How To Register A Fictitious Business Name In Virginia
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.
How to register a fictitious business name in virginia. Fictitious name certificates may be filed online through the clerk s information system cis. The next step is to check to see if your name is unique and also meets virginia s business name requirements. 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. Your trade name isn t protected from being used by others. All companies doing business in the city of virginia beach need to register with the city and possibly the state and or federal government.
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. Effective january 1 2020. When you register your virginia fictitious name or assumed name you are essentially letting other business owners know that the name is in use. 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. 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.
Choosing and registering a business name is the first step to legally operate your business. Fortunately registering a business name in virginia is a straightforward process that must be completed before you actually use 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. Choosing a business name is an important step in the business planning process. Once your company has filed for a dba you can enter contracts open bank accounts and operate under the assumed.
Business names previously registered through the chesterfield circuit court clerk. 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. 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. 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. To reserve a distinguishable business entity name see how can a business entity name be reserved for future use.
In fact it is a crime that carries a fine of 2500 or a year in prison.