Virginia Secretary of State Business Search
Free access to Virginia's official Secretary of State business entity database (Virginia State Corporation Commission Clerk's Information System (cis.scc.virginia.gov)). Search corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and verify business entities registered in Virginia. Complete step-by-step guide and FAQ included.
Virginia Business Database
Direct link to Virginia State Corporation Commission Clerk's Information System - Free Virginia business search
How to Search Virginia Business Entities
Step 1: Access the Official Virginia SCC Entity Search
Navigate to the official Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) business entity search portal at cis.scc.virginia.gov/EntitySearch/Index. You can also access it through scc.virginia.gov/businesses/business-faqs/business-entity-names/. This is the Clerk's Information System (CIS), the free, government-operated database for all Virginia business entities including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
Select how you want to search: by business name (most common), entity ID number, or registered agent name. The Virginia SCC Entity Search allows you to search for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other business entities. You can search by exact name match or partial name match depending on your needs.
Step 3: Enter Search Criteria
Type the business name in the search field. Try variations: with and without business suffixes (LLC, Inc, Corp, L.L.C.), partial names if exact match doesn't work, and check for common abbreviations. Virginia's search is case-insensitive and supports partial name matching. You can also search by entity ID number if you have it, or by registered agent name.
Step 4: Review Search Results
Browse the results list to find your business. Each result shows the business name, entity type, status, entity ID number, and other key information. Virginia's database typically shows multiple results if there are similar business names, so review carefully to find the correct entity. Click on the entity name to view detailed information.
Step 5: View Detailed Entity Information
The detailed view provides comprehensive information including business name, entity ID number, entity type, status, registered agent name and address, principal office address, filing date, expiration date, filing history, and access to official records. Verify all information matches what you expect for the business you're researching. The Virginia SCC provides detailed entity information through the Clerk's Information System.
Step 6: Verify Business Status and Entity ID
Check that the business status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing'. If it shows 'Inactive', 'Dissolved', 'Merged', 'Withdrawn', or 'Revoked', the business may not be in good standing with the state. Active status indicates the business is current with all required filings and annual reports. Note the entity ID number for future reference. Virginia requires annual reports to maintain active status. You can also check business entity name requirements through the SCC business FAQs.
Official Virginia Business Database
The Virginia Secretary of State maintains the official business entity database through <strong className="text-white">Virginia State Corporation Commission Clerk's Information System (cis.scc.virginia.gov)</strong>. This free government database contains information about all business entities registered in Virginia.
What's Included in the Database:
- • Corporations: C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit corporations, Professional corporations
- • LLCs: Limited Liability Companies (domestic and foreign), Professional LLCs
- • Partnerships: Limited partnerships, Limited liability partnerships
- • Foreign Entities: Out-of-state businesses registered to do business in Virginia
- • Professional Entities: Professional corporations and professional LLCs
- • Business Trusts: Statutory trusts and other business structures
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for a business in Virginia?
To search for a Virginia business, visit the official Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) business entity search portal at cis.scc.virginia.gov/EntitySearch/Index. You can also access it through scc.virginia.gov/businesses/business-faqs/business-entity-names/. You can search by business name, entity ID number, or registered agent name. The database includes corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in Virginia.
What is the official Virginia business entity search website?
The official Virginia State Corporation Commission business entity search portal is available at cis.scc.virginia.gov/EntitySearch/Index. You can also access it through scc.virginia.gov/businesses/business-faqs/business-entity-names/. This is the Clerk's Information System (CIS), the free, government-operated database where you can search for all business entities registered in Virginia, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
What information can I find in the Virginia SCC business database?
The Virginia SCC Clerk's Information System provides business name, entity ID number, entity type, status, registered agent name and address, principal office address, filing date, expiration date, filing history, and access to official records. The detailed entity information helps you verify business legitimacy and check entity details.
Is the Virginia business search free?
