Filing Guide

Pennsylvania · checked 2026-09-02 · Source-backed guide

Pennsylvania fictitious name filing guide

All covered entity types

Authority and fee for this entity route. Choose your entity below before filing.

Authority: PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONSSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptPENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS  Return document by mail to:
Official fee: $70Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptFictitious NameFeeRegistration$70Each ancillary transaction$70
Form: Registration of Fictitious Name form [DSCB:54-311]Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptAny entity (including an individual/sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, association or other combination or group of persons) which conduct(s) any business in Pennsylvania under an assumed or fictitious name must register the fictitious name by filing a Registration of Fictitious Name form [DSCB:54-311].

Read official guidance →Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved

Supporting excerptOfficial destination title: Fictitious Names | Department of State | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

What Pennsylvania calls a DBA

The official term documented here is fictitious name.

Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptfictitious name

Pennsylvania's official term for a DBA is a fictitious name: any assumed name, style, or designation other than the proper name of the individual or entity using it, and the term expressly includes a name assumed by a general partnership.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • fictitious name
Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
  • (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.
  • (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any: (i) Nonprofit or professional activities. (ii) Activities which are expressly or impliedly prohibited by law from being carried on under a fictitious name. (iii) (Deleted by amendment). (iv) Unincorporated association. (v) (Deleted by amendment). (vi) (Deleted by amendment). (vii) (Deleted by amendment). (viii) (Deleted by amendment).

The filing is governed by the Fictitious Names Act of 1982, 54 Pa.C.S. §§ 301 et seq., and all fictitious name registrations go to one place — the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • fictitious name
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS  Return document by mail to:
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Fictitious Names | Department of State | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
  • (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.
  • (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any: (i) Nonprofit or professional activities. (ii) Activities which are expressly or impliedly prohibited by law from being carried on under a fictitious name. (iii) (Deleted by amendment). (iv) Unincorporated association. (v) (Deleted by amendment). (vi) (Deleted by amendment). (vii) (Deleted by amendment). (viii) (Deleted by amendment).

Unlike states that split filings between a state office and county clerks, Pennsylvania abolished county-level fictitious name filings in the early 1980s; the Department states that fictitious names have not been filed at the county seat since then.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • fictitious name
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS  Return document by mail to:
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Fictitious Names | Department of State | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations P.O. Box 8722 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722 Courier or personal delivery address for business association documents is: Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations 401 North Street, Room 206 Harrisburg, PA 17120 The Bureau’s telephone lines are available from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customer Service phone numbers are: 717-787-1057 800-732-0999 888-659-9962

The statute requires registration when an entity conducts business under a fictitious name, subject to its listed exceptions. Those include nonprofit or professional activities, activities that cannot lawfully use a fictitious name, and unincorporated associations.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
  • (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.
  • (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any: (i) Nonprofit or professional activities. (ii) Activities which are expressly or impliedly prohibited by law from being carried on under a fictitious name. (iii) (Deleted by amendment). (iv) Unincorporated association. (v) (Deleted by amendment). (vi) (Deleted by amendment). (vii) (Deleted by amendment). (viii) (Deleted by amendment).

The registration is a public-notice filing only: the Department stresses that it creates no exclusive right to the name, is not a trademark, and provides no liability protection.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS  Return document by mail to:
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Fictitious Names | Department of State | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Source: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
  • In 54 Pa.C.S. § 311(g) (relating to registration) it is provided that an entity which includes an individual party is required to officially publish in the county in which the principal office or place of business of the entity is or, in the case of a proposed entity, is to be located notice of its intention to file or the filing of an application for registration of a fictitious name.
  • The notice may appear prior to or after the day upon which the application is filed in the Department
  • The notice shall be published one time in the appropriate newspaper. 'Officially publish' means publish in two newspapers in the English language in the proper county, one of which shall be the legal newspaper, if any, designated by the rules of court for the publication of legal notices or, if there is no legal newspaper, in two newspapers of general circulation in the county. When there is only one newspaper of general circulation in a county, advertisement in that newspaper is sufficient.
  • The proofs referred to in this subsection may not be submitted to, and will not be received and filed by, the Department, but shall be kept with the permanent records of the business
  • If the registering entity is one which includes an individual party, officially publish a notice as required by § 17.208 (relating to official advertising of fictitious names involving individual parties), either prior to or after the application is submitted to the Department. Proofs of publication may not be submitted to the Department.
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • If the registration does not list an individual, then advertising is not required.

