Is a DBA a Fictitious Name? Understanding Fictitious Business Names

A fictitious name is a name other than your proper legal business entity name that you formally get permission from the state to use when conducting business. You may also see a fictitious business name referred to as Doing Business As (DBA), Assumed name.

Registration and Costs

To register a PA fictitious name, you would start by preparing the Application for Registration of Fictitious Name that you will submit to the Pennsylvania Department of State. The proposed fictitious name must be distinguishable from the names of all other registered business entities.

  • The filing fee to register a Fictitious Name in Pennsylvania is $70.
  • Plus the cost of publishing a legal notice.

The state processes the paperwork in approximately one week and sends back the filed documents in another week. Any errors will prolong the process. Publishing takes approximately two weeks.

Importance and Advantages

States require filing fictitious business names because they help inform the public about who actually owns the company. Under certain circumstances, an LLC or corporation may need fictitious names.

There are advantages to operating under a DBA instead of your original name. Most importantly, doing so will create separation from liability. When you file a DBA, you can conduct business under a name other than officially listed.

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