Where Do I Go To Register My Company In Virginia

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure

Recommended: Nosotros typically recommend forming an LLC for most entrepreneurs because this structure comes with personal asset protection, has no double taxation, and is pretty easy to maintain.

If you would like to employ a service, read our guide on the all-time LLC formation services.

Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships

By default, sole proprietorships operate every bit the aforementioned name as the possessor while full general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.

Step 2: Bank check Proper name Availability

When registering a business organisation proper noun, information technology's important to make certain it's unique and no i else in your state formed a company with it or has control of it online as a domain name.

Domain Name Search

We strongly recommend that y'all also check to see if your business name is bachelor as a web domain (URL). Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the web address to forestall others from acquiring that domain name. If the web domain is available and so it'southward likely the proper name volition also be available in a business search.

Observe a Domain Now

Virginia Business Name Search

Next, search the Virginia Country Corporation Committee business organisation entity search tool. This is an important step in the process considering your filing will exist denied if yous try to file for a name already in use.

Search requirements can vary depending on your business needs. For example, a unique and available proper noun is required to:

File for formal concern structures like LLCs and corporations.
File a DBA name for any business structure.

A state-level name search isn't required for informal business structures similar sole proprietorships or general partnerships in Virginia. But, if yous decide to annals a fictitious or assumed name or DBA name, you'll need to search the database to see if your desired name is unique and available.

Step 3: Class Your Business With the State of Virginia

Once you have selected your concern structure and proper noun, you will need to file your formation documents with the state, which will register your concern with the State of Virginia.

To register your Virginia LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. You tin apply online or by mail. Read our Course an LLC in Virginia guide for details.

Or use a professional service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to grade your LLC for y'all.

To annals your Virginia corporation, yous'll need to file the Articles of Incorporation with the Virginia Land Corporation Commission. Read our Form a Virginia Corporation guide to larn more.

Additional Considerations

Protect Your Business Proper name With a Trademark (Optional)

Once y'all confirm the availability of your business name and secure information technology, you tin can choose to use for a trademark for your business concern. This typically costs around $225 to $400 plus any attorney fees as well every bit a renewal fee every 10 years.

While this cost tin can be high for a beginning-up or fledgling business, information technology will give your company make nationwide protection backed by federal law. That ways if others effort to do business organization with the same — or a similar — name equally yours, you'll have legal precedent on your side. For most modest businesses, this really isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.

How to Alter the Name of a Virginia Business

Changing the proper name of a business in Virginia tin exist washed in two ways: past filing for a fictitious or assumed name or by submitting an amendment to the legal name of an existing business concern.

The get-go method, filing for a fictitious or causeless name (also known as a DBA name), is the easiest way to operate your business using a different name without needing to change its legal proper noun.

A DBA name is the only mode for sole proprietorships and full general partnerships to have a different business name. It'due south also the easiest method for LLCs and corporations to follow because it allows them to avert filing an amendment or complicating their business concern operations while enabling them to operate with make names that don't include the necessary LLC or Inc. suffix required in a legal name.

If you want to change the legal name of your LLC or corporation, notwithstanding, filing an amendment to the legal name of an existing business organization is your best option. Here are links to forms for both options:

Guide for Articles of Amendment - Virginia LLC
Guide for Articles of Amendment - Virginia Stock Corporation

You may submit online, by mail, or in person, along with the $25 filing fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a business license required in Virginia?

This state doesn't offering a general, statewide business license. But, depending on your location and business blazon, y'all may need to obtain licensing at a urban center or canton level.

How do I become a business license in Virginia?

Business licenses are issued by Virginia cities or counties instead of past the state. You tin obtain whatsoever necessary licensing for your concern past either contacting your city or county or registering on Virginia's Business OneStop portal.

How do I register for state taxes in Virginia?

You can register your business for Virginia state taxes online at the Virginia Tax website.

How much does it toll to start an LLC in Virginia?

Starting an LLC in Virginia costs $100 to file your Manufactures of Organisation with Virginia's State Corporation Commission.

Source: https://howtostartanllc.com/how-to-register-business-name/register-business-name-virginia#:~:text=To%20register%20your%20Virginia%20LLC,in%20Virginia%20guide%20for%20details.

Posted by: wattsagron1970.blogspot.com