Virginia LLC Cost

The minimum LLC Cost in Virginia is $100, which covers the processing fee for filing your LLC formation document (known as the Articles of Organization).

However, the total cost of establishing a Virginia LLC can vary based on your business needs and preferences.

In our Virginia LLC Cost article, we provide a detailed overview of the costs associated with starting and maintaining an LLC in the state.

More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a professional service to save time and avoid mistakes.

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How Much Does a Virginia LLC Cost

Below is a summary of the primary requirements and associated fees for forming a Virginia LLC.

	LLC Cost Summary
Requirement	Fee
Articles of Organization	$100
Registered Agent	$0-$150+
LLC Name	$0-$20

Virginia LLC Filing Fee ($100)

To legally form an LLC in Virginia, you must submit specific formation documents to the State Corporation Commission (SCC).

For domestic LLCs, this involves filing the Articles of Organization, whereas for foreign LLCs (i.e., those operating outside of Virginia) an Application for Certificate of Authority is required.

The filing fee for both domestic and foreign LLCs is $100, which can be submitted online, by mail, or in person.

If you choose to use an LLC formation service, the cost will be slightly higher due to service fees added on top of the state filing fees.

LLC formation services generally start at just $29, with additional costs depending on the services you choose.

Have a look at our in-depth review of the best and most affordable LLC Formation Services in 2024.

Virginia Registered Agent ($0-$150+)

As part of the LLC formation process, you’ll need to appoint a registered agent. This individual or entity in Virginia will accept legal documents on behalf of your business, such as government correspondence and service of process.

While you can act as your own registered agent at no cost, many business owners prefer to hire a professional service in order to: a) avoid penalties for non-compliance, and b) keep their personal information private.

The cost for registered agent services in Virginia typically starts at around $150 per year, though they can go up to $300+ depending on the provider in question.

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Virginia LLC Name ($0-$20)

While the process of naming your Virginia LLC doesn’t incur a direct cost, there are two potential expenses to be aware of.

Reserving a Name

If you’ve chosen a name but aren’t ready to form your LLC yet, you can reserve it for future use by filing Form SCC631 and paying a $10 filing fee. This reservation can be made online or by mail and ensures that no other entity can use the name while you finalize your LLC formation.

Before reserving a name, it’s wise to verify its availability by conducting a name search on the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s website.

You should also ensure that its corresponding domain is available as you’ll need this for your future website.

Doing Business As (DBA) Name

If you plan to operate your business under a different name than your LLC’s registered name, you’ll need to obtain a Doing Business As (DBA) name, which is also known as a Fictitious Name in Virginia.

To register a DBA name, you’ll need to submit this Certificate of Assumed or Fictitious Name form to the Clerk’s Office of the Virginia State Corporation Commission — either online or by mail — for a $10 fee.

Unlike in some states, Virginia DBA names do not expire and do not require renewal, provided there are no changes to the name.

Optional Virginia LLC Formation Costs

In addition to the standard fees, there are a few additional costs that your LLC might need to pay depending on its unique needs.

Virginia LLC Operating Agreement

While not legally required, it’s advisable for Virginia LLCs to have an operating agreement. This document outlines the roles and responsibilities of all LLC members and/or managers, and can help prevent future disputes from arising.

You can create an operating agreement yourself at no cost, or hire an online service or attorney, typically costing several hundred dollars. This document is for internal use only and does not need to be filed with the Secretary of State.

Expedited Virginia LLC Filing

For those needing faster processing, Virginia offers expedited services:

Next Day Service: $50 or $100, depending on the form in question.
Same Day Service: $200, ensuring documents submitted by 10:00 am are processed by 4:00 pm.

These options are available for online filings through the Clerk’s Information System (CIS).

Local Business Licenses

Depending on your LLC’s location and activities, you may need to obtain a local business license.

For example, in Alexandria, a business license must be obtained through the Multi-Agency Permit Center, with the cost varying based on your business’s nature and projected revenue.

Certificate of Fact of Existence

A Certificate of Fact of Existence, which is often needed for opening a business bank account or securing loans, can be obtained for $6 through the Clerk’s Information System (CIS).

Certified Copies of Business Documents

If you need certified copies of your LLC documents, these can also be requested via CIS for a $6 fee per request.

Ongoing Costs to Maintain an Virginia LLC

Beyond the initial formation costs, there are a couple of ongoing expenses that’ll you need to pay in order to maintain your LLC.

Annual Registration Fee

Virginia requires LLCs to pay an annual registration fee of $50, which is due on the last day of the month in which your LLC was formed.

Payments can be made online via CIS or by mail to the SCC. Late payments incur a $25 penalty, and failure to pay within three months can result in the cancellation of your LLC.

Registered Agent Maintenance

If you choose to use a professional registered agent to handle your legal documents, you’ll need to pay an annual fee for their services.

The cost of this service varies, typically ranging from $125 to $300 per year, depending on the provider and the features you select. While not mandatory, using a professional registered agent service is often recommended for small business owners as it offers increased privacy and flexibility.

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Virginia LLC vs Other States

Virginia’s moderate formation costs, low annual report fee, and lack of franchise taxes make it a competitive choice for entrepreneurs looking to register an LLC.

Having said that, you should keep in mind that the best state to form your LLC in will generally be where you will be operating from.

This is because otherwise you could be required to pay registration and maintenance fees in more than one state.

Virginia LLC Cost FAQ

To form an LLC in Virginia, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the State Corporate Commission. The filing can be done online or by mail and carries a fee of $100.

A registered agent is a person or company that agrees to accept legal and tax documents on behalf of your LLC in Virginia.

Yes, an LLC in Virginia can operate under a fictitious or assumed name. It can be useful for businesses that want to operate under a different name than their legally registered name.

In Virginia, LLCs are required to pay an annual registration fee of $50. Note that this is not a report but a fee that needs to be paid each year to keep the LLC in good standing.

An LLC formation service can simplify the process of starting your LLC in Virginia. It can handle all of the paperwork and filing for you, ensuring that everything is done correctly and in a timely manner. In addition, many of these services also offer ongoing support such as compliance monitoring and registered agent services.

You can check the availability of a business name in Virginia by using the Business Entity Search tool and the Name Check Availability service provided by the Virginia State Corporate Commission.

A Certificate of Fact of Existence in Virginia is a document that certifies your LLC is officially registered and is in good standing with the state. This document may be requested by lenders, investors, or other parties who need proof of your LLC's compliance with state regulations.