Failing to register does not void contracts, but an unregistered entity cannot use Pennsylvania courts to enforce a contract made under the fictitious name until it registers, and the court may impose a $500 penalty.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • fictitious name
Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
  • (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.
  • (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any: (i) Nonprofit or professional activities. (ii) Activities which are expressly or impliedly prohibited by law from being carried on under a fictitious name. (iii) (Deleted by amendment). (iv) Unincorporated association. (v) (Deleted by amendment). (vi) (Deleted by amendment). (vii) (Deleted by amendment). (viii) (Deleted by amendment).

One distinctive feature: registrations that name an individual as a party carry a newspaper advertising requirement.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
  • In 54 Pa.C.S. § 311(g) (relating to registration) it is provided that an entity which includes an individual party is required to officially publish in the county in which the principal office or place of business of the entity is or, in the case of a proposed entity, is to be located notice of its intention to file or the filing of an application for registration of a fictitious name.
  • The notice may appear prior to or after the day upon which the application is filed in the Department
  • The notice shall be published one time in the appropriate newspaper. 'Officially publish' means publish in two newspapers in the English language in the proper county, one of which shall be the legal newspaper, if any, designated by the rules of court for the publication of legal notices or, if there is no legal newspaper, in two newspapers of general circulation in the county. When there is only one newspaper of general circulation in a county, advertisement in that newspaper is sufficient.
  • The proofs referred to in this subsection may not be submitted to, and will not be received and filed by, the Department, but shall be kept with the permanent records of the business
  • If the registering entity is one which includes an individual party, officially publish a notice as required by § 17.208 (relating to official advertising of fictitious names involving individual parties), either prior to or after the application is submitted to the Department. Proofs of publication may not be submitted to the Department.
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • If the registration does not list an individual, then advertising is not required.

Rules by legal entity type

Jump to the entity that already exists. Each section keeps its own authority, fee, exceptions, and official evidence.

