# Virginia business search

Source: https://joinopenfile.com/business-search/virginia
Index: https://joinopenfile.com/llms.txt

Virginia's official business search is Business Entity Search, run by the Virginia State Corporation Commission. It's free, and you can search by name, file number, officer or agent.

[Search Virginia records](https://cis.scc.virginia.gov/EntitySearch/Index)

The site asks you to accept cookies and then shows a login page; open this link again to search without logging in.

## How to check if a name is taken in Virginia

1. Type the main words of the name into the search. Leave off endings like LLC or Inc.
2. Look for exact matches and close ones. States usually refuse a name that only differs by punctuation, spacing or the ending.
3. If nothing close comes up, run a [free trademark search](https://joinopenfile.com/trademark-search). A state accepting your name doesn't give you the right to use it as a brand.

## LLC name endings in Virginia

An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, LC, L.C., Limited Company, Limited Liability Company, L.L.C..

## Once the name is clear

Virginia charges $100 to form an LLC and $75 to form a corporation. See [how to start an LLC in Virginia](https://joinopenfile.com/llc/virginia), or a [Virginia DBA](https://joinopenfile.com/dba/virginia) if you only need a trade name.

## Virginia business search questions

Is the Virginia business search free?

Yes. The Virginia State Corporation Commission doesn't charge to search its records.

Does searching reserve a name in Virginia?

No. A search only shows what's on record today. The name is yours once your filing is accepted, and most states also let you pay to hold a name for a set time.

Can I see who owns a Virginia LLC?

The record shows what Virginia requires a company to file, which is often its registered agent and sometimes its managers or members. Many states don't list owners at all.

[Start my Virginia LLC](https://joinopenfile.com/start?state=VA&entity=llc&pkg=basic)