How Do You Register a DBA in Pennsylvania?

Whether you want to set up a business or change how it operates, it can be beneficial to legally use a name other than your registered business or personal name. 

However, it’s not a simple case of choosing a name and then using it. You need to register the name with the relevant authorities and then make sure it’s well known who the DBA is associated with. 

Learn more about how to register a DBA in Pennsylvania in this article.

What Is a DBA?

DBA stands for “doing business as” and is a name an entity or individual can use to do business under. Anyone who has a registered DBA can conduct business dealings under this name, such as signing contracts, receiving payments and advertising.

A DBA is known in Pennsylvania as a fictitious name and is allowed under the Fictitious Names Act of 1982.

Why Register a DBA? 

It’s only necessary to register a DBA if you use a fictitious name for business purposes. Registering the name allows you to open business accounts under the fictitious name, making it easy to keep your personal and business accounts separate. Contracts you sign under your fictitious name are enforceable by Pennsylvania courts. Additionally, you can receive fines up to $500 for signing legal documents under an unregistered DBA.

DBA Restrictions

When it comes to your fictitious name, there are restrictions on which names you can use.

The main restriction is that you can’t use a name that may mislead customers, partners or buyers, including names that:

• May be mistaken for government or educational entities.
• Claim to provide a type of service or product that it doesn’t actually provide.
• Claim to be a business structure that it isn’t.

DBAs also can’t be used if that name is already associated with an existing business or entity, and your use of that name may lead people to assume an affiliation with that entity. Similarly, if you want to protect your DBA name and prevent others from using it, you need to register as a corporation or LLC, too. 

Finally, a DBA can only use words that imply an association with a regulated body if they receive approval from the relevant board or department. Words that might fall under this category include “banking” and “architect.”

The Pennsylvania Department of State ultimately decides whether a name is allowed.

How to Register a DBA in Pennsylvania

Each state has its own process for DBA registration. The process in Pennsylvania is:

1. Name search: Using the business name search function, ensure your desired name is available and not used in another business.
2. Register your DBA: After you’ve chosen your fictitious name, submit Form DSCB 54-311 with the Department of State. You’ll need to submit the name, description of activities and some personal information. You’ll also have to pay a nonrefundable fee, although veterans may qualify for an exemption.
3. Officially publish your name: Once you receive approval for your DBA, you must advertise your name in two local newspapers. Both of these newspapers must be in general circulation in the county, and one must be a legal newspaper. If there’s only one qualifying newspaper in the county, that is sufficient.

How Long Does It Take to Register a DBA in Pennsylvania? 

The total length of time it can take to register your DBA in Pennsylvania depends on a few factors. First, you’ll need to spend time on your name search, which you can do quickly if you have the time to devote to the task. A typical turnaround time to process your application is seven to 10 business days, although it may take longer if you choose to apply by mail or if the Department of State has a significant backlog to work through.

Finally, it will take time to find and contact the relevant newspapers to advertise your new name. Even if you can contact them immediately after receiving your DBA approval, the newspaper may only publish on a weekly or monthly basis. If this is the case, it may add more time to the process.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a DBA in Pennsylvania?

There are two costs associated with DBA registration in Pennsylvania.

First, you’ll have to pay a Department of State fee of $70 to process your DBA application. This fee is nonrefundable, regardless of whether your DBA is approved or not.

You’ll also have to pay an advertising fee to whichever newspapers you choose to publish your new name in. The amount you’ll have to pay will vary from one newspaper to the next. Smaller local newspapers will likely charge a smaller fee than larger publications. To find out how much this fee will be, contact the newspaper directly. 

Who Else Has Used a DBA?

Even if you didn’t know the meaning of a DBA previously, you’ll hear or interact with an example of one most days.

Many businesses use a DBA to make their brand more recognizable. For example, JP Morgan Chase Bank operates under the DBA “Chase.”

Many authors who wish to remain anonymous choose to publish under a DBA, too. In most cases, this is when already-famous authors want to publish under a pseudonym. Stephen King and Nora Roberts have published in this manner.

Many self-publishing authors use a DBA to separate their work as writers from their publishing company.

Perhaps the most famous industries to use DBAs are the film and music industries. Many stage names are DBAs, which allows artists and actors to protect their identity and sign legal documents using their chosen stage names. 

Why Trust MPL Law?

At MPL Law, we’ve helped many businesses in Pennsylvania with a wide range of legal needs. With over four decades of experience, our trusted team provides a range of services for our valued clients. From DBA applications to business formations, we can help you get your business started and operating under your ideal business structure. 

DBA, Business Formation and Business Entity Services

Applying for a DBA is usually a simple process, but one that can take time and energy from other tasks. What’s more, there’s no guarantee that the Department of State will approve your DBA.

At MPL Law, we can handle all the tasks associated with DBA registration. We’ll help you find a name that’s available and likely to be approved, submit the application and arrange advertisements with local newspapers. After this, we can help you begin operations using your DBA and can assist if you need to cancel a DBA, too.

To find out more about our business formation services and how we can help you register a DBA, get in touch with us today.