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All covered entity types

Required: Yes, when the documented conditions apply.Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptAny entity (including an individual/sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, association or other combination or group of persons) which conduct(s) any business in Pennsylvania under an assumed or fictitious name must register the fictitious name by filing a Registration of Fictitious Name form \[DSCB:54-311\].
Authority: PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONSSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptPENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS  Return document by mail to:
When this route applies: (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
Supporting excerpt(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.
Official form: Registration of Fictitious Name form [DSCB:54-311]Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptAny entity (including an individual/sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, association or other combination or group of persons) which conduct(s) any business in Pennsylvania under an assumed or fictitious name must register the fictitious name by filing a Registration of Fictitious Name form [DSCB:54-311].
Form destination: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dos/programs/business/forms/offsite-forms/54-311-App-for-Reg-of-Fict-Name.pdfSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptOfficial destination returned 200 for the cited document URL.
Online filing link: Could not be confirmed because the official source blocked access.
Official fee: $70Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptFictitious NameFeeRegistration$70Each ancillary transaction$70
Effective duration: Not confirmed in this guide.
Renewal: Filing types that are not required to make Annual Reports are: fictitious names, general partnerships that are not limited liability partnerships, authorities (all subtypes), name reservations, land banks, financial institutions and credit unions, name registrations, trademarks, insignias and marks used with articles and supplies.Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptFiling types that are not required to make Annual Reports are: fictitious names, general partnerships that are not limited liability partnerships, authorities (all subtypes), name reservations, land banks, financial institutions and credit unions, name registrations, trademarks, insignias and marks used with articles and supplies.
Changes or amendments: (a) General rule.-- A fictitious name registration under this chapter may be amended by filing in the department an application for amendment of fictitious name registration, which shall be executed as provided in subsection (b), and shall set forth: (1) The fictitious name as theretofore registered. (2) An identification of the last preceding filing in the department with respect to the fictitious name. (3) The amendment, which may change the fictitious name, add or withdraw or reflect a change in name of a party to the registration, or otherwise revise the filing, and which shall revise any information set forth in preceding filings which has become inaccurate, and which shall restate in full all such information as so revised. (4) A statement that the amendment, without reference to any preceding filing, sets forth all information with respect to the fictitious name which would be required in an original filing under the Fictitious Names Act. (5) Such other information necessary to the administration of this chapter as the department may specify by regulation.Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
Supporting excerpt(a) General rule.-- A fictitious name registration under this chapter may be amended by filing in the department an application for amendment of fictitious name registration, which shall be executed as provided in subsection (b), and shall set forth: (1) The fictitious name as theretofore registered. (2) An identification of the last preceding filing in the department with respect to the fictitious name. (3) The amendment, which may change the fictitious name, add or withdraw or reflect a change in name of a party to the registration, or otherwise revise the filing, and which shall revise any information set forth in preceding filings which has become inaccurate, and which shall restate in full all such information as so revised. (4) A statement that the amendment, without reference to any preceding filing, sets forth all information with respect to the fictitious name which would be required in an original filing under the Fictitious Names Act. (5) Such other information necessary to the administration of this chapter as the department may specify by regulation.
Abandonment or cancellation: (a) General rule.-- A fictitious name registration under this chapter may be cancelled, or a party to such a registration may withdraw therefrom, by filing in the department an application for cancellation of fictitious name registration or an application for withdrawal from fictitious name registration, as the case may be, which shall be executed as provided in subsection (b), and shall set forth: (1) The fictitious name as theretofore registered. (2) An identification of the last preceding filing in the department with respect to the fictitious name. (3) A statement that the fictitious name registration is cancelled, or that one or more, but less than all, parties to the registration have withdrawn from the business or other activity carried on, under or through the fictitious name. (4) Such other information necessary to the administration of this chapter as the department may specify by regulation. (b) Execution.-- An application under this section may be executed in the same manner as an application for amendment of fictitious name registration except that an application for withdrawal from fictitious name registration may be executed solely by the withdrawing party.Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
Supporting excerpt(a) General rule.-- A fictitious name registration under this chapter may be cancelled, or a party to such a registration may withdraw therefrom, by filing in the department an application for cancellation of fictitious name registration or an application for withdrawal from fictitious name registration, as the case may be, which shall be executed as provided in subsection (b), and shall set forth: (1) The fictitious name as theretofore registered. (2) An identification of the last preceding filing in the department with respect to the fictitious name. (3) A statement that the fictitious name registration is cancelled, or that one or more, but less than all, parties to the registration have withdrawn from the business or other activity carried on, under or through the fictitious name. (4) Such other information necessary to the administration of this chapter as the department may specify by regulation. (b) Execution.-- An application under this section may be executed in the same manner as an application for amendment of fictitious name registration except that an application for withdrawal from fictitious name registration may be executed solely by the withdrawing party.
Important exclusions: (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any: (i) Nonprofit or professional activities. (ii) Activities which are expressly or impliedly prohibited by law from being carried on under a fictitious name. (iii) (Deleted by amendment). (iv) Unincorporated association. (v) (Deleted by amendment). (vi) (Deleted by amendment). (vii) (Deleted by amendment). (viii) (Deleted by amendment).Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
Supporting excerpt(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any: (i) Nonprofit or professional activities. (ii) Activities which are expressly or impliedly prohibited by law from being carried on under a fictitious name. (iii) (Deleted by amendment). (iv) Unincorporated association. (v) (Deleted by amendment). (vi) (Deleted by amendment). (vii) (Deleted by amendment). (viii) (Deleted by amendment).
Mail filing: Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations P.O. Box 8722 Harrisburg PA 17105-8722Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptFilings may be submitted to the Bureau by mail, in person, and electronically. The Bureau highly encourages electronic filings, available through the Business Filing Services (BFS) portal found at file.dos.pa.gov. BFS is available 24 hours a day. There are over 90 different business entity filing forms available on BFS. Customers must complete a one-time registration to set up a username and password. Payment must be made by credit card when filing electronically. Filings are processed using the date that they are received by the Department. All documents received in the Bureau are processed in order of date received, with the sole exception of expedited services. Association filings submitted by mail should be sent to the following address: Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations P.O. Box 8722 Harrisburg PA 17105-8722
In-person filing: Courier or personal delivery address for business association documents is: Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations 401 North Street, Room 206 Harrisburg, PA 17120Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptDepartment of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations P.O. Box 8722 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722 Courier or personal delivery address for business association documents is: Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations 401 North Street, Room 206 Harrisburg, PA 17120 The Bureau’s telephone lines are available from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customer Service phone numbers are: 717-787-1057 800-732-0999 888-659-9962

