How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

All Posts by Steve →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
articles of organization

The Articles of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in Virginia. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in Virginia to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in Virginia. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Virginia to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia?

The Articles of Organization for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Articles of Organization is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with Virginia Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in Virginia,
  • 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

Note that the Articles of Organization in Virginia is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. 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 LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Virginia, the following methods are available.

LLC Service

Our Rating & Pricing

Top Features

Learn More

#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • 100% accuracy guarantee

  • Worry-free service

  • Great customer support

Learn More

$0 + State Fees

  • Free LLC Formation

  • Affordable Add-on services

  • Other business solutions

Learn More

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 Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Virginia Registered Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in Virginia that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Registered Agent, and file the Articles of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than Virginia, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with Virginia.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in Virginia?

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.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the State Corporation Commission, Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 1197, Richmond, VA 23218-1197. For online filing, you must log in to the Virginia Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing Virginia Articles of Organization

cost

LLC cost in Virginia includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($10), Registered Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In Virginia, the filing fee of a formation document is $100. The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Virginia Articles of Organization: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend Virginia Articles of Organization. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia?
The LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia is a legal document required to establish a limited liability company in the state.
How do I file the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia?
You can file the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia online through the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s website.
What information is required in the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia?
The LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia typically requires information such as the LLC’s name, registered agent, members, and purpose.
Can I reserve a name for my LLC before filing the Articles of Organization in Virginia?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC in Virginia for a small fee before filing the Articles of Organization.
How much does it cost to file the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia?
The filing fee for the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia is $100.
Can I file the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia by mail?
Yes, you can file the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia by mail, but online filing is often faster and more convenient.
How long does it take to process the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia?
The processing time for the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia is typically around 7-10 business days.
Do I need an operating agreement to go along with the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia?
While an operating agreement is not required in Virginia, it is highly recommended to have one to establish the operating rules and management structure of your LLC.
Can I amend the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia after filing?
Yes, you can amend the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia by filing an amendment with the State Corporation Commission.
Do I need to publish my LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia?
No, Virginia does not require LLCs to publish their Articles of Organization in a newspaper.
What is the deadline for filing the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia?
There is no specific deadline for filing the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia, but it should be done before you start doing business.
Can I change the name of my LLC after filing the Articles of Organization in Virginia?
Yes, you can change the name of your LLC in Virginia by filing an amendment to the Articles of Organization.
Can a foreign LLC file Articles of Organization in Virginia to operate in the state?
Typically, a foreign LLC looking to operate in Virginia would file for a Certificate of Authority, rather than the Articles of Organization.
Can I reserve a name for my LLC in Virginia without filing the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC in Virginia before filing the Articles of Organization.
Do I need to have a physical address in Virginia to file the LLC Articles of Organization?
Yes, you will need to provide a physical address in Virginia for your LLC in the Articles of Organization.
Can I be my own registered agent for my LLC in Virginia?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent for your LLC in Virginia, as long as you have a physical address in the state to receive legal documents.
Are there any publication requirements for LLCs in Virginia after filing the Articles of Organization?
No, Virginia does not require LLCs to publish their Articles of Organization in a newspaper.
Can I be the sole member of an LLC in Virginia?
Yes, you can be the sole member of an LLC in Virginia, as the state does not have a minimum requirement for the number of members.
Can I transfer an existing LLC to Virginia by filing Articles of Organization?
No, if you want to move an existing LLC to Virginia, you will need to register as a foreign LLC or create a new LLC in Virginia.
Is there a publication requirement for LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia?
No, Virginia does not require LLCs to publish their Articles of Organization in a newspaper.
Can I change the registered agent for my LLC after filing the Articles of Organization in Virginia?
Yes, you can change the registered agent for your LLC in Virginia by filing a Statement of Change for Registered Office and/or Registered Agent.
Can I file the Articles of Organization for my LLC in Virginia if I live out of state?
Yes, you can file the Articles of Organization for your LLC in Virginia even if you live out of state.
Can I dissolve my LLC in Virginia by filing an amendment to the Articles of Organization?
No, to dissolve an LLC in Virginia, you would need to file Articles of Termination with the State Corporation Commission.
Does Virginia require an LLC to have a specific corporate structure listed in the Articles of Organization?
No, Virginia LLCs have flexibility in their structure and do not need to adhere to specific corporate formalities.
Can I apply for an EIN for my LLC in Virginia when filing the Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your LLC in Virginia as part of the filing process.
Can I fill out the Articles of Organization in Virginia myself or do I need to use a registered agent service?
You can fill out the Articles of Organization in Virginia yourself, but many people choose to use a registered agent service for convenience.
Can I operate under a different name than what is listed on the Articles of Organization in Virginia?
Yes, you can operate under a different name than what is listed on the Articles of Organization in Virginia as long as you file a trade name registration.
Do I need an operating agreement in addition to filing the Articles of Organization in Virginia?
While an operating agreement is not required in Virginia, it is highly recommended to have one to establish the operating rules and management structure of your LLC.
What is the purpose of the LLC Articles of Organization in Virginia?
The Articles of Organization are filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission to officially form an LLC in the state.
How much does it cost to file the Articles of Organization for an LLC in Virginia?
It costs $100 to file the Articles of Organization for an LLC in Virginia.

Also Read

In Conclusion

The formation document or the Articles of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Virginia. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Virginia, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Good Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

Leave a Comment