How to File a DBA in Pennsylvania
Registering aDBAknown in Pennsylvania asafictitious name, will establish your business’s branding. DBAs are a simple way to start growing your business.
We’ll show you how to register aPennsylvania DBAbelow.
Or, you can save time and use a trusted DBA service.
Recommended:Register your DBA and establish your brand withLegalZoom. Packages start at $99 (plus state filing fees).
Register a Fictitious Name in Pennsylvania
Registering a Pennsylvania fictitious name, also known as aDBA, is easy!
Step 1. Start with a Pennsylvania Fictitious Name Search
Pennsylvania fictitious names must be unique and must also meet Pennsylvania’s business name requirements.
First, visit thePennsylvania Department of State's Business Name Search websiteand search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.
Next, review the Pennsylvania naming requirements. In Pennsylvania, fictitious names shouldNOTinclude:
- Any business entity suffix, such as LLC, Incorporated, Corp, etc., unless the business is actually an LLC, corporation, etc.
- Any terms given to financial institutions, including: "bank," "banc," "banco," "banque," "banker, "trust company," "savings and loan association," "savings bank," "credit union" or other similar words.
We recommend checking if your name is available as a网络域(URL)。你可能不打算创业website today, but you may want to prevent others from acquiring your URL.
Need Help Creating a Brand Name and Logo?
If you need help coming up with a DBA name, try ourbusiness name generator. Then, create a unique logo for your brand with ourfree logo generator.
Step 2. Register Your Pennsylvania DBA
Your Pennsylvania fictitious name can be filed online or by mail with the Department of State. You can file online with thePENN File websiteor you can complete theRegistration of Fictitious Nameform.
Some important sections of the form include:
- Section 2:Brief description of the business
- Section 4:Names and addresses of individuals interested in the business
- Section 5:Names and addresses of entities (other than individuals) interested in the business
- Section 7:Names of anyone authorized to amend or cancel the registration on behalf of the existing parties
Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
Option 1:File Online With the PENN File Website
- OR -
Option 2:File the Registration of Fictitious Name by Mail or In-Person
Cost:
$70Filing Fee
Mailing Address:
Pennsylvania Department of State
Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
P.O. Box 8722
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722
Manage Your Pennsylvania Fictitious Name
General Questions
Call the Pennsylvania Corporation Bureau: (717) 787-1057
Renew Your Fictitious Name with the State
Your Pennsylvania fictitious name does not need to be renewed.
Change Your Fictitious Name
To make changes to your fictitious name, fileonlineor fill out theAmendment, Withdrawal, Cancellation of Fictitious Name Registrationform. The fee is$70. Mail the downloadable form to the address found below:
Pennsylvania Department of State
Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
P.O. Box 8722
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722
Withdraw Your Fictitious Name
To withdraw or cancel your fictitious name, fileonlineor fill out theAmendment, Withdrawal, Cancellation of Fictitious Name Registrationform. The fee is$70. Mail the downloadable form to the address found below:
Pennsylvania Department of State
Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
P.O. Box 8722
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722
Step 3. Complete Pennsylvania Advertising Requirements
If your business lists individual parties in Box 4 of their Registration of Fictitious Name form, they must publish an advertisement that states their intent to file for a new fictitious name. If your business has NOT listed individual parties on their registration form, you may skip this step.
This advertisement must be placed in two newspapers in the county where your business address is located. These newspapers must be in general circulation and one must be a legal newspaper. If your county has only one newspaper, you only have to publish in that one. The Department of State provides a list ofrecognized county publications.
In your advertisement, you must include the following:
- Your fictitious name
- Your business's principal address
- The names and addresses of any individuals listed in Box 4 of your registration form
- A brief statement saying that you applied for or intend to apply for a Pennsylvania fictitious name
You do not have to send proof of advertising to the state, but you must keep it with your business records.
After Filing Your Pennsylvania DBA
If filing a DBA marks the beginning of your business journey, then there are a few more steps that you should take before getting started:
- Create your Business’s Website- Every business needs awebsite. Luckily, drag-and-drop builders likeGoDaddyandWixmake the job quick and easy. Check out ourBest Website Builderarticle to find the tool that’s best for you.
- Get your Business Finances in Order- You’ll need to separate your business finances from your personal ones. This is accomplished by opening abusiness bank account. If your business has long lead times or other cash flow irregularities, you can also look into abusiness credit card.
- Protect Your Business- While an LLC will help to protect your personal assets in the case of a lawsuit, your business’s assets also need protection. Having the rightbusiness insurancewill ensure that you’re covered if the worst happens. Most businesses start withgeneral liability insuranceas their base coverage.
DBA Pennsylvania FAQ
How many DBAs can I have?
You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. Each one comes with additional incremental expenses and paperwork, meaning more is not necessarily better.
Can a DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?
DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN if an EIN is required.
To learn more about EINs and when you need one for your business, read ourWhat is an EINguide.
Can a DBA become an LLC?
No. An LLC is a businessentity, while a DBA is just anamefor a business.
Sole proprietorshipsare often confused with DBAs, but they are not the same: a sole proprietorship is a business entity, therefore it can choose to become an LLC.
To learn how to form an LLC, visit our金宝搏188是什么公司state guides.
Can a DBA have Inc. in the name?
A DBA can only have Inc. in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.
How do I set up a DBA for a rental property?
Holding a rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection. The best option is to form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. In any case, it is always best to consult an attorney.
When would it be good to get a DBA versus a legal name change?
Getting a DBA is often a better choice than changing your business’s legal name. If you want to rebrand your company or focus on another line of business, filing for a DBA is a simpler process than filing for a legal name change.
Is my DBA protected from being used in other places?
Some state-level laws prevent DBAs that are too similar to existing ones from being used, but this varies from state to state. It is possible totrademark a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.