How to File Articles of Organization in Virginia

In Virginia, as in most states, the primary step in creating a limited liability company (LLC) is to file articles of organization with the state. This is an absolutely crucial document that helps define your business, so it’s important to do it correctly.

An LLC is a business entity that offers liability protection for owners, as well as pass-through taxation, much like a sole proprietorship. 

What are Articles of Organization?

The articles of organization is a legal document you need to file with the state to form your LLC and officially become a legal entity. It will specify details about your company and establish your LLC as a registered business entity in Virginia. 

The document is similar to the articles of incorporation you would file to form a corporation instead of an LLC. 

How to File Virginia Articles of Organization

In Virginia, the process to file articles of organization is quite simple. The crucial first step is gathering the required information about your new LLC, before proceeding with the filing itself. 

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to create your new business entity: 

1. Gather the required information about your business. 

• Business name
• Contact phone number and email address
• Principal business address
• Register agent name and address

2. Visit the state’s Corporation Commission website 

Find Virginia’s articles of organization form here. You’ll need to register for an account before you can access the form. It’s easiest to fill out the form online and file immediately, but you can also download it, fill it out and mail it in. 

3. Filling out Articles of Organization Document

Register for an account first, and then login in and go to online services, new businesses. 

Then select limited liability company. You’ll next enter your business name, and the system will search to make sure the name is available.

Then you’ll enter your business contact information, business type, and the duration of the LLC. 

On the next few pages, you’ll enter your registered agent information, and principal business address. Then click to the next page and select whether your LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed. 

Then you will electronically sign the document, and it will take you to a page where you can review your information and continue to payment.

When filling out your articles of organization form, be sure to check and double-check that all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Maybe you’ve just moved, or use your middle initial in official documents, such as with your bank account. If you get it wrong now, changing it later can be a real pain. So accuracy is crucial. 

• File Articles of Organization 

You’ll go to the payment screen and check out with the shopping cart to pay the filing fee, which in Virginia is $100.

Virginia Corporation Commission Contact Info

Here’s the Corporation Commission’s website. Contact the Corporation Commission’s office at (804) 371-9733.

Their mailing address is:

State Corporation Commission
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, Virginia 23218

The Bottom Line

In Virginia, it’s relatively easy to create an LLC, but you do need to jump through a few hoops. You now have all the information you need to officially create your new business and begin your entrepreneurial journey in the Old Dominion State.