If you are forming an LLC in Virginia, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and LLC cost comprises filing Virginia articles of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is an Article of Organization?
An Article of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Certificate of Formation in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.
Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. An Article of Organization usually includes the following:
- The name of the LLC,
- the effective date of the LLC,
- the company’s principal office,
- the business purpose,
- the duration of the business,
- a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
- the name and address of the registered agent, organizers, and
- at least one member of the company.
You can file an Article of Organization online, by mail, or in person.
Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. It even makes up the bulk of your Virginia LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.
How to File Virginia Articles of Organization
These are the simple steps to follow in filing an Article of Organization in Virginia.
Step 1: Find Forms Online
Go to the Virginia Secretary of State to download the articles of organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.
Step 2: Fill Out Form
When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Virginia LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.
You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Certificate of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.
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Step 3: File Formation Certificates
File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the State Corporation Commission Clerk’s Office P.O. Box 1197 Richmond, VA 23218-1197.
Steps to Register Article of Organization Online
Time needed: 5 minutes
To start your business LLC operations in the State of Virginia, you are required to apply for Articles of Organization with the Virginia Secretary of State office. When you apply through an online method, your application gets the benefit of immediate processing as well. The cost of registration is $100. The formation guide below will guide you in filing your Virginia Domestic LLC Articles of Organization.
- Access the official website of the Secretary of State of Virginia
Go to the official website of the Secretary of State of Virginia. The Business section provides a comprehensive list of online services for different business filings. Under the ‘Businesses’ heading, click on the tab ‘Create a New Business’.
- Create your account on CIS Portal
The State website hosts a Clerk’s Information System portal, which provides the user’s access to online services and allows easy business filings. The page displays a sign-in option to the portal. If you already have a CIS account, proceed to log in by entering your Username and password. In case you do not have an account, read the next step below to learn more about it.
- Register your account
On the sign-in page itself, scroll down and click on the ‘Register’ tab. The account creation page opens up. Enter your first and last name, mailing address information, and street address. Next, enter your email address, and create your username and password. Tick the acknowledgment box and press the ‘Submit’ tab.
- Start your application
Login to your CIS account. On the user landing page, under the heading ‘New Business Formation’, select the option of ‘Get Started’. Next, scroll to the ‘eFile Express’ heading and select the option of “Form a Virginia Limited Liability Company”. Read all the instructions carefully and proceed to fill in the application form. Do not leave any mandatory blanks empty.
- Review all the details
Before you proceed to the payment stage, review all the information entered by you to be correct and accurate to ensure a hassle-free approval from the Secretary of State office.
- Make the payment
After finalizing your application, proceed to the payment gateway page. Pay $100 as the filing fee for your application. Once you have successfully submitted your application form, you will receive a notification from the State authorities acknowledging the receipt of your application.
Virginia Articles of Organization Filing By Mail
If you want to file your business registration application through an offline method, you can do that easily by mail. Follow the instructions below to learn how to go about it:
- You can access the Application PDF from the Secretary of State website. Or, you can download the Application Form PDF here itself.
- Read the instructions and guidelines provided in the application form carefully.
- Start to fill in the application form. Do not leave any mandatory section blank.
- You can attach the name reservation certificate along with the application form.
- Issue a money order or check for $100 as the filing fee for your application, payable to the ‘State Corporation Commission’.
- Arrange all the documents together and mail it to the following address, State Corporation Commission, Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 1197, Richmond, VA 23218-1197. The office address for in-person filing is State Corporation Commission, Clerk’s Office, First Floor, 1300 E. Main St., Richmond, VA 23219.
Cost of Filing Articles of Organization in Virginia
The online method of application is preferred due to immediate processing and easy tracking options. When you apply through mail, the application is processed in 3 to 5 business days. Though, the overall cost to form a Virginia LLC is the same for both methods of filings. Here is the cost of filing formation articles in Virginia.
- Online filing costs $100.00
- By mail filing costs $100.00
Where Can You Find Your Virginia LLC Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization for Virginia LLC can be accessed through the Virginia State Corporation Commission website. You can also download the PDF from the same website.
The first and most convenient place to find your Virginia LLC Articles of Organization is on the website of the State Corporation Commission (SCC), the government agency responsible for business registrations. On the SCC’s official website, there is a dedicated section specifically designed to facilitate the formation of LLCs and other business entities. This comprehensive resource provides all the necessary information related to forming and managing an LLC in the state of Virginia.
Within the SCC’s website, you will discover a wealth of guides, FAQs, and document templates that will guide you through the process of forming your LLC. It provides a step-by-step explanation of the required forms, including the Articles of Organization, with clear instructions on how to complete them accurately and efficiently. The SCC also offers various online services that enable applicants to submit their documents electronically, further streamlining the process.
To locate the Articles of Organization, you should navigate to the “Forms” or “Division of Corporations” section on the SCC’s website. Here you will find a list of forms applicable to forming an LLC, including the Articles of Organization template provided by the SCC. It is crucial to heed any specific requirements stated by the state, ensuring your application is correctly prepared to avoid potential delays or rejections.
Another useful resource for locating your Virginia LLC Articles of Organization is trustworthy legal and business service providers. Many legal websites and companies dedicated to helping entrepreneurs navigate the LLC formation process have comprehensive guides and templates available for download. These resources are highly valuable for those seeking convenience, as they often include fillable, pre-formatted templates adaptable to your specific LLC.
Such providers offer added benefits, such as customer support and legal reviews of your LLC formation documents. Utilizing reputable providers will help you feel confident that your Articles of Organization and overall LLC formation process meet Virginia’s legal requirements and regulations.
While searching for these important documents, it is important to remain cautious of unofficial or unofficial-looking sources, as they may contain incorrect or misleading information. Relying on trusted government websites or reputable legal providers is essential to ensure accuracy and compliance.
In conclusion, entrepreneurs in Virginia can locate their LLC Articles of Organization and relevant resources for LLC formation through the convenient online services provided by the State Corporation Commission. By accessing their website, you gain access to comprehensive guides, Frequently Asked Questions, and the necessary templates to fill out the Articles of Organization accurately. Furthermore, renowned legal and business service providers can offer valuable assistance in this endeavor. With these resources at your disposal, forming your Virginia LLC will be a less arduous process, paving the way for a successful and compliant business venture.
F.A.Qs
An Article of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for Virginia in forming an LLC business structure.
The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.
Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Virginia LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.
