Virginia DBA / Fictitious Name / Trade Name Registrations

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.

Virginia General Business Licenses

Virginia Fictitious Name Registration

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.

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.

Agency:Virginia State Corporation Commission
Law:

VA Code § 59.1-69

Initial Registration
Assumed or Fictitious Name

Form:

Certificate of Assumed or Fictitious Name

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

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:

Fictitious and assumed names are now filed with the Corporation Commission and not with individual counties.

Does registration prevent others from using the name I choose?:

Registration of a fictitious name does not offer name protection.

Notes:

Publication of registration is not required in Virginia.

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Registrations do not currently expire.

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Revised November 24, 2021. Complete data last reviewed August 17, 2018.
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