How To Register A Fictitious Business Name In Virginia

When a business wants to operate under a name other than their legal name the state of virginia like most states require the business to register their business name.

How to register a fictitious business name in virginia. In fact it is a crime that carries a fine of 2500 or a year in prison. Assumed fictitious name filings other than releases are handled at the state level through the commonwealth of virginia s state corporation commission scc forms are accessible on the scc website. Fortunately registering a business name in virginia is a straightforward process that must be completed before you actually use your business name. Choosing and registering a business name is the first step to legally operate your business. Failure to register for this certificate if you do business in virginia in a name other than your business s or your own legal name carries legal consequences.

Corporations llcs and limited partnerships must file a copy of their fictitious name registration with the state corporation commission instead of filing a separate registration. As of january 1 2020 the clerk s office of the state corporation commission is the central filing office in virginia for all certificates of assumed or fictitious name. When you register your virginia fictitious name or assumed name you are essentially letting other business owners know that the name is in use. Entities may need to file more than one copy with the state corporation commission if they file more than one county or city registration. A dba also known as doing business as trade name assumed name or fictitious name is a name used by a business that is different from the legal name of the business.

Business names previously registered through the chesterfield circuit court clerk. Afterward depending on your business s needs you may reserve a name form an llc or corporation with it file a dba or submit an amendment to the legal name of your business. For more information see business entity names faqs or contact the clerk s office at 804 371 9733 or toll free virginia 1 866 722 2551 or by email at sccefile scc virginia gov. All companies doing business in the city of virginia beach need to register with the city and possibly the state and or federal government. Effective january 1 2020.

To reserve a distinguishable business entity name see how can a business entity name be reserved for future use. Start with a virginia fictitious name or assumed name search. Fictitious name certificates may be filed online through the clerk s information system cis. Once your company has filed for a dba you can enter contracts open bank accounts and operate under the assumed. Starting a business can be both exciting and somewhat stressful with the many legal requirements you must fulfill including choosing and registering your business name.

To register a business name first check to make sure your name is unique by doing a business entity name search domain name search and a federal trademark search.