Deal alert! Northwest will form your LLC for $39 (60% discount). See details.
The first step to starting a Virginia LLC is to choose an LLC name. Make sure your desired business name is not already being used by another company, and that it meets Virginia’s name rules.
Note: The Virginia State Corporation Commission has updated their business search tool since the making of this video. While the video above may not appear the same as the current tool, the way to search your Virginia LLC name is still the same.
Search your Virginia LLC Name
There are two ways to search for an available LLC name in Virginia.
You can use the Business Entity Search to look at existing businesses registered in the state. You can also use the Name Availability Search, which will tell you whether or not your LLC name is distinguishable. We recommend using both search tools.
Virginia SCC: Business Entity Search
Virginia SCC: Name Availability Search
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(Learn why Northwest is #1 in Northwest vs LegalZoom)
Contact Info: Virginia State Corporation Commission
Phone: 804-371-9733 (option 2, then option 3 = name assistance)
Hours: M-F, 8:15am – 5:00pm ET
Email: sccinfo@scc.virginia.gov
Website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/contact.aspx
And check out TRUIC’s business name generator if you need help coming up with an LLC name.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC’s name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State.
We have step-by-step instructions on how to change an LLC name in Virginia.
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
VIRGINIA LLC GUIDE
Follow the lessons below to form your Virginia LLC.
Firstly, great information here so thank you! My question is for a 100% e-commerce business some people suggest creating a WY holding/parent company and then another state residence company in order to protect against lawsuits. what you are your thoughts on such HoldingCo/OperatingCo structure? does it have real value?
Hi Jack, yes, there is value to that setup, however, whether or not it’s advisable/necessary for your situation would require a deep-dive and conversations with an attorney (or a few). One thing to keep in mind is Virginia also has charging order protection. Hope that helps.
Hello,
Firstly, thank you for producing this fantastic website – what a wealth of information!
I wanted to ask a question about forming a LLC. I live in Virginia, but am about to invest in a business where all the income will be generated in California. We already have a S-corp in VA for another business venture. I have been advised to either register our new company in California, or register it in Virginia and as a foreign entity doing business in California. Do you have any advice on the best way for us to proceed?
Thank you!
Hi Ash, thank you! And you’re welcome! First, glad to hear you were advised correctly. California has very strict laws about doing business, both corporate law and tax law. I’d say it comes down to fees. Forming a Domestic LLC and then registering as a Foreign LLC will certainly cost more than just forming a Domestic LLC in California. Hope that helps.