Overview of 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 Process in Pennsylvania
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.
Differences between DBA and Fictitious Business Names
What is the difference between a DBA and a fictitious business name?
Under certain circumstances, an LLC or corporation may need fictitious names.
Is an assumed name certificate same as DBA in Texas?
States require filing fictitious business names because they help inform the public about who actually owns the company.
There are advantages to operating under a DBA instead of 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.