How to file through the authority

The registration form is DSCB:54-311, the Application for Registration of Fictitious Name, published by the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations with full instructions.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • fictitious name
  • If the registration does not list an individual, then advertising is not required.
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Any entity (including an individual/sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, association or other combination or group of persons) which conduct(s) any business in Pennsylvania under an assumed or fictitious name must register the fictitious name by filing a Registration of Fictitious Name form [DSCB:54-311].
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination returned 200 for the cited document URL.
Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
  • (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.
  • (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any: (i) Nonprofit or professional activities. (ii) Activities which are expressly or impliedly prohibited by law from being carried on under a fictitious name. (iii) (Deleted by amendment). (iv) Unincorporated association. (v) (Deleted by amendment). (vi) (Deleted by amendment). (vii) (Deleted by amendment). (viii) (Deleted by amendment).
Source: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
  • In 54 Pa.C.S. § 311(g) (relating to registration) it is provided that an entity which includes an individual party is required to officially publish in the county in which the principal office or place of business of the entity is or, in the case of a proposed entity, is to be located notice of its intention to file or the filing of an application for registration of a fictitious name.
  • The notice may appear prior to or after the day upon which the application is filed in the Department
  • The notice shall be published one time in the appropriate newspaper. 'Officially publish' means publish in two newspapers in the English language in the proper county, one of which shall be the legal newspaper, if any, designated by the rules of court for the publication of legal notices or, if there is no legal newspaper, in two newspapers of general circulation in the county. When there is only one newspaper of general circulation in a county, advertisement in that newspaper is sufficient.
  • The proofs referred to in this subsection may not be submitted to, and will not be received and filed by, the Department, but shall be kept with the permanent records of the business
  • If the registering entity is one which includes an individual party, officially publish a notice as required by § 17.208 (relating to official advertising of fictitious names involving individual parties), either prior to or after the application is submitted to the Department. Proofs of publication may not be submitted to the Department.

The application must state the fictitious name, a brief description of the character or nature of the business to be carried on under it, the street address of the principal place of business (a post office box alone is not acceptable), and the name and address of each individual or entity interested in the business.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • fictitious name
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS  Return document by mail to:
  • Official destination returned 200 for the cited document URL.
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Fictitious Names | Department of State | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • Any entity (including an individual/sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, association or other combination or group of persons) which conduct(s) any business in Pennsylvania under an assumed or fictitious name must register the fictitious name by filing a Registration of Fictitious Name form [DSCB:54-311].
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations P.O. Box 8722 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722 Courier or personal delivery address for business association documents is: Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations 401 North Street, Room 206 Harrisburg, PA 17120 The Bureau’s telephone lines are available from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customer Service phone numbers are: 717-787-1057 800-732-0999 888-659-9962
Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
  • (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.
  • (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any: (i) Nonprofit or professional activities. (ii) Activities which are expressly or impliedly prohibited by law from being carried on under a fictitious name. (iii) (Deleted by amendment). (iv) Unincorporated association. (v) (Deleted by amendment). (vi) (Deleted by amendment). (vii) (Deleted by amendment). (viii) (Deleted by amendment).

The registration fee is $70. For electronic filings through Business Filing Services, the Department’s guide requires payment by credit card; follow the payment instructions for the filing method you choose.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Filings may be submitted to the Bureau by mail, in person, and electronically. The Bureau highly encourages electronic filings, available through the Business Filing Services (BFS) portal found at file.dos.pa.gov. BFS is available 24 hours a day. There are over 90 different business entity filing forms available on BFS. Customers must complete a one-time registration to set up a username and password. Payment must be made by credit card when filing electronically. Filings are processed using the date that they are received by the Department. All documents received in the Bureau are processed in order of date received, with the sole exception of expedited services. Association filings submitted by mail should be sent to the following address: Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations P.O. Box 8722 Harrisburg PA 17105-8722
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Fictitious NameFeeRegistration$70Each ancillary transaction$70

