Q: I was inquiring about the process to change the name of my Pennsylvania LLC. Are you able to help me with this?
Thanks to a customer in Pennsylvania for this great question! Changing your LLC’s name in Pennsylvania is pretty simple, though it does involve filing paperwork with the state. There are of course a few more steps to officially change your LLC’s name in Pennsylvania. We go over them here:
Step 1: Perform a Business Name Search
You’ll want to make sure that the name you want for your LLC is available. Business names can be searched online through the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website. If the new LLC name is not available, you’ll have to choose another. If you’re worried about someone else taking your preferred business name, you can submit a Name Reservation form to Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations for $70. Your business name will be reserved for 120 days.
Step 2: Adopt a Resolution for the LLC Name Change
Have other members of the LLC agreed to the name change? If so you’ll want to have them all sign a member resolution that records the vote for the LLC name change. An LLC member resolution acts like a receipt that details a member vote authorizing a specific action. If you’re a single member LLC, you won’t need to take a vote to change the name, but you’ll want to make note of it in your Pennsylvania LLC operating agreement.
Step 3: File Amendment With Pennsylvania
This is where the rubber meets the road. You can’t change your LLC’s name if you don’t register the new name with the state. To officially change the name of your Pennsylvania LLC, you’ll need to fill out and file a Certificate of Amendment with Pennsylvania’s Department of State.
Where should I submit the Certificate of Amendment?
Pennsylvania’s Certificate of Amendment can be submitted online, by mail, or in person:
Online:
Pennsylvania DOS Business Filing Services
Mail and in person:
Pennsylvania Department of State
Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
PO Box 8722
Harrisburg, PA 17120-8722
How much does it cost to file an LLC amendment in Pennsylvania?
The filing fee to file your amendment is $70.
How will I know if the LLC name change was accepted?
You will receive a confirmation notice of the amendment acceptance by mail. Processing of the amendment will take about five business days, plus additional time for return mailing. If you’re in a hurry you can pay an additional $70 for one day processing.
What if the LLC is registered in more than one state?
If your LLC has registered to do business in another state (or states), you’ll need to file amendments in each state where the LLC operates. Contact the secretary of state’s office in each state or jurisdiction where your LLC is registered. They’ll be able to direct you to the amendment paperwork that is required.
Check out our page on How To File A Pennsylvania LLC Amendment to learn more!
Step 4: Amend Internal Documents
You’ll want to amend your Pennsylvania LLC Operating Agreement to reflect the new LLC name. Your operating agreement is an internal document, which means you can file it with the rest of the business records. It does not need to be filed with the state.
Step 5: Update Authorities and Customers
Once your LLC name change has been accepted by Pennsylvania’s Department of State, you’ll want to begin the process of changing your LLC’s name with federal, state, and local authorities. You’ll especially want to make sure you file for a name change with the IRS. You’ll also want to inform everyone you do business with of your LLC’s new name. This means you’ll need to notify any vendors, banks, clients, employees, and even independent contractors of the name change.