Pennsylvania DBA (Doing Business As) Guide (2026)

Fees and rules for all 67 Pennsylvania counties · Updated 2026

In Pennsylvania a DBA is called a fictitious name and is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State for $70 - not the county. County offices (the Register of Wills, Recorder of Deeds, or Prothonotary) do not file DBAs. After registering, Pennsylvania requires you to publish notice of the fictitious name in two newspapers in the county of your principal place of business.

The process

1. Register with the Department of State

   File the Registration of Fictitious Name with the Pennsylvania Department of State (online at file.dos.pa.gov or by mail). The fee is $70.

2. Publish notice in two newspapers

   Pennsylvania requires publication of the fictitious name in two newspapers of general circulation in the county of your principal place of business - one a legal journal where one exists.

3. Keep proof of publication

   Retain proof of publication with your business records; it is not filed with the state but may be required to enforce contracts made under the name.

DBA filing by county — all 67 Pennsylvania counties

Pennsylvania counties do not file DBAs; fictitious names are registered statewide with the Department of State for $70.

Pennsylvania-specific details

What to bring

• Your desired fictitious (business) name
• The names and addresses of all owners
• Your principal place of business address
• The $70 registration fee
• A plan to publish notice in two county newspapers

Frequently asked questions