Registering a Fictitious Name in Pennsylvania
A fictitious name is a name other than your proper legal business 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.
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 state processes the paperwork in one week. It sends back the filed documents in another week.
The filing fee to register is $70. Plus the cost of publishing a legal notice.
States require filing fictitious names. They help inform the public about who owns the company.
Any errors will prolong the process. Publishing takes two weeks.
There are advantages to operating under a DBA. Most importantly, doing so creates separation from liability. When you file a DBA, you can conduct business under another name.
The proposed name must be distinguishable. It cannot match other registered business entities.
Under circumstances, an LLC or corporation may need fictitious names. You would prepare the Registration Application. You submit it to the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Filing a Fictitious Business Name in Missouri
How much does it cost to file a fictitious business name in Missouri?