You might be unsure if you need to file a DBA (Doing Business As) or fake name registration if you intend to launch a business in Virginia. The short answer is that you must submit a fake name certificate to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) if you intend to operate your business under a name other than your own legal name.
In Virginia, requesting a fictitious name certificate is a rather simple process. The filing fee is $10, and you can do it online or by mail. Your legal name, business address, and the name you intend to use for your company must all be provided. You might also need to present evidence of your legal right to use the name, like a trademark registration or a letter from an attorney.
So how can you find out if a company is authorized to operate in Virginia? All businesses registered to conduct business in the state are listed in the SCC’s online business entity database, which can be searched. You can conduct a search using the entity type, business name, or SCC ID. To avoid confusion, you might want to think about picking a different name if you come across a company with a name that sounds similar to the one you want to use.
While it is important to register a DBA or fictitious name in Virginia, it is not always necessary to register your business. You do not have to register with the SCC if you are a solo proprietorship or partnership. However, you must register with the SCC if you are creating a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or another kind of business entity.
Depending on the sort of entity you are forming, you will need to file articles of incorporation or organization in order to register your business in Virginia. The filing price ranges from $75 to $100, and you have the option of filing online or by mail. Once your company is registered, you must obtain all appropriate licenses and permissions, as well as adhere to all local and state laws.
In conclusion, you must register a DBA or fictitious name in Virginia if you intend to conduct business using a name other than your own legal name. The filing fee is $10, and you can do it online or by mail. You can look up a company’s registration status in Virginia by using the SCC’s online business entity database. You must file articles of incorporation or organization with the SCC in order to register any new corporations, LLCs, or other business entities.