How to Check if a Business Name is Available in Virginia

How do I find out if a business name is available in Virginia?
To check name availability and allowability please visit the Name Availability search in the Clerk’s Information System (CIS). To reserve a Business Entity Name, please visit the Clerk’s Information System (CIS) to submit the reservation filing online.
Read more on www.scc.virginia.gov

Choosing a name for your business is one of the first things you should do when beginning one. However, it’s crucial to confirm that the name you choose is genuinely accessible before moving further and printing business cards and building a website. There are a few measures you can take in Virginia to determine whether a business name is available.

Utilizing the online business entity search tool provided by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) is one of the simplest ways to determine whether a business name is accessible in Virginia. Using this tool, you can check the SCC database to verify if the name you desire is already registered to a Virginia corporate company. The search engine is simple to use and returns results right away.

Visit the SCC website and select “Business Entity Search” from the “Business” page to use the search engine. After entering the desired name, select “Search.” The search engine will then show a list of companies whose names match or almost match the one you input. If there are no outcomes, the name is probably still available.

You’ll have to pick an alternative name if the one you like is already taken. To make your name stand out, you might consider adding a word or phrase that describes something. In the event that “Smith Enterprises” is already taken, other options include “Smith Enterprises of Virginia” or “Smith Enterprises LLC.”

Choosing a Virginia LLC name

There are a few more naming criteria you should be aware of if you’re founding a limited liability corporation (LLC) in Virginia. First, “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” must be in your LLC name. Informing customers that your company is a limited liability company rather than a sole proprietorship or partnership is the goal of this.

Additionally, the Virginia State Corporation Commission has prohibited some words from being used in your LLC name. These include expressions that suggest your company is affiliated with a government body, words pertaining to banking or insurance, as well as insulting or deceptive terminology.

Who Owns What Business in Virginia?

The online business entity search tool provided by the Virginia State Corporation Commission can be used to determine who owns a company in Virginia. Simply type the company name into the search bar and press “Search.” A list of companies with names that exactly match or nearly match the one you entered will be shown by the search tool. To view further details, including the name and address of the registered agent and the members or management of the LLC, click on the name of the company you are interested in.

In Virginia, does an LLC have to be in the name? As previously indicated, your company name must contain the letters “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” if you are establishing an LLC in Virginia. However, it is entirely up to you whether to use these words as an acronym or as part of your company name.

For instance, if you are creating an LLC called “Smith Enterprises,” you can choose to use “Smith Enterprises, Limited Liability Company” or “Smith Enterprises, LLC” as your company name. As an alternative, you may call your company “Smith Enterprises, LLC” or “Smith Enterprises L.L.C.” You can format your name as you want as long as it contains one of the necessary criteria.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to research Virginia availability of company names before launching a venture. You may quickly and simply determine if the name you desire is available by utilizing the online business entity search tool provided by the Virginia State Corporation Commission. There are also some additional naming regulations you should be aware of if you’re founding an LLC in Virginia. With this knowledge, you may select an original and fitting name for your company and begin creating your brand.