Start an LLC in Virginia — Fast, Simple, and Affordable

Your Virginia LLC name must be unique among all businesses registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) and must include a required designator.

Virginia Naming Rules:

• Must include: "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
• Cannot use: Words implying a government agency (e.g., "FBI," "State Department")
• Restricted words: "Bank," "Insurance," "University" require additional approval
• Must be distinguishable: From all existing Virginia businesses on the SCC database

Every Virginia LLC must designate a registered agent — an individual or company with a physical Virginia street address — to receive legal documents, state notices, and official correspondence during normal business hours.

Who can be your registered agent?

• Yourself: Must have a physical Virginia address and be available during business hours
• A trusted individual: Any Virginia resident with a physical address
• A professional service: Like Brendat — keeps your personal address private

The Articles of Organization is the document that legally creates your Virginia LLC. You file it with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) — online via the Clerk's Information System (CIS) or by mail.

What's included in the Articles of Organization?

• LLC name and principal office address
• Registered agent name and Virginia address
• Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
• Organizer's name and signature

Virginia does not legally require an operating agreement for LLCs, but it is strongly recommended — especially for multi-member LLCs. It defines ownership, profit sharing, and management rules, and protects your liability shield.

Your operating agreement should cover:

• Ownership percentages: Each member's share and capital contribution
• Profit distribution: How and when profits are divided
• Management: Who makes decisions and how voting works
• Member changes: Process for adding or removing members
• Dissolution: Steps to take if the LLC is closed

An EIN is your LLC's federal tax ID — required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. You apply through the IRS for free.

• US residents: Apply free online at IRS.gov — instant approval
• Non-US residents: Apply by fax using IRS Form SS-4 — takes 4–6 weeks
• Brendat handles this: Included in Standard and Premium packages

Virginia LLCs must pay an annual registration fee every year to the Virginia SCC to stay in good standing. Virginia calls this an "annual registration fee" rather than an annual report — and it is one of the most affordable in the country.

• Annual registration fee: $50/year
• Due date: By the last day of the month in which your LLC was formed, every year
• Filing: Online via Virginia SCC
• Penalty for non-payment: $25 late fee + possible dissolution