How to Start an LLC in Virginia

Virginia LLCs file Articles of Organization and an annual registration fee. Step-by-step Virginia LLC formation guide.

To start an LLC in Virginia, you file Articles of Organization with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) and pay a filing fee of approximately $100.

Online filings are typically processed within a few business days. Fees change frequently, so confirm the current amount on the Virginia SCC website before you submit your paperwork.

Picking a Name the Virginia SCC Will Accept

Virginia requires your LLC name to be distinguishable from other entities registered in the state. You can search the SCC's business entity database for free. The name must include a designator such as "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company," and it cannot imply a type of business you are not licensed to run.

• Run a free name search on the SCC website.
• Consider reserving the name if you are not ready to file.
• Avoid restricted words unless you hold the appropriate license.

Spend a few minutes thinking about how the name reads aloud and how it will look on a storefront or website. A short, memorable name is easier to protect and easier for customers to find. Checking whether a matching domain is available before you file can save you from a costly rename later.

Who Can Serve as Your Virginia Registered Agent

Virginia LLCs must keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The agent receives legal papers and official notices during business hours. You can be your own agent, choose another individual, or hire a commercial service.

Your registered agent's address becomes part of the public record, so many owners who work from home prefer a commercial agent to keep their home address private. If you change agents later, you will file a statement of change with the SCC. If you are weighing your options, our registered agent guide explains the trade-offs.

Submitting Virginia Articles of Organization

The Articles of Organization create your LLC. You file them with the SCC online or by mail. The form captures your LLC name, registered agent details, and the name and address of at least one organizer.

1. Complete the Articles of Organization form.
2. Pay the filing fee of approximately $100.
3. Submit online for faster processing or mail the paper form.
4. Save the confirmation for your records.

Review the form carefully before submitting. The SCC will reject incomplete filings, and a rejection means waiting through the review process again. Most owners find the online system straightforward and complete the filing in under an hour.

Virginia Fees and Approval Times

Formation costs in Virginia are straightforward. The Articles of Organization fee is approximately $100. Online filings are usually approved within a few business days, while mailed filings can take longer. As of 2026, the SCC processes most online LLC filings quickly, though turnaround can vary with volume. For a state-by-state comparison, read our guide on how much an LLC costs.

You will also owe an annual registration fee of approximately $50 each year. That fee keeps your LLC in good standing with the SCC and is separate from any federal or local obligations.

Setting Up Your Virginia LLC for Day One

After approval, take these steps before you start operating:

• Get a free EIN from the IRS. You will need it for banking and payroll. Our guide on getting an EIN for your LLC walks through it.
• Write an operating agreement covering ownership and management.
• Register for Virginia tax accounts, including income tax withholding if you have employees.
• Open a business bank account in the LLC's name.

Virginia also has a business license tax administered at the local level, so check with your city or county about licensing requirements. Even a home-based business may need a local license or zoning approval before you begin.

The Virginia Annual Registration Fee

Virginia LLCs pay an annual registration fee of approximately $50. The SCC sends a notice each year, and you file and pay online. Missing the deadline adds late fees, so set a reminder. If you close the business, you will also need to file articles of cancellation with the SCC to formally end the LLC and stop the annual obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Virginia?

The Articles of Organization filing fee is approximately $100. Virginia LLCs also pay an annual registration fee of about $50. Fees change frequently, so confirm the current amounts on the Virginia State Corporation Commission website.

How long does it take to get an LLC approved in Virginia?

Online filings are typically processed within a few business days. Mailed filings take longer, often one to two weeks depending on the SCC's workload. Filing online is the fastest route to approval.

Does Virginia require a registered agent for an LLC?

Yes. Every Virginia LLC must maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. The agent accepts legal documents and official notices during business hours. You can serve as your own agent or use a commercial service.

Does a Virginia LLC have to file an annual report?

Virginia requires an annual registration filing with a fee of approximately $50. The SCC sends a reminder each year, and you complete the filing online. Confirm the current fee on the SCC website.