Veterans and reservists may qualify for a small-business fee exemption with proof of status attached to the form.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Any entity (including an individual/sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, association or other combination or group of persons) which conduct(s) any business in Pennsylvania under an assumed or fictitious name must register the fictitious name by filing a Registration of Fictitious Name form [DSCB:54-311].
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination returned 200 for the cited document URL.
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Fictitious NameFeeRegistration$70Each ancillary transaction$70
Source: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
  • In 54 Pa.C.S. § 311(g) (relating to registration) it is provided that an entity which includes an individual party is required to officially publish in the county in which the principal office or place of business of the entity is or, in the case of a proposed entity, is to be located notice of its intention to file or the filing of an application for registration of a fictitious name.
  • The notice may appear prior to or after the day upon which the application is filed in the Department
  • The notice shall be published one time in the appropriate newspaper. 'Officially publish' means publish in two newspapers in the English language in the proper county, one of which shall be the legal newspaper, if any, designated by the rules of court for the publication of legal notices or, if there is no legal newspaper, in two newspapers of general circulation in the county. When there is only one newspaper of general circulation in a county, advertisement in that newspaper is sufficient.
  • The proofs referred to in this subsection may not be submitted to, and will not be received and filed by, the Department, but shall be kept with the permanent records of the business
  • If the registering entity is one which includes an individual party, officially publish a notice as required by § 17.208 (relating to official advertising of fictitious names involving individual parties), either prior to or after the application is submitted to the Department. Proofs of publication may not be submitted to the Department.
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • If the registration does not list an individual, then advertising is not required.

Filings can be submitted online — the Department's Business Filing Services portal is at file.dos.pa.gov and the Bureau says it highly encourages electronic filing — or mailed to P.O. Box 8722, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722, or delivered by courier or in person to 401 North Street, Room 206, Harrisburg, PA 17120.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS  Return document by mail to:
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Fictitious Names | Department of State | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Filings may be submitted to the Bureau by mail, in person, and electronically. The Bureau highly encourages electronic filings, available through the Business Filing Services (BFS) portal found at file.dos.pa.gov. BFS is available 24 hours a day. There are over 90 different business entity filing forms available on BFS. Customers must complete a one-time registration to set up a username and password. Payment must be made by credit card when filing electronically. Filings are processed using the date that they are received by the Department. All documents received in the Bureau are processed in order of date received, with the sole exception of expedited services. Association filings submitted by mail should be sent to the following address: Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations P.O. Box 8722 Harrisburg PA 17105-8722
  • Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations P.O. Box 8722 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722 Courier or personal delivery address for business association documents is: Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations 401 North Street, Room 206 Harrisburg, PA 17120 The Bureau’s telephone lines are available from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customer Service phone numbers are: 717-787-1057 800-732-0999 888-659-9962

Before filing, check the name against the Department's records: a fictitious name may not be the same as or confusingly similar to the name of an association already registered with the Department, and registered entities cannot register their own name with the designator simply removed.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • fictitious name
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS  Return document by mail to:
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Fictitious Names | Department of State | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
  • (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.
  • (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any: (i) Nonprofit or professional activities. (ii) Activities which are expressly or impliedly prohibited by law from being carried on under a fictitious name. (iii) (Deleted by amendment). (iv) Unincorporated association. (v) (Deleted by amendment). (vi) (Deleted by amendment). (vii) (Deleted by amendment). (viii) (Deleted by amendment).

If any individual is named as a party, newspaper advertising is also required.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
  • In 54 Pa.C.S. § 311(g) (relating to registration) it is provided that an entity which includes an individual party is required to officially publish in the county in which the principal office or place of business of the entity is or, in the case of a proposed entity, is to be located notice of its intention to file or the filing of an application for registration of a fictitious name.
  • The notice may appear prior to or after the day upon which the application is filed in the Department
  • The notice shall be published one time in the appropriate newspaper. 'Officially publish' means publish in two newspapers in the English language in the proper county, one of which shall be the legal newspaper, if any, designated by the rules of court for the publication of legal notices or, if there is no legal newspaper, in two newspapers of general circulation in the county. When there is only one newspaper of general circulation in a county, advertisement in that newspaper is sufficient.
  • The proofs referred to in this subsection may not be submitted to, and will not be received and filed by, the Department, but shall be kept with the permanent records of the business
  • If the registering entity is one which includes an individual party, officially publish a notice as required by § 17.208 (relating to official advertising of fictitious names involving individual parties), either prior to or after the application is submitted to the Department. Proofs of publication may not be submitted to the Department.
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • If the registration does not list an individual, then advertising is not required.

