How long does it take to register a business in Virginia?

Processing times vary: 3-5 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in Virginia?

Yes, most cities in Virginia require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in Virginia?

The LLC filing fee is $100. Annual fees are $50. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $300.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within Virginia. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the Virginia Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

Virginia Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your Virginia LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to Virginia businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for Virginia

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in Virginia?

$100

Filing Fee

3-5

Processing (days)

750K

Total Businesses

90K/yr

New Businesses

Proximity to Washington DC and federal contracts

Growing tech corridor in Northern Virginia

Low corporate tax rate

Highly educated workforce

Starting a Business in Virginia

Top Cities for Business

Virginia Beach459,470
Norfolk244,076
Chesapeake249,422
Richmond226,610
Arlington238,643

Popular Industries

Technology
Defense
Agriculture
Tourism
Finance

Cost to Start a Business in Virginia

LLC Filing Fee$100

Annual Report Fee$50/year

Name Reservation (optional)$10 for 120 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$300

Processing time: 3-5 business days

Virginia Tax Overview

Virginia has income tax rates from 2-5.75%. Corporate tax is 6%. Sales tax is 5.3% state plus local.

Virginia Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for Virginia

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Virginia Table
Southern Cuisine
Old Dominion Eats
Local Dining
Richmond Kitchen
Fresh Flavors

barbershop

Virginia Cuts
Premium Grooming
Old Dominion Barbers
Classic Style
Richmond Shave
Expert Service

construction

Virginia Builders
Quality Construction
Old Dominion Build
Building VA
Richmond Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

Virginia Strategy
Business Growth
Old Dominion Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Richmond Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

Virginia Mercantile
Local Goods
Old Dominion Market
Quality Products
Richmond Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

Virginia Home Care
Complete Solutions
Old Dominion Services
Professional Care
Richmond Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Virginia Tech Labs
Innovation
Old Dominion Digital
Tech Solutions
Richmond Software
Custom Development

healthcare

Virginia Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Old Dominion Medical
Patient Care
Richmond Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

Virginia Properties
Dream Homes
Old Dominion Realty
Expert Service
Richmond Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Virginia Fitness
Peak Performance
Old Dominion Strong
Community Fitness
Richmond Athletics
Elite Training

Official Virginia Business Resources

Virginia SCC

Business registration

Virginia Tax

Tax information

Virginia SBDC

Business counseling

How to Register a Business in Virginia

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your Virginia LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Annual Report ($50)
Maintain registered agent
Pay state taxes
Obtain local licenses

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for Virginia Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your Virginia Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the Virginia Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.