2026 Guide

How to Start an LLC in Virginia

The complete guide to filing fees, State Corporation Commission forms, and requirements.

The American LLC Research Team

Formation, Compliance and Tax Research

Last reviewed September 2026

Filing Fee

$100

Processing Time

Immediate (Online)

Compliance

Annual Report

Virginia filing fee, name reservation fee and annual report fee verified September 2026 against the official sources listed below.

Form Your Virginia LLC with Northwest »

$39 + $100 state fee · first year of registered agent service included · we may earn a commission

Step 1: Choose Your Business Type

Select your industry to see a custom guide for Virginia.

1Name Your Virginia LLC

The first listing requirement is ensuring your business name is unique. It must be distinguishable from other entities registered with the State Corporation Commission. You must also include a designator like "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to comply with state statutes.


2Assign a Registered Agent

Every Virginia LLC must appoint a Registered Agent. This individual or business entity agrees to accept legal documents (Service of Process) on behalf of your company. They must have a physical street address in Virginia (not a P.O. Box) and be available during regular business hours.


3File Articles of Organization

To officially create your entity, you must file the Articles of Organization with the state. The filing fee is $100. This fee is non-refundable. Most entrepreneurs choose to file online for faster approval, which typically takes Immediate (Online).


4Get Your EIN & Bank Account

Once your LLC is approved, apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. This nine-digit number is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. Keeping your business finances separate from personal accounts is critical for maintaining your liability protection.


Virginia LLC Cost Breakdown

The cost to open an LLC in Virginia includes both the initial filing fee and ongoing compliance fees. Here is the breakdown:

ItemEstimated Cost
State Filing Fee (LLC)$100
Annual Report Fee$50
Report Due DateLast Day of Anniv.
Notes & Hidden CostsAnnual Registration Fee

* Fees are payable to the State Corporation Commission and are subject to change.

Common Questions in Virginia

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Virginia?
The state filing fee for a Virginia LLC is $100, paid once to the State Corporation Commission. If you use a formation service, you pay this state fee plus the service's own charge.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Virginia?
Online filings in Virginia are typically approved immediately, though it varies with filing volume. Expedited processing (1–2 business days) is available for an extra $0.
Does Virginia require an Annual Report?
Yes. Virginia LLCs must file an annual report with the State Corporation Commission. The fee is $50, due by the last day of your LLC's anniversary month. Missing it can lead to administrative dissolution.
Do I need to file a BOI report with FinCEN for my LLC?
No — not if your LLC was formed in the United States. FinCEN's interim final rule of March 2025, made permanent by a final rule on August 14, 2026, exempts all U.S.-created companies, including LLCs, and their U.S. owners from Beneficial Ownership Information reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act. Only entities formed under foreign law that register to do business in a U.S. state must still report. Be wary of mailers or emails demanding a BOI filing fee.
Can I be my own Registered Agent?
Yes. You can serve as your own registered agent in every state as long as you have a physical street address in that state and are available there during normal business hours to accept legal papers (service of process). The trade-off is privacy: that address goes on the public state record. Many owners hire a registered agent service to keep their home address off public filings.

Sources

Virginia filing fee, name reservation fee and annual report fee verified September 2026 against the official sources listed below.

Cost ranges for startup, insurance, job rates and revenue are estimates, not figures from these sources. Fees change; confirm with the agency before you file.