How To Do A Virginia Business Name Search

The first step in forming an LLC or corporation in Virginia is to verify the business name is available to use. Each business entity that is registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission must use a unique name. See our step-by-step guide to learn how to quickly search available names by using the state’s Business Entity Database.

Also See: Guide to Starting a Business in Virginia

Steps To Search Corporation and LLC Names in Virginia

Step 1: Visit the Business Name Database

Go to the Virginia State Corporation Commission website

Step 2: Search for a Business Name

Enter the name you would like to use in the “Enter entity name” field.  In this example, we will look up “Sew What” and click “Check Name.”

Step 3: Review the Results

Searching this name, we get a message “Name is not distinguishable.”  To be able to register a corporation or LLC name in Virginia, the name must be distinguishable from the other names registered. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since there is already one registered.

To find more information about any of the registered business names, click on the name to see a detailed report.  In this example, we will look up “Sew What Inc.”

 

While the name “Sew What” by itself may not be available, other variants are such as “Sew What Seamstress.”  Searching for this business name brings a result that says, “Yes, this name is distinguishable on the records of the Commission at this time.”  Even if the name looks like it is available, the State Corporation Commission will do their own search to avoid confusing potential customers with a business name that sounds like someone else’s.  Typically words that sound alike but are spelled differently, and even abbreviations will make names show up as available but won’t be approved.

These are the basics of searching for a business name in Virginia.  Even when the name of the business you want looks like it is available, the State Corporation Commission will make a final determination at the time of filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names. 

Something to also keep in mind is that even though each Corporation and LLC name must be unique, it may not stop someone else from using that name since business names for a sole proprietorship or partnership are not registered by the Secretary of State and are not required to be unique.  To protect your business name, consider getting a trademark.

Related: Should I trademark my business name?

What information can be found on the Virginia business entity database?

The database search can find several pieces of information about the business. Some of the highlights include:

• Business Name
• Entity Type – Corporation, Limited Liability Company. Etc.
• Date of Formation / Registration – Date the entity was first filed with the State Corporation Commission.
• Status – Active means the entity is in good standing means all reports and filing fees are up to date. Other results include “Cancelled,” “Purged,” “Fee Delinquent,” and “Terminated.” The names of these inactive results may be available to register.
• Principal Office – This could be the business’s physical address, or it could be an address where business records are stored.
• Registered Agent’s information – A Registered Agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal, or tax notice need to be sent to the business.  This is often one of the owners, and if their home address is used, that address becomes public information.  Many people find this concerning and use a Registered Agent service like NorthWest Registered Agent, so their home address isn’t publically listed.  
• Names of the officers and their title