Do you have the perfect name idea for a new business entity in the state of Pennsylvania, but you’re not quite ready to form your company?
Pennsylvania allows you to reserve a business name until you’re prepared for the business formation process, but how does the reservation process work and how long will the state reserve the name for you? In this guide, we’ll run down all the important details of reserving a business name in Pennsylvania.
Rocket Tip: If you’d rather officially incorporate in Pennsylvania rather than file the extra paperwork to register a business name, there are many good incorporation services that can do it for you.
How to Reserve a Business Name in Pennsylvania
The first step is to determine if your desired business name is even available in Pennsylvania to begin with. In order to check the availability of your desired name, you will need to search for the name using the state’s business entity search tool. Once you’ve determined the availability of your desired name, you can begin the process of reserving it with the state.
The process to reserve a business name in Pennsylvania is relatively straightforward. First, you will need to fill out and print the Name Reservation/Transfer of Reservation form. This form will require the following information: Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
P.O. Box 8722
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722
In addition to this form, you will need to include a $75 check made payable to the “Department of State” with your filing. Then, you can mail the form and check to this address:
How Long Is My Business Name Reserved For?
The Name Reservation form will reserve your desired name for 120 days. There is no process to renew a name reservation in Pennsylvania, so once the reservation expires, the name becomes available for anyone else to claim. This is why it is important to register your business during this 120-day period.
Conclusion
Just because you aren’t ready to form your Pennsylvania business entity doesn’t mean you can’t lock down your desired business name.
If you have a name in mind for your business, but need additional time to file the registration paperwork, there is no reason to delay reserving your name with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State.