How to Change Your Pennsylvania Business Name

How to Get a New Business Name

It’s usually not a good idea to just jump into a name change. For most businesses, several issues need to be addressed before changing an entity’s name. 

1) Choose a new business name

A business name change in Pennsylvania is usually pretty straightforward. One good thing is that Pennsylvania gives you some flexibility in choosing a name. That said, there are still rules that you need to follow when you change a business name in Pennsylvania. The new name will need to meet the following requirements:

• Include appropriate abbreviations or words that indicate what kind of business you run (e.g., LLC, corporation, etc.)
• The name of the company should be distinguishable from the names of other businesses filed with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State

2) Gather information for filing your amendment

When you file Pennsylvania Articles of Amendment for a Corporation or a Certificate of Amendment for an LLC, you will need to provide certain things to the Pennsylvania Secretary of State. You may need  to provide the following information:

• The business’s current name
• The new name
• The date the original formation documents were filed
• The entity’s registered address
• How the amendment was approved
• The filing fee
• The signature of an authorized officer

There may be differences in the requirements for amending a corporation or LLC. Also, you may need to check the bylaws or other governing documents of your business to see who must approve name changes or amendments. 

3) File your Pennsylvania amendment

You can file the Articles of Amendment or Certificate of Amendment for your business name change in Pennsylvania with the Pennsylvania Department of State’s office. It is important to remember that an amendment is different from a DBA or fictitious name. By using a DBA, you employ an assumed name, but your legal name remains the same. The Pennsylvania Department of State also accepts amendments and trade name registrations.

After You Change Your Business Name

In addition to changing your business name, you may need to take care of other things. A business name change in Pennsylvania is a big decision. A few things to keep in mind when you change your name include:

• Making sure you have your name updated with relevant government agencies, both local and federal
• Updating banking information
• Updating your letterhead, email address, and other identifying items
• Making changes to your website and other marketing materials to reflect the name change

Failure to take the above steps could cause confusion or even possible legal issues. It is also highly advisable to make sure any customers are aware of the name change. These steps are pretty simple to implement, but they are also essential.

We can help

Are you still struggling with how to change a business name in Pennsylvania? No matter how complicated your business name may seem, we make it simple for you to alter it. It’s okay if you haven’t formed an entity in Pennsylvania yet. Our Pennsylvania LLC and Pennsylvania Corporation Formation Services streamline creating a new Pennsylvania entity.

Our Worry-Free Compliance Service can help you stay compliant with Pennsylvania law. It is always our pleasure to assist our customers. Whatever your needs are, we can help, whether you are changing a name, forming a new business, or securing compliance.