Renewal, amendment, and abandonment

Pennsylvania excludes fictitious-name filings from its annual-report requirement. The underlying LLC or corporation can have separate entity-reporting duties; this exemption concerns the fictitious name itself.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Filing types that are not required to make Annual Reports are: fictitious names, general partnerships that are not limited liability partnerships, authorities (all subtypes), name reservations, land banks, financial institutions and credit unions, name registrations, trademarks, insignias and marks used with articles and supplies.

Keep the registration accurate when details change. An amendment can change the fictitious name, add or withdraw a party, reflect a party’s name change, or revise other inaccurate information. Section 312 lists the information needed in an amendment application.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
  • (a) General rule.-- A fictitious name registration under this chapter may be amended by filing in the department an application for amendment of fictitious name registration, which shall be executed as provided in subsection (b), and shall set forth: (1) The fictitious name as theretofore registered. (2) An identification of the last preceding filing in the department with respect to the fictitious name. (3) The amendment, which may change the fictitious name, add or withdraw or reflect a change in name of a party to the registration, or otherwise revise the filing, and which shall revise any information set forth in preceding filings which has become inaccurate, and which shall restate in full all such information as so revised. (4) A statement that the amendment, without reference to any preceding filing, sets forth all information with respect to the fictitious name which would be required in an original filing under the Fictitious Names Act. (5) Such other information necessary to the administration of this chapter as the department may specify by regulation.
  • (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.

To cancel the fictitious-name registration, file an application for cancellation. A party leaving the business can instead file an application for withdrawal; the statute permits the withdrawing party to execute that application alone. These are different actions from dissolving the underlying business entity.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
  • (a) General rule.-- A fictitious name registration under this chapter may be cancelled, or a party to such a registration may withdraw therefrom, by filing in the department an application for cancellation of fictitious name registration or an application for withdrawal from fictitious name registration, as the case may be, which shall be executed as provided in subsection (b), and shall set forth: (1) The fictitious name as theretofore registered. (2) An identification of the last preceding filing in the department with respect to the fictitious name. (3) A statement that the fictitious name registration is cancelled, or that one or more, but less than all, parties to the registration have withdrawn from the business or other activity carried on, under or through the fictitious name. (4) Such other information necessary to the administration of this chapter as the department may specify by regulation. (b) Execution.-- An application under this section may be executed in the same manner as an application for amendment of fictitious name registration except that an application for withdrawal from fictitious name registration may be executed solely by the withdrawing party.

The Department’s fee schedule lists $70 for each ancillary fictitious-name transaction. Confirm the correct current amendment, cancellation or withdrawal application with the Department before submitting it.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Fictitious NameFeeRegistration$70Each ancillary transaction$70
Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
  • (a) General rule.-- A fictitious name registration under this chapter may be amended by filing in the department an application for amendment of fictitious name registration, which shall be executed as provided in subsection (b), and shall set forth: (1) The fictitious name as theretofore registered. (2) An identification of the last preceding filing in the department with respect to the fictitious name. (3) The amendment, which may change the fictitious name, add or withdraw or reflect a change in name of a party to the registration, or otherwise revise the filing, and which shall revise any information set forth in preceding filings which has become inaccurate, and which shall restate in full all such information as so revised. (4) A statement that the amendment, without reference to any preceding filing, sets forth all information with respect to the fictitious name which would be required in an original filing under the Fictitious Names Act. (5) Such other information necessary to the administration of this chapter as the department may specify by regulation.
  • (a) General rule.-- A fictitious name registration under this chapter may be cancelled, or a party to such a registration may withdraw therefrom, by filing in the department an application for cancellation of fictitious name registration or an application for withdrawal from fictitious name registration, as the case may be, which shall be executed as provided in subsection (b), and shall set forth: (1) The fictitious name as theretofore registered. (2) An identification of the last preceding filing in the department with respect to the fictitious name. (3) A statement that the fictitious name registration is cancelled, or that one or more, but less than all, parties to the registration have withdrawn from the business or other activity carried on, under or through the fictitious name. (4) Such other information necessary to the administration of this chapter as the department may specify by regulation. (b) Execution.-- An application under this section may be executed in the same manner as an application for amendment of fictitious name registration except that an application for withdrawal from fictitious name registration may be executed solely by the withdrawing party.

Publication and notice

Plan your publication: schedule, quotes and proof →

Sole proprietor

Publication required: Yes, when the conditions below apply.

