online or by mail to the Department of State
Pennsylvania offers two filing options for fictitious name registration: by mail or online via the Pennsylvania Department of State online filing system.
If you choose to file online, you’ll need to create an account or log in to your existing account, complete the form and upload any supporting documents, and pay the filing fee electronically.
If using a printed form, mail the completed application to:
Pennsylvania Department of State
Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
P.O. Box 8722
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722
The current Pennsylvania fictitious name registration fee is $70 for the standard filing. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing or certified copies.
Step 4: Complete publication requirements
If you're registering a fictitious business name as an individual (sole proprietorship), Pennsylvania law requires you to officially publish this information. This requirement does not apply to corporations, LLCs, or partnerships.
To meet this requirement, you’ll need to advertise the fictitious name in two newspapers of general circulation in the county where your business is or will be located. One of the newspapers must be designated as a legal newspaper. If only one newspaper of general circulation exists in the county, advertisement in that single newspaper is sufficient.
The Pennsylvania Department of State maintains a county-by-county listing of newspapers of general circulation and legal publications to help you locate an appropriate publication for your filing.
Let LegalZoom file your DBA
LegalZoom has helped thousands of Pennsylvania businesses register DBAs without hassle. Our comprehensive service includes:
- Professional guidance through Pennsylvania's specific DBA requirements
- Form preparation and review to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Customer support from knowledgeable representatives familiar with Pennsylvania law
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FAQs about Pennsylvania DBAs
How much does it cost to file a DBA in Pennsylvania?
The basic filing fee for standard DBA processing is $70. However, your costs will be greater if you are required to fulfill a publication requirement or if you elect for expedited processing.
Costs for expedited processing of documents through the Pennsylvania Department of State ranges from $100 to $1,000. Publication fees vary depending on the publication, but typically fall around the $100 to $500 mark.
How long does it take to get a DBA in Pennsylvania?
Standard processing time for business related documents in Pennsylvania is 3–5 business days. However, expedited processing can speed up the processing time to same-day or even one hour.
How long does a Pennsylvania DBA last?
Pennsylvania fictitious name registrations remain valid indefinitely as long as the business continues operating under that name. Unlike some states, Pennsylvania does not require periodic renewals or annual filings for DBAs. However, if you stop using the fictitious name or cease business operations, you should formally withdraw the registration by filing appropriate paperwork with the Department of State.
How do I change or cancel my Pennsylvania DBA?
To change your DBA, you’ll need to fill out paperwork with several agencies, including the Pennsylvania Department of State, Department of Revenue, and Department of Labor and Industry. The exact process will differ depending on your entity type.
To cancel a DBA, file a withdrawal or cancellation form with the Department of State and pay the required $70 fee. This formally removes the fictitious name registration from state records. Cancellation is recommended when you stop using the name or cease business operations.
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