2025 BOI rule update US entities are now exempt. Check if you still need to file →
We answer most inquiries within one business hour during US business days.
Start filing →
Virginia . Name Reservation

Reserve a Virginia business name before you form.

If your formation is not ready but you need to lock in a name, Virginia lets you reserve it. This guide explains the Virginia SCC reservation process, fee, duration, and how to convert a reservation into a finished entity.

Start formation in Virginia →

Why reserve a name in Virginia

  • Lock the name while raising capital.
  • Hold the name while building the business plan.
  • Protect the name during a trademark search.
  • Coordinate domain + name + branding.
  • Block competitors from filing the same name.

How Virginia name reservation works

  1. 1Check name availability. Run a Virginia business search to confirm the name is not in use.
  2. 2File Application for Reservation of Name.
  3. 3Receive certificate. Typical reservation: 120 days (varies by state).
  4. 4Convert to formation. File Articles of Organization or Incorporation referencing the reserved name.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long can I reserve a name in Virginia?
Most states allow 120 days. Some allow renewal.
How much does Virginia name reservation cost?
State fees vary. Typically $10-$50. File.Business handles the filing for $49.
Can I extend a Virginia name reservation?
Some Virginia reservations are renewable; others are not. Check current Virginia SCC rules.
What if my reserved name is challenged after I form?
Reservation only blocks identical filings. Trademark and DBA rights are separate.
Does a Virginia name reservation work for an out-of-state entity?
Yes. Foreign entities can reserve a name in {s["name"]} before foreign-qualifying.
Can File.Business reserve my Virginia name?
Yes. Or skip the reservation and form directly through our flow.
What if I find my desired name is taken in Virginia?
Consider a variation, an assumed name (DBA), or a different state.

Ready to handle this the easy way?

Five minutes per filing. State fee passed through at cost. Audit trail and deadline tracking included.

Start formation Run a business search

Disclosure. File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the Virginia SCC or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the Virginia SCC. Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Fees and deadlines verified against the Virginia SCC as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed Virginia attorney or CPA.

Form in Virginia →
File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the appropriate state agency. SOC 2 Type II audited. 220,000+ businesses formed since 2017.