Virginia Secretary of State

One of the appointed positions in the Virginia state government is the Virginia Secretary of State/Commonwealth (SOS). The office serves as the ex officio secretary to the VA governor. So, the office is responsible for maintaining the Commonwealth’s seals and keeping all official state records.

The office of the VA SOS also handles the issues connected to starting a business in the Commonwealth. So, once you have chosen the type and structure of your business, you are to register it with the VA SOS.  

In our article, you are to find all the nuances of business entity formation in VA.

How Do You Check if a Company is Registered in Virginia?

A Virginia Secretary of State business search is the first vital step toward registering a new company in the Commonwealth.  The database of the operating businesses is also available on the website of the State Corporation Commission Clerk’s (SCC) Information System.

Check the name availability with the business entity search by filling out the entity’s name or SCC ID. Once you have entered the details, press the “search” button and find all the necessary details on a certain corporation.

What is the VA Secretary of State Customer Service Number?

For additional details, you can contact the VA SOS customer service by calling them at 804-371-99-67 or 1-800-552-7945. You may also email them at [email protected].

How Much Does a Business License Cost in Virginia?

If the estimated business is less than $100,000, the cost of licensure is $50, which is a minimal tax. On the other hand, if the estimate is larger than $100,000, you will also be charged a tax rate.

Registered Agents

A registered agent is an individual or an organization that receives the official paperwork of the entity. That is to say, the paperwork includes service of process and fee notices of annual registration. Besides, they hold their physical address to accept the official documents.

Every business in the Commonwealth of Virginia must have its legally registered agent.

What is the Role of the Registered Agent?

The above-mentioned responsibilities are the minimum that a registered agent does on behalf of the corporation. In other words, the service of process and official mail go right to the physical address of the registered agent.

However, the properly organized service of a registered agent ensures the security and privacy of your business through quick and supportive intermediation.

How Do I Change My Registered Office and/or Registered Agent?

To change your registered agent or the information of the registered office, you should think about the following two options:  

• Use The State Corporation Commission Clerk’s Information System.

• Submit a request for the change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office. You will receive a form that should be filled out and sent back to the Clerk’s office by mail.

• The Clerk’s office will record the change and you will receive an Acknowledgment of Change.

Forms

The Clerk’s office allows you to file business forms online through their website, however, if you prefer another way of filing, you can request the following forms:

• Annual Registration Fee Assessment notice

• Annual report

• Declaration of Change of the Principal Office Address

• Certificate of Registered Agent/Office Change

​​​​Business Registration Forms

All the business registration forms can be found on the website of the Virginia Tax. So, just enter the form’s number, name, or other keywords and get the form that you are looking for.

Ordering Copies and Certificates

People may find all the certified copies of business entity papers filed in the Clerk’s office accessible online. Consequently, it costs $6 per request.  

One may find all the details in the State Corporation Commission’s guide. Request certified copies online by visiting the SCC Clerk’s Information System.

Contact Information

For document drop off, visit the office of SCC during business days from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.

The physical address is:

Office of the Clerk
First floor
1300 E. Main St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Email: [email protected]

You may also mail the documents to the following address:

Office of the Clerk
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23218
The phone number is (804) 371-9733.