How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Virginia?

Virginia LLC Online Filing Fee: $100

The main cost to start an LLC is the $100 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Virginia State Corporate Commission.

For a look at LLC cost in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Registered Agent Fee

In Virginia you can be your own registered agent, but using a registered agent service helps keep your company in compliance and reminds you of important filing deadlines and avoid late fees.

• If you need to form a new business and get a registered agent, the best package is by Northwest Registered Agent $29 + state fees

OR:

• If only a registered agent is required, Northwest Registered Agent provides an excellent service: $125

Read our guide to learn more about Virginia Registered Agents. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Virginia

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Virginia, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Virginia.

The cost for registering a Virginia foreign LLC is $100. You can register a foreign LLC in Virginia by filing for a Certificate of Registration to Transact Business in Virginia (Form LLC1052).

Business Permits and Licenses

Depending on your industry and geographical location, your business might need federal, state, and local permits/licenses to legally operate in Virginia. This is true whether you form an LLC or any other type of business structure.

Learn more about state and local licensing with our guide to getting a Virginia business license.

Other LLC Filing Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation:
Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing an Application for Reservation of a Business Entity Name (Form SCC631) and paying the $10 filing fee. The reservation can be renewed for another 120 days by filing the same form.

“Doing Business As” (DBA) Name:
File for a Certificate of Assumed or Fictitious Name (Form SCC59.1-70- BE) and pay the $10 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.

Certified Document Copies:
Obtain certified copies of your Virginia business documents by ordering through the State Corporation Commission and paying $6.

Certificate of Fact of Existence:
Also known as a Virginia certificate of good standing, you can obtain this document by ordering through the State Corporation Commission and paying the $6 fee. A certificate of fact is often required by banks and lending institutions.

Five Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Virginia

Step 1: Name Your Virginia LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Virginia LLC

When you name your Virginia LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Virginia
2. Meets Virginia naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Virginia guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Virginia.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Virginia must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Virginia registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Virginia
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The Virginia Form LLC1011 - Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $100 online and by mail.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the Virginia Articles of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Virginia LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Virginia LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees