Virginia lesson 3 of 6
File the Articles of Organization
Virginia's formation document is the Articles of Organization, Form LLC-1011, filed with the State Corporation Commission's Clerk's Office for a $100 fee.
What the Articles ask for
The form covers the LLC's name, the address of its principal office, and the name and address of the registered agent and registered office. Virginia's Articles are short: members and managers are not listed on the form itself.
- The principal office address does not need to be in Virginia
- You do not need to state whether the LLC is member managed or manager managed on the Articles
- An organiser signs the filing, and does not need to be an owner
Fee and filing route
The filing fee is $100, set by Code of Virginia § 13.1-1005. Filing online through the Clerk's Information System is the fastest route and is what the SCC recommends; the Articles can also be mailed or delivered in person to the Clerk's Office in Richmond.
CIS gives you an online account you will keep using for the life of the LLC, including for paying the annual registration fee, so set it up carefully at formation.
After approval
Once the SCC issues a certificate of organization, keep it with your records. Virginia does not require an operating agreement to be filed, but the SCC and most banks expect one to exist to set out ownership and management even though it stays private.
Key takeaways
- Form LLC-1011 costs $100, filed with the SCC's Clerk's Office.
- Online filing through the Clerk's Information System is the SCC's recommended method.
- Members are not listed on the Articles, so ownership stays off this particular public record.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in Virginia to form a Virginia LLC?
No. There is no residency requirement for members. Only an individual registered agent has to be a Virginia resident, and must also be a member, manager, or licensed Virginia attorney.
Is an operating agreement required in Virginia?
It is not filed with the SCC, but it is the document that sets out ownership, voting, and profit shares. Without one, Virginia's default LLC Act rules apply instead.
Official sources
Or let us file your Virginia LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1011), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team