Virginia Fictitious Name Registration & Renewal
Registration requirements for Virginia business entities
Business entities that plan to use a name other than their legal business name may need to register an assumed
name. Assumed name registration can take place at the state, local, or state and local levels of government.
State specific registration information is available below.
Initial Application for Registration
| Agency: | Virginia State Corporation Commission |
| Agency Fee: | $10 |
| Is registration mandatory?: | Filing a fictitious name registration is mandatory to conduct business under any other name than your personal legal name or a registered business name. |
| Law: | VA Code § 59.1-69 |
| County Level Filing: | All entities and individuals file at the county or local level in Virginia. Corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships are also required to file an authenticated copy of the registration with the state corporation commission from each circuit court there registered in. |
| Does registration prevent others from using the name I choose?: | Registration of a fictitious name does not offer name protection. |
| Notes: | - 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.
- Entities may need to file more than one copy with the state corporation commission if they file more than one county or city registration.
- Publication of registration is not required in Virginia.
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Renewal Filing
Revised March 17, 2017. Complete data last reviewed March 17, 2017.
