Virginia lesson 1 of 6
Name your Virginia LLC
The SCC will reject Articles of Organization if the name is not distinguishable from names already on record. Check first, because a rejected filing means resubmitting and waiting again.
Required wording
A Virginia LLC name must contain the words Limited Liability Company or Limited Company, or one of the abbreviations L.L.C., LLC, L.C. or LC. Limited may be abbreviated Ltd and Company may be abbreviated Co.
- Acceptable: Blue Ridge Consulting LLC, Blue Ridge Consulting Limited Company
- Not acceptable: wording implying a bank, insurance company, or government agency without approval
- Certain regulated words require a licence or approval letter from the relevant Virginia board
Checking availability
Use the SCC's Name Availability Check before you file. Virginia's standard looks at whether the proposed name is distinguishable from names already on record, not just whether it is an exact match, so small variations may still be refused.
If you are not ready to file the Articles yet, Form SCC631 reserves a name for 120 days for $10, and the reservation can be renewed.
Trading under a name different from your registered LLC name in Virginia is a fictitious name, filed with the SCC as a Certificate of Assumed or Fictitious Name.
🇺🇸 Check United States company name availability
Search the official United States state registry before you file. Opens the government portal in a new tab.
Tip: also confirm the .com domain and matching social handles are free before you commit.
Key takeaways
- End the name with LLC, L.L.C., LC, L.C. or the words in full.
- The SCC applies a distinguishability standard, not just exact match.
- A $10 reservation holds a name for 120 days and can be renewed.
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