Short answer: Name reservation is optional.
We've pulled these figures from the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Pennsylvania naming rules
Name reservation is optional.
Open the official Pennsylvania name search
Reserving a name
Pennsylvania lets you reserve a name for $70, which holds it for 120 days.
Doing business under another name
Pennsylvania DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $70.
How Pennsylvania compares
Pennsylvania's name reservation fee is $70. That's the 3rd highest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so Pennsylvania runs $45 above it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $70 | 3 of 50 |
| Michigan | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| New Jersey | $50 | 7 of 50 |
| Ohio | $39 | 11 of 50 |
| Virginia | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Maryland | $25 | 18 of 50 |
Pennsylvania fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Organization (Form DSCB:15-8821) | $125 | Coupled with a New Entity Docketing Statement (Form DSCB:15-134A). |
| Name reservation (optional) | $70 | 120 days |
| Amendment | $70 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $70 | state |
Name search and rules: Pennsylvania questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in Pennsylvania?
Use the official Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a Pennsylvania LLC name include?
Name reservation is optional.
Can I reserve an LLC name in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Reservation costs $70 and holds the name for 120 days.
Do I need a DBA in Pennsylvania?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $70.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: ra.self allowed, ra.change fee, report.late penalty.