How to Register a Business Name in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
A business in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, may reserve a name if it plans to incorporate, or may register a fictitious name if it plans to operate under a name other than the true name of the business. A business name is automatically registered when the business incorporates; however, the business may wish to reserve the name prior to incorporation to ensure that the name is available when ready to incorporate. A fictitious name, or a "doing business as" name must also be registered when an individual or partnership uses a name other than the legal name of the business to conduct business, or when a corporation uses more than one business name.
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Instructions
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Name Reservation
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Create a name for the business. If the business plans to incorporate, then the name must include one of the following designations: incorporated, limited, corporation, company, association, fund or syndicate. The appropriate abbreviation may be used for incorporated, corporation, limited or company.
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Perform a name availability search with the Pennsylvania Department of State (see Resources). A name availability search may be conducted online, by telephone or by mail. The telephone number for checking a name availability is 717-787-1057. For a fee of $15, as of the date of publication, a written search may also be conducted by sending the request to the Department of State, Corporation Bureau, P.O. Box 8722, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17105-8722. Both telephone and written search requests are limited to three name searches.
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Reserve the name by a written or faxed request. In order to reserve a name by fax, the requester must already have a current customer deposit account with the Department of State. A reserved name remains in effect for 120 days unless it is for a bank, in which case it remains in effect for six months. A name reservation may also be renewed as long as it has not expired. As of May 2011, the fee for initial name registration as well as a renewal is $70. Requests to reserve a name should be mailed to Department of State, Corporation Bureau, P.O. Box 8722, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17105-8722.
Fictitious Name
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Confirm that a fictitious name filing is required. Under Pennsylvania law, using a surname alone or with words describing the business does not require a fictitious name filing. If, however, words such as "and Company" are used then a filing is required. In addition, in the case of a partnership, unless the names of all the partners are used, a fictitious name filing is required.
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Complete the fictitious name registration form. Among other things, the form requires the name being used and a brief description of the business. The address of the principal place of business as well as the names of all owners are also required. All owners must sign the form (see Resources).
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Mail the completed form to Department of State, Corporation Bureau, P.O. Box 8722, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17105-8722. Enclose the required fee of $70 as of May 2011.
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Tips & Warnings
Payment may be made by check or money order made out to the Pennsylvania Department of State unless the requester has a customer deposit account.
