How to file a DBA in Pennsylvania
Filing a DBA (Doing Business As, also called a fictitious or trade name) in Pennsylvania costs $70 in state fees, lasts 10 years, and is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State. We file it for you at the state cost, no service fee.
Pennsylvania DBA at a glance
| State filing fee | $70 |
|---|---|
| Filing authority | Pennsylvania Department of State |
| Term length | 10 years (renewable) |
| Renewal required | Yes, before expiration |
| File.Business fee | $0 |
When you need a DBA in Pennsylvania
You need a DBA in Pennsylvania when your business operates under a name different from its legal name. Common cases:
- A sole proprietor in Pennsylvania doing business under a brand name instead of their legal name
- An LLC or corporation in Pennsylvania marketing under a brand different from the registered entity name
- An out-of-state company doing business in Pennsylvania under a different name
- Multiple brands operated under one parent LLC in Pennsylvania
How to file a DBA in Pennsylvania: 5 steps
- Choose your DBA name. Search the Pennsylvania business name database to confirm the name is available. It must not be deceptively similar to existing registered names.
- Verify name compliance. Pennsylvania prohibits names that imply a corporation (Inc., Corp.) unless your entity actually is one. Avoid restricted words.
- Prepare the DBA filing. The Pennsylvania Department of State requires the legal name of the owner, the DBA name, business address, and a description of business activities.
- Pay the $70 state fee and submit. File online with the Pennsylvania Department of State or use File.Business to handle it for you at the state cost.
- Track the 10-year renewal. Pennsylvania DBAs expire and require renewal. We track this for you automatically with our compliance calendar.
File your Pennsylvania DBA now
Our team prepares the filing, submits it to the Pennsylvania Department of State, and tracks renewal. You pay only the $70 state fee. No service charges.
Start my Pennsylvania DBADBA vs LLC in Pennsylvania: which do you need?
A DBA is a name registration, not a business structure. It does not provide liability protection, separate tax treatment, or formal recognition as a business entity. If you want personal liability protection while operating under a brand name in Pennsylvania, you typically form an LLC and then optionally file a DBA for additional brands.
Compare your options: Form an LLC in Pennsylvania or Form a Corporation in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania DBA frequently asked questions
How long does it take to file a DBA in Pennsylvania?
Processing time with the Pennsylvania Department of State varies. Online filings are typically processed within 2 to 5 business days. We submit the filing the same day you order.
How long is a Pennsylvania DBA valid?
10 years from filing date. You must renew before expiration to keep the name registration active.
Do I need an EIN if I file a DBA in Pennsylvania?
Only if you have employees, file certain tax forms, or open a business bank account in the DBA name. Sole proprietors with no employees can use their SSN. Get an EIN.
Can I file a DBA in Pennsylvania for an out-of-state LLC?
Yes. If your LLC is registered in another state and does business in Pennsylvania, you typically need to foreign-qualify in Pennsylvania first, then file the DBA.
Does a Pennsylvania DBA protect my brand from others using the same name?
A DBA only reserves the name with the Pennsylvania Department of State. For broader brand protection, file a federal trademark with the USPTO.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.