I would like to register/file a doing business as (DBA) form, also
known as an assumed/fictitious name, in the state of Pennsylvania so I
can legally conduct business online different than my real name or
surname. If I file it and the name is not taken, I can then use a name
(such as 123 Business) to conduct business online.

However, in correspondence in e-mail and on my company Web site, I
don't want to use my real name for certain things (mostly for privacy
reasons). For example, let's say my real name is John Doe, but I want
to use the name Bob Jones in all of my business correspondence. For
instance, I would like to be able to do this in e-mails:

Sincerely,

123  Business (valid DBA)
Bob Jones (not real name)

instead of

Sincerely,

123  Business (valid DBA)
John Doe (real name)

Is this legally possible? I've seen other people on the Internet use
"fake" names or "aliases" before, but I'm not sure if it is legal or
somehow misleading. Is there anyway that I can get an "alias" or a
"fake name" associated with my DBA for my business? Or could I just
file a second DBA for Bob Jones (my fake name) to use it legally? I
don't want to change my real name in court, I just want to be able to
use another name as my own. I wonder how the Hollywood starts do it...
Thanks for your time.

Hi there,

I haven't been able to confirm this for the state of Pennsylvania, but
in Ohio you can register a DBA for your DBA.  For instance, I can
register as Maggie B. DBA Missy-ga DBA Missy.

This may or may not be the case in PA.  For specific information about
registering your fictitious names, call the PA Open For Business Help
line at 717-787-1057, or email them:  paoforb@state.pa.us .  They only
read and answer e-mail during regular business hours, so calling
during those hours may be faster.

Good luck!

--Missy