Change Virginia LLC name
You can change the name of a Virginia LLC by filing articles of amendment with the secretary of state. Read the step-by-step instructions below:
Official Virginia form to change LLC name
Fill up the LLC amendment form and mail it to the Virginia secretary of state to change an LLC's name.
Amendment form
What is an LLC?
Limited Liability Company
LLC is a business entity in the U.S that provides limited liability to its members. It has characteristics from both corporation and sole proprietorship. LLCs are permitted under State statutes of each US state.
Limited liability
Personal assets are protected for people with limited liability when they are sued.
Corporation
A business entity that can issue shares and give limited liability to shareholders.
Members
Owners of an LLC are referred to as members. They own membership interest in the LLC.
Sole proprietorship
Where an individual engages in business activity without formal organization.
Types of LLC
Depends on the number of members and whether it has elected to change its IRS classification.
Single-member LLC
Has only a single member. IRS considers it as a sole proprietorship for tax purposes.
LLC as C-corp
Owners of an LLC are referred to as members. They own membership interest in the LLC.
Multi-member LLC
Has two members. IRS considers it as a partnership for tax purposes.
LLC as S-corp
A special election for a maximum of 100 US shareholders.
Actions
Step-by-step instructions
How to change an LLC name in Virginia?
Check the steps below:
1. Choose a new name
Before you proceed with changing your existing LLC name, make sure to find a new LLC name that suits your business.
Ensure the name follows the state's LLC naming guidelines. See them in detail below.
Search for possible names through the state's business entity search tool. Make sure the name you pick is available.
2. Reserve the new name (optional)
Optionally, you can reserve a name with the state. You can do so by paying reservation fees to the Virginia secretary of state.
Reservation fee
$10
Reservation period
120 days
3. File articles of amendment
You may fill and file a articles of amendment for the LLC with the secretary of state via mail to update the state of the new name.
Filing fees
$25
Address
Virginia Clerk of the State Corporation Commission
PO Box 1197
Richmond, Virginia 23218-1197
4. Update your operating agreement
Make note of the name change in your operating agreement and update accordingly.
5. Update state and federal government records
Check all the government records, including tax registrations, employer records, etc and update your new name.
6. Inform your business contacts
Make sure you update your bank, vendors, customers and other related parties with your LLC's new name
Entity name
Every LLC should have a unique name in Virginia. Virginia maintains a list of names of entities in the state. Go through it to check if your chosen name is available.
Search for names
Go to the official website of the Virginia business entity search tool to see if the name you want is available.
Searching fee
Free
Reservation
You can reserve a name for your LLC for a specific duration by paying reservation fees to the Virginia state corporation commission. You will have to file your LLC formation documents within this period to keep the name. Alternatively, you can directly go ahead with the LLC formation without any reservation. That's fine too.
Reservation fee
$10
Reservation period
120 days
LLC naming guidelines
The name you choose for your LLC must the official naming guidelines.
Code of Virginia §13.1-1012
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Here are some of the guidelines in simple language:
- 1
Shall contain the words "limited company" or "limited liability company" or their abbreviations "L.C.," "LC," "L.L.C.," or "LLC."
- 2
Don’t include terms that indicate that you are doing an activity that you are not authorised to do.
- 3
Your name should be ‘distinguishable’ in the Secretary of State records. Adding a punctuation or ‘the’ does not make it distinguishable.
- 4
Don’t use words that makes it seems like you are a governmental entity or has an affiliation.
LLC Annual Registration
Every LLC has to file this report in Virginia to stay compliant with the state laws.
Filing Annual Registration
Virginia LLC is expected to file this report annually
File it online on Virginia Corporation Commission website
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Online fee
$50
Failure to pay
Your LLC will be charged a $25 late fee if you miss your filing deadline. The state will also dissolve your LLC after three months not filing your annual registration.
Frequently asked questions
Related steps in Virginia
LLC in Virginia is a powerful entity for entrepreneurs. After the formation, you may have to add a member, remove a member or change registered agents. Read how to do these actions.
Virginia LLC
Virginia LLC add member
Virginia LLC remove member