Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Virginia’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting a Virginia LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in Virginia
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a Virginia LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Virginia’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $10 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Virginia. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Corporation Commission Office of the Clerk P.O. Box 1197 Richmond, Virginia 23218-1197.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
How to Do Virginia LLC Online Name Search
For any business, naming is an important step. When naming your business, you need to make sure that the name is appealing to customers and also its availability. For Virginia-based businesses, one can take help from the Virginia LLC name search. Following are the ways to search for any business entity name:
By Business Entity Name/Entity ID
You can search by providing the entity name in the search tab. You can also type the Entity ID, to get more refined results. After pressing enter, you will get the details of businesses registered with the details you provided in the search tab.
Advanced Search
There is an advanced search option also available. In this, you can provide more details like the registered agent name, filing number, and principal name. The advanced search option helps you in getting further filtered results.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Virginia
To reserve an LLC name in Virginia you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Virginia Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $10.
One of the primary considerations when starting a new business is choosing a suitable name. Whether you opt for a catchy and unique moniker or prefer a more descriptive title, there’s usually a considerable amount of thought that goes into finding the perfect name. However, before you can officially call your business by that chosen name, it is vital to reserve it to ensure no one else can claim it. If you are starting a limited liability company (LLC) in the state of Virginia, here is a guide on how you can reserve your desired LLC name.
To begin the process of reserving an LLC name in Virginia, you must first decide on the name you want to secure. It’s worth noting the specifics regarding the acceptable name formats to avoid any delays or complications. The name should contain the words “limited liability company” or the abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.” Additionally, it should be distinguishable from any other existing business names registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
Once you have determined an available and compliant name, you can proceed to reserve it. Reserving an LLC name can be done through the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), which is the authority governing business formations in the state. They have provided a simple and convenient online process to reserve a name for your LLC.
To start, you’ll need to visit the SCC website, where you can find a section dedicated to reserve a name. Select the appropriate form and begin by providing your contact information, such as your name, address, phone number, and email address. Ensure that the information is accurate, as any inaccurate details might lead to communication issues or complications during the process.
Moving forward, you will have to fill in the essential details about your LLC and the name you wish to reserve. Provide the requested information, including the desired name, and double-check for any errors or misspellings. Additionally, you may be required to mention an alternate name in case your preferred one is unavailable. Such foresight will save you time and effort in case your initial choice has already been registered.
Finally, once you have submitted the necessary information, you’ll need to pay the required fee to reserve the LLC name. The SCC provides details regarding the applicable fees on their website, allowing you to plan your budget accordingly. It is essential to note that these fees might be subject to change, so be sure to refer to the most recent information provided by the SCC.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name is a crucial step in establishing your business. By following the correct procedures and conforming to the guidelines set by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, you can successfully reserve a name that aligns with your business vision without any legal hurdles. Reserving your LLC name early on ensures that you secure your preferred choice and minimizes the chances of encountering difficulties or conflicts down the line.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name