In 54 Pa.C.S. § 311(g) (relating to registration) it is provided that an entity which includes an individual party is required to officially publish in the county in which the principal office or place of business of the entity is or, in the case of a proposed entity, is to be located notice of its intention to file or the filing of an application for registration of a fictitious name.

Source: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptIn 54 Pa.C.S. § 311(g) (relating to registration) it is provided that an entity which includes an individual party is required to officially publish in the county in which the principal office or place of business of the entity is or, in the case of a proposed entity, is to be located notice of its intention to file or the filing of an application for registration of a fictitious name.
When to start: The notice may appear prior to or after the day upon which the application is filed in the DepartmentSource: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptThe notice may appear prior to or after the day upon which the application is filed in the Department
How often to publish: The notice shall be published one time in the appropriate newspaper. 'Officially publish' means publish in two newspapers in the English language in the proper county, one of which shall be the legal newspaper, if any, designated by the rules of court for the publication of legal notices or, if there is no legal newspaper, in two newspapers of general circulation in the county. When there is only one newspaper of general circulation in a county, advertisement in that newspaper is sufficient.Source: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptThe notice shall be published one time in the appropriate newspaper. 'Officially publish' means publish in two newspapers in the English language in the proper county, one of which shall be the legal newspaper, if any, designated by the rules of court for the publication of legal notices or, if there is no legal newspaper, in two newspapers of general circulation in the county. When there is only one newspaper of general circulation in a county, advertisement in that newspaper is sufficient.
How long to publish: Not confirmed in this guide.
Deadline for proof: The proofs referred to in this subsection may not be submitted to, and will not be received and filed by, the Department, but shall be kept with the permanent records of the businessSource: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptThe proofs referred to in this subsection may not be submitted to, and will not be received and filed by, the Department, but shall be kept with the permanent records of the business

General partnership

Publication required: Yes, when the conditions below apply.

If the registering entity is one which includes an individual party, officially publish a notice as required by § 17.208 (relating to official advertising of fictitious names involving individual parties), either prior to or after the application is submitted to the Department. Proofs of publication may not be submitted to the Department.

Source: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptIf the registering entity is one which includes an individual party, officially publish a notice as required by § 17.208 (relating to official advertising of fictitious names involving individual parties), either prior to or after the application is submitted to the Department. Proofs of publication may not be submitted to the Department.
When to start: The notice may appear prior to or after the day upon which the application is filed in the DepartmentSource: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptThe notice may appear prior to or after the day upon which the application is filed in the Department
How often to publish: The notice shall be published one time in the appropriate newspaper. 'Officially publish' means publish in two newspapers in the English language in the proper county, one of which shall be the legal newspaper, if any, designated by the rules of court for the publication of legal notices or, if there is no legal newspaper, in two newspapers of general circulation in the county. When there is only one newspaper of general circulation in a county, advertisement in that newspaper is sufficient.Source: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptThe notice shall be published one time in the appropriate newspaper. 'Officially publish' means publish in two newspapers in the English language in the proper county, one of which shall be the legal newspaper, if any, designated by the rules of court for the publication of legal notices or, if there is no legal newspaper, in two newspapers of general circulation in the county. When there is only one newspaper of general circulation in a county, advertisement in that newspaper is sufficient.
How long to publish: Not confirmed in this guide.
Deadline for proof: The proofs referred to in this subsection may not be submitted to, and will not be received and filed by, the Department, but shall be kept with the permanent records of the businessSource: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptThe proofs referred to in this subsection may not be submitted to, and will not be received and filed by, the Department, but shall be kept with the permanent records of the business

LLC

Publication required: No, within the scope described below.

If the registration does not list an individual, then advertising is not required.

Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptIf the registration does not list an individual, then advertising is not required.
When to start: Not applicable to this filing route.
How often to publish: Not applicable to this filing route.
How long to publish: Not applicable to this filing route.
Deadline for proof: Not applicable to this filing route.

Corporation

Publication required: No, within the scope described below.

If the registration does not list an individual, then advertising is not required.

Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
Supporting excerptIf the registration does not list an individual, then advertising is not required.
When to start: Not applicable to this filing route.
How often to publish: Not applicable to this filing route.
How long to publish: Not applicable to this filing route.
Deadline for proof: Not applicable to this filing route.

Next steps: self-file first

Start with the free official source.

