How to File a Fictitious Name in Pennsylvania
A Fictitious Name (Doing Business As) lets you operate a business under a name different from your legal name. In Pennsylvania, this filing is officially called a Fictitious Name registration.
What Is A Fictitious Name?
When you start a business as a sole proprietor or partnership, your business legally operates under your personal name (or the names of all partners). A Fictitious Name filing registers an alternate business name with the county, allowing you to:
- Operate under a professional business name
- Open a business bank account in your business name
- Accept payments under your business name
- Build brand recognition separate from your personal name
If you form an LLC or corporation and want to operate under a different name than your entity's registered name, you also need a Fictitious Name filing.
Where to File in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, Fictitious Name filings are handled at the county level. You file with the county clerk's office in the county where your business operates. Pennsylvania has 67 counties, each with its own clerk's office and filing fee.
Step-by-Step: Filing Your Pennsylvania Fictitious Name
- Choose your business name — Pick a name that isn't already in use in your county. You can search the Pennsylvania Secretary of State database for existing business names.
- Determine your filing county — File in the county where your principal place of business is located.
- Prepare your Fictitious Name application — You'll need your legal name, business name, business address, and type of business.
- File with the county clerk — Submit your Fictitious Name application to the county clerk's office. Each county has its own filing fee.
- Pay the fees — County filing fees vary across Pennsylvania's 67 counties. Our service fee is a flat $99.
- Receive your certificate — Once approved, you'll receive a Fictitious Name certificate from the county clerk.
- Open a business bank account — Use your Fictitious Name certificate to open a bank account under your business name.
Costs
Our service fee is $99. This covers preparation and filing of your Fictitious Name paperwork, plus coordination with your county clerk's office. County filing fees are separate and vary by location.
Timeline
Most Fictitious Name filings in Pennsylvania are processed within 5-10 business days after submission to the county clerk's office. Processing times can vary depending on the county and their current backlog.
What You Need
- Your full legal name (individual or entity name)
- The business name you want to register
- Business address in Pennsylvania
- Type of business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation)
- Filing fee payment
After You File
Once your Fictitious Name is approved, keep your certificate in a safe place. You'll need it to:
- Open a business bank account
- Apply for business licenses and permits
- Enter into contracts under your business name
- Build credit under your business name
Pennsylvania Fictitious Name registrations typically need to be renewed periodically. See our renewal guide for details on keeping your filing current.