Pennsylvania LLC and fictitious name? -

I am opening a business in Pennsylvania (LLC) and the Dept of State site is as clear as mud. From what I am understanding, if the name of the LLC does NOT include my surname (which is does not) that I would have to apply for a fictitious name as well... But I got 2 letters back from the State today- 1- Application Accepted good to go, and the fictitious name one was denied because the name of the company has already been used (that company is the other form I had sent in)Am i thoroughly confused???? or are they??

Fictitious name is also known as dba or doing business as . Say, you have John s Painting Company LLC . However, say your business was actually known as Johnny Painter , so you need to file a dba as Johnny Painter . So I d have to say, your understanding was actually wrong. A business name CAN be its business name, no other name is needed.EDIT: Not an attorney, so this advice is free, which means it s worthless. :DYes, that fictitious name requirement is for sole proprietor ship, AFAIK. Like Sherman s Alarms. As you re already an LLC, you don t need another dba . I d go ask your local county or city clerk, just in case . :)