Do fictitious business names expire in Pennsylvania?

No, fictitious business names in Pennsylvania do not have an automatic expiration date. The name will be valid at all times following registration as long as the business remains active and in good standing with the state. If any of the business details do happen to change, e.g., ownership or address, a filing for an amendment will be necessary.

In order to be in good standing, records must be maintained currently with the Pennsylvania Department of State.

If a company wishes to stop the use of its fictitious name, it must file for Cancellation of Fictitious Name Registration (Form DSCB:54-313) with the Department of State. It is necessary to do so in order to formally cancel the name from public records, avoid unnecessary state mailings, and maintain the business entity in good standing. Timely cancellation also avoids confusion with other companies and facilitates a clean administrative record for future filings or rebranding.

One IBC USA provides comprehensive support for fictitious business name registration and renewal in its Doing Business As (DBA) service, so businesses are current without ever falling short.