Virginia LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


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.
virginia_state_seal

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.

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

F.A.Qs

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

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.

What if my name is unavailable?

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.

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.

The first step in reserving an LLC name in Virginia is to conduct a search to ensure that your desired name is available. This can be done on the State Corporation Commission’s website, where you can search for existing entities with similar names. It is essential to choose a name that is not already in use to avoid any potential conflicts or confusion down the road.

If your desired name is available, you can then proceed to reserve it online through the State Corporation Commission’s website. The reservation is valid for 120 days, during which time no other entity can use the reserved name. This gives you the opportunity to gather all necessary paperwork and complete the registration process for your LLC without worrying about someone else taking your chosen name.

When reserving an LLC name in Virginia, it is important to follow the state’s guidelines for naming your business. The name of your LLC must include specific words or abbreviations, such as “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC” to indicate its legal structure. Additionally, the name must be distinguishable from any other existing entities in Virginia to avoid confusion among consumers.

It is also essential to consider trademark law when choosing an LLC name in Virginia. While reserving a name with the State Corporation Commission protects it at the state level, it does not guarantee protection against trademark infringement. Before finalizing your LLC name, it is advisable to conduct a trademark search to ensure that your chosen name is not already trademarked by another entity.

Reserving an LLC name in Virginia is an important step in the process of starting a business. Taking the time to secure a unique and distinguishable name can help build your brand identity and set you apart from competitors. By following the state’s guidelines for naming your LLC and conducting thorough research, you can ensure that your chosen name is available and legally compliant.

Overall, reserving an LLC name in Virginia is a relatively simple process that can have a significant impact on the success of your business. By taking the time to secure a unique and legally compliant name, you can protect your brand identity and lay a solid foundation for your LLC.

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

Leave a Comment