The filing fee to register a Fictitious Name in Pennsylvania is $70, plus the cost of publishing a legal notice.
What is a Fictitious Name?
A fictitious name is "any assumed or fictitious name, style or designation other than the proper name of the entity using such name." This allows a business to legally operate under an assumed name, also known as Doing Business As (DBA), in the state of Pennsylvania.
Steps for Filing a Fictitious Name
To register a fictitious name in PA, follow these steps:
- Verify Name Availability
- Fill out the Fictitious Name Form
- Publish intent to use the name
- File completed paperwork with the Pennsylvania Department of State
The state processes the paperwork in approximately one week. Any errors will prolong the process by at least several weeks, with an additional two weeks for publishing.
Consequences of Not Registering
Operating with a Fictitious Name without registration can lead to a $500 cost to the Department of State if legal action is taken or needs to be defended.
Additional Information
- How do I fill out a fictitious name application? Obtain the appropriate forms, and provide all required information on them.
- What is the purpose of a fictitious name? The purpose is to inform the public about who actually owns the company.
- What are examples of fictitious names? "Smith Enterprises" DBA "Samantha’s Crafts" is an example where "Samantha’s Crafts" is the trade name used.
- States require filing fictitious business names to help inform the public about who actually owns the company.
Costs and Duration
- The state processes the fictitious name registration forms in approximately one week and sends back the filed documents in another week.
- Publishing takes approximately two weeks.
- The fee for a Fictitious Name in Pennsylvania is around $70-$80, subject to change.
Differences Between Business Names
- A fictitious name is a formal permission from the state to use a name other than your legal business entity name when conducting business.
- A DBA, Assumed name, or Fictitious Business Name refers to a business name that does not include the surname of the owner(s) or the nature of the business is not evident by the name.