Search Virginia Business Entities

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Uncover In-Depth Information on Business Entities
How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Virginia?
Why Conduct a Virginia Entity Search?
Who Holds Data for Virginia Business Entity Search?
What Entities Can You Register in Virginia?
How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Virginia?
How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Virginia?
How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Virginia?
Additional Information Available on the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Virginia

There are over 209,000 registered business entities in Virginia. On average, over 34,000 business entities are registered annually in the state. Small businesses account for over 93% of new business filings with over 32,000 entities. Businesses in Virginia typically fall under corporations, partnerships, LLCs, business trusts, and nonprofit business types. The Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission’s website serves as a reliable and up-to-date source for conducting business entity searches.

Business entity searches provide insights into the legal standing and status of an entity. Entity searches help detect potential fraudulent businesses. Furthermore, entity searches provide crucial information to investors before they invest their funds.

Choose Your Search Criteria

Entity Name:
Search by the full or partial name of the business.
Entity ID:
The seven-digit number issued after registration.
Principal Name:
Search by the first or last name of the registered individual or organization.
Registered Agent Name:
The individual or business appointed to receive official documents.
Filing Number:
The number used to track the entity’s submitted filings.

Review Search Results

Virginia business entity search results display information matching the search criteria, including entity ID, entity name, name type, entity type, principal office address, registered agent’s name, and status of the business.

Access Detailed Information

Clicking on the entity’s identification number provides access to detailed information, including:

Entity Type
Entity Status
Formation Date
Status Date
Filing History
Name History
Period of Duration
Industry Code
Annual Report Date
Registered Agent Information
Principal Office Address

Further Assistance

If you need help accessing business entity records, you may contact the Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission’s office.

How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Virginia

Public Records
Public records, such as tax records, real estate records, and court records, may include information on business entity owners.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The BBB provides information on credible businesses in Virginia and may sometimes include owner details.
Virginia Public Libraries
Some public libraries maintain business directories and databases, which may include business ownership information.

Why Conduct a Virginia Entity Search?

Entity searches ensure consumers, investors, and professionals verify legitimacy and avoid fraud. Common reasons include:

Ensure regulatory compliance
Gain insights into a company’s operations and credibility
Verify legitimacy
Spot inconsistency and detect scams

Consumer Trust + Due Diligence

A business entity search verifies registration and standing, ensuring consumer confidence.

Investor Research

Investors can review structure, ownership, and legal status before committing funds.

Supplier Verification

Entity searches confirm that suppliers are compliant and trustworthy partners.

Fraud Prevention

Inconsistencies or missing data in official records may help detect scams or unregistered businesses.

Who Holds Data for Virginia Business Entity Search?

The following agencies provide business entity records and tools for Virginia:

What Entities Can You Register in Virginia?

Corporations

A corporation is a legal entity separate from its owners. Virginia recognizes two types of corporations:

C Corporations
Members are not personally liable for the company’s debts. Subject to double taxation at both corporate and shareholder levels.
S Corporations
Avoid double taxation by passing profits and losses to shareholders, who report them on personal tax returns.

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

LLCs offer limited liability protection and avoid double taxation by passing profits through to members’ personal tax returns.

General Partnerships

Formed by two or more people, general partnerships share profits, liabilities, and management responsibilities equally.

Limited Partnerships (LPs)

General partners manage the business and have full liability, while limited partners invest and have limited liability.

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

All partners participate in management, but they are protected from the negligence of other partners and certain liabilities.

Business Trust

A legal arrangement where trustees manage the business on behalf of beneficiaries. Trustees are not personally liable for debts.

Sole Proprietorship

A business owned by one person, where the owner is personally liable for debts. Income is reported on the owner’s tax return.

Nonprofit Corporations

Created for charitable, religious, or educational purposes. Profits are reinvested and entities may apply for tax-exempt status.

Professional Corporations (PCs)

Formed by licensed professionals such as lawyers or doctors. PCs offer liability protection, except in malpractice cases.

How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name Is Taken in Virginia?

Use the Name Check Availability tool to see if your preferred name is available.

Make sure the name complies with Virginia naming laws and is unique from existing registrations.

Additionally, search national databases:

How Do I Set up A Business Entity in Virginia?

Choose your business structure: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or nonprofit.
Select a business name using the Name Check Availability tool.
Designate your registered agent.
File formation documents online.
Register with the Virginia Department of Taxation.
Obtain an EIN from the IRS.
Submit BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) to FinCEN.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Virginia?

Business startup costs vary by entity type. Common fees include:

LLCs & Business Trusts
$100 filing fee
Non-Stock Corporations & Nonprofits
$75 filing fee
Stock Corporations
$50 per $25,000 shares; up to $2,500 for 1 million shares
Partnerships, LLPs, LPs
$25–$100 depending on type
Annual Fees
$25 for non-stock corps, $50 for others

Additional Information Available on the Virginia Corporate Commission Website

Business Homepage
Guidance for starting and managing your business.
Forms and Fees
Registration documents and costs by entity type.
Start a New Business
Step-by-step setup instructions.
Online Help
Manage, close, or amend business filings.
FAQs
Common questions answered for Virginia businesses.

FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Virginia

Why would I need to search for a business entity in Virginia?
To verify if a business is active, in good standing, or a safe investment.
What types of entities can I search for in Virginia?
Corporations, LLCs, partnerships, LLPs, nonprofits, and business trusts.
Where can I perform a business entity search in Virginia?
Use the Business Entity Search tool.
What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Virginia?
Business name, entity ID, principal name, registered agent, or filing number.
How do I find the official name of a Virginia business?
Use the Business Entity Search page.
Can I search for foreign entities in Virginia?
Yes, foreign entities conducting business in Virginia can be found via search.
What information can I find in the Virginia entity search?
Status, filings, registered agent info, and ownership structure.
How do I verify if a Virginia business is in good standing?
Use the Clerk’s Information System.
Can I search for an entity in Virginia by its owner’s name?
Yes, the tool supports owner name-based searches.
How often is the Virginia business entity database updated?
The database is updated daily.
Can I obtain copies of business filings in Virginia?
Yes, via the Clerk’s Information System.
How do I find out who the registered agent of a Virginia business is?
Search results include registered agent details.
How can I search for Virginia businesses by their tax ID number?
This option is not available through the state's search tools.
What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Virginia search?
Verify the name and try alternative spellings or use advanced search options.