Download Form DSCB:54-311 and its instructions from the Pennsylvania Department of State's website, or file online through the state's Business Filing Services portal at file.dos.pa.gov; the paper form can be mailed to the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations at P.O. Box 8722, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722, with the stated $70 fee.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS  Return document by mail to:
  • Official destination returned 200 for the cited document URL.
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Fictitious Names | Department of State | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • Any entity (including an individual/sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, association or other combination or group of persons) which conduct(s) any business in Pennsylvania under an assumed or fictitious name must register the fictitious name by filing a Registration of Fictitious Name form [DSCB:54-311].
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Filings may be submitted to the Bureau by mail, in person, and electronically. The Bureau highly encourages electronic filings, available through the Business Filing Services (BFS) portal found at file.dos.pa.gov. BFS is available 24 hours a day. There are over 90 different business entity filing forms available on BFS. Customers must complete a one-time registration to set up a username and password. Payment must be made by credit card when filing electronically. Filings are processed using the date that they are received by the Department. All documents received in the Bureau are processed in order of date received, with the sole exception of expedited services. Association filings submitted by mail should be sent to the following address: Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations P.O. Box 8722 Harrisburg PA 17105-8722
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Fictitious NameFeeRegistration$70Each ancillary transaction$70
Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
  • (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.
  • (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any: (i) Nonprofit or professional activities. (ii) Activities which are expressly or impliedly prohibited by law from being carried on under a fictitious name. (iii) (Deleted by amendment). (iv) Unincorporated association. (v) (Deleted by amendment). (vi) (Deleted by amendment). (vii) (Deleted by amendment). (viii) (Deleted by amendment).

Use the Bureau's online business entity search first to confirm your proposed name is distinguishable from names already on the Department's records.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF CORPORATIONS AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS  Return document by mail to:
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Official destination title: Fictitious Names | Department of State | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Source: www.legis.state.pa.us official record · retrieved
  • (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any entity which either alone or in combination with any other entity conducts any business in this Commonwealth under or through any fictitious name shall register the fictitious name under this chapter and shall amend such registration whenever necessary to maintain the accuracy of the information disclosed thereby.
  • (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any: (i) Nonprofit or professional activities. (ii) Activities which are expressly or impliedly prohibited by law from being carried on under a fictitious name. (iii) (Deleted by amendment). (iv) Unincorporated association. (v) (Deleted by amendment). (vi) (Deleted by amendment). (vii) (Deleted by amendment). (viii) (Deleted by amendment).

If an individual will be listed as a party on the registration, plan for the newspaper advertising: one notice, published one time in two newspapers of general circulation in the county of the principal place of business, one of them the designated legal newspaper, keeping the proofs with your business records rather than sending them to the state.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pacodeandbulletin.gov official record · retrieved
  • In 54 Pa.C.S. § 311(g) (relating to registration) it is provided that an entity which includes an individual party is required to officially publish in the county in which the principal office or place of business of the entity is or, in the case of a proposed entity, is to be located notice of its intention to file or the filing of an application for registration of a fictitious name.
  • The notice may appear prior to or after the day upon which the application is filed in the Department
  • The notice shall be published one time in the appropriate newspaper. 'Officially publish' means publish in two newspapers in the English language in the proper county, one of which shall be the legal newspaper, if any, designated by the rules of court for the publication of legal notices or, if there is no legal newspaper, in two newspapers of general circulation in the county. When there is only one newspaper of general circulation in a county, advertisement in that newspaper is sufficient.
  • The proofs referred to in this subsection may not be submitted to, and will not be received and filed by, the Department, but shall be kept with the permanent records of the business
  • If the registering entity is one which includes an individual party, officially publish a notice as required by § 17.208 (relating to official advertising of fictitious names involving individual parties), either prior to or after the application is submitted to the Department. Proofs of publication may not be submitted to the Department.
Source: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • If the registration does not list an individual, then advertising is not required.

Fictitious-name filings are excluded from Pennsylvania’s annual-report requirement. Check any separate reporting duties for the underlying entity.

Official sources and supporting excerptsSource: www.pa.gov official record · retrieved
  • Filing types that are not required to make Annual Reports are: fictitious names, general partnerships that are not limited liability partnerships, authorities (all subtypes), name reservations, land banks, financial institutions and credit unions, name registrations, trademarks, insignias and marks used with articles and supplies.

Paid help is optional, and this site does not handle filings.

Paid help, if offered later, is optional. This independent guide does not submit filings or accept government fees.

Official sources

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