DBA filing · Pennsylvania

How to File a DBA in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, a DBA is registered at the state level. Register with the Department of State — Bureau of Corporations for $70.

A DBA — short for “doing business as,” also called a fictitious business name, assumed name, or trade name — lets you legally operate under a name that isn't your own legal name or your company's exact registered name. In Pennsylvania, a DBA is registered at the state level.

Here's exactly where and how to register your DBA in Pennsylvania — and what it costs — so your filing is accepted the first time.

How to file a DBA in Pennsylvania

  1. Confirm your name is available. Run a quick pre-check on our name-search tool, then verify it against the official Pennsylvania records so you don't pay to file a name that's taken.
  2. Complete the Pennsylvania filing. Register with the Department of State — Bureau of Corporations. The filing fee is $70.
  3. Handle any extra steps. Registration of Fictitious Name (DSCB:54-311) filed online.
  4. Keep it active. Your registration lasts None — we'll remind you before it lapses.
Where it's filed: State filing — Department of State — Bureau of Corporations.

Two ways to file in Pennsylvania

DBAform is a resource either way — do it yourself with the official link, or let us handle it.

Do it yourself — free

Use the official Pennsylvania link and the details on this page to file it yourself at no charge.

Open the official Pennsylvania filing page →

Done for you — via LegalZoom

Prefer to hand it off? File through LegalZoom, our recommended service (plus the $70 state fee).

File through LegalZoom →

Rather have it done for you?

Don't want to navigate the Department of State — Bureau of Corporations yourself? File through LegalZoom, our recommended filing service — they prepare the paperwork and submit it to the correct office (from $99 plus the $70 state fee). DBAform may earn a commission if you use our link, at no extra cost to you.

Pennsylvania DBA — frequently asked questions

Where do I file a DBA in Pennsylvania? +

In Pennsylvania, a DBA is filed with the Department of State — Bureau of Corporations. This is a state-level filing.

How much does a DBA cost in Pennsylvania? +

Pennsylvania's government filing fee is $70. You can file it yourself and pay only that fee, or file through LegalZoom (from $99 plus the state fee).

Does a DBA in Pennsylvania expire or need to be renewed? +

A Pennsylvania DBA does not expire and needs no renewal.

Does Pennsylvania require newspaper publication for a DBA? +

No. Pennsylvania does not require you to publish a notice of your DBA in a newspaper.

Do I have to file a DBA in Pennsylvania? +

If you operate under any name other than your own legal name (as a sole proprietor) or your business's exact registered name (as an LLC or corporation), Pennsylvania requires you to register it. If you use only your legal name, you generally don't need one.

Is a DBA the same as an LLC in Pennsylvania? +

No. A DBA is only a registered trade name -- it doesn't create a legal entity or protect your personal assets. An LLC does both. Many owners form an LLC and then file a DBA under it.

Other states

Filing in more than one state, or not sure this is the right one? Browse every jurisdiction or jump to a popular state:

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