How to Register a Business Name in the State of Pennsylvania
- 1). Find out if the proposed business name is available by performing an online name search on the Pennsylvania Department of State website. Calling the Corporation Bureau at 717-787-1057 is another way to find out if the proposed business name is available. A business cannot register a name that is very similar to or indistinguishable from a name currently reserved by another company. Create another business name if the original name is already registered or reserved.
- 2). Download the Application for Registration of Unincorporated Association Name on the Pennsylvania Department of State website to reserve the business name. The application form can also be ordered by calling the Corporation Bureau at 717-787-1057. The information in the application must be typed or written in blue or black ink. A physical street address must be listed for the business in the application. Post office box addresses are not acceptable.
- 3). Write out a check or money order payable to the Department of State for the application fee. As of 2010, there is a $70 fee to reserve a business name. Mail the application and fee to the Department of State, Corporation Bureau, P.O. Box 8722, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722. The name will be reserved for 120 days and can be renewed for additional $70 when that period expires. Reserving the name will ensure the proposed business name will not be used by another company prior to your business being registered.
- 4). Download the appropriate registration documents for the chosen business entity type on the Pennsylvania Department of State website. The documents can also be ordered by calling the Corporation Bureau at 717-787-1057. Type the information in the documents, or write the information using blue or black ink. The business and registered office must both have a physical address located in Pennsylvania in order for the documents to be accepted.
- 5). Pay the filing fee listed in the registration documents. Write out a check or money order payable to the Department of State. Mail the completed documents and filing fee to Department of State, Corporation Bureau, P.O. Box 8722, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722.
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