Yes, the Virginia State Corporation Commission business entity search is completely free. The official search portal at cis.scc.virginia.gov/EntitySearch/Index provides free access to search and view business entity information. Some third-party sites may charge fees, but the official state database is free to use.
How do I verify a Virginia business is legitimate?
To verify a Virginia business, search the SCC Clerk's Information System for the business name, check that the status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing', verify the registered agent and address match what you expect, review the entity ID number and filing date, check the filing history, review business entity name requirements through the SCC business FAQs, and cross-reference with business licenses if applicable. Always use the official Virginia State Corporation Commission database for verification.
Can I search Virginia businesses by entity ID number?
Yes, the Virginia SCC Clerk's Information System allows you to search by entity ID number, which is the unique identifier assigned by the Virginia State Corporation Commission to each business entity. You can also search by business name or registered agent name. The entity ID number is useful for finding specific businesses when you have the exact number.
What types of business entities are registered in Virginia?
Virginia registers various business entity types including corporations (C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit), Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, professional entities, and foreign entities registered to do business in Virginia. All of these can be searched through the official Clerk's Information System at cis.scc.virginia.gov/EntitySearch/Index.
How do I check if a business name is available in Virginia?
To check if a business name is available in Virginia, use the official SCC Entity Search at cis.scc.virginia.gov/EntitySearch/Index. Search for the exact name you want to use. If no results appear, the name may be available. However, you should also check for similar names and consult with the Virginia State Corporation Commission for official name availability confirmation before filing. Virginia requires that business names be distinguishable from existing entities. You can review business entity name requirements at scc.virginia.gov/businesses/business-faqs/business-entity-names/.
What is the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC)?
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) is the state agency responsible for regulating business entities in Virginia. It maintains the Clerk's Information System (CIS) which provides access to business entity searches, filings, and records. The SCC oversees corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities registered in Virginia.
What is an entity ID number in Virginia?
An entity ID number is the unique identifier assigned by the Virginia State Corporation Commission to each business entity registered in the state. This number is used for official filings, searches, and record-keeping. You can search for businesses using their entity ID number in the Clerk's Information System.
How often do Virginia businesses need to file annual reports?
Virginia requires most business entities to file annual reports to maintain active status. The filing requirements and deadlines vary by entity type. Corporations and LLCs typically must file annual reports with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Check the entity's detailed information in the database to see filing history and status. Late filings may result in penalties or administrative dissolution.
What is the Clerk's Information System (CIS) in Virginia?
The Clerk's Information System (CIS) is the Virginia State Corporation Commission's online portal that provides access to business entity searches, filings, and records. It is available at cis.scc.virginia.gov/EntitySearch/Index and allows users to search for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities registered in Virginia. The system provides free access to business entity information.
Where can I find information about Virginia business entity name requirements?
You can find information about Virginia business entity name requirements at scc.virginia.gov/businesses/business-faqs/business-entity-names/. This resource provides guidance on naming requirements, what makes a name distinguishable, and other important information about business entity names in Virginia. It's helpful to review these requirements before choosing a business name.
About Virginia Secretary of State Business Search
What is the Virginia SOS Business Search?
The Virginia Secretary of State business search is the official government database that contains information about all business entities registered in Virginia. This includes corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other business structures operating in VA.
When you search "secretary of state va business search," you're looking for this official database to verify business registrations, check entity status, and conduct due diligence on Virginia businesses.
What Information Can You Find?
- •Business entity name and type (Corporation, LLC, etc.)
- •Registration date and current status
- •Registered agent information
- •Principal office address
- •Officers and directors (for corporations)
- •Annual report filing status
Why Use the Official Virginia SOS Database?
The official Virginia Secretary of State database (Virginia State Corporation Commission Clerk's Information System (cis.scc.virginia.gov)) is the most reliable source for business entity information. It's free, updated in real-time, and provides authoritative data directly from the state government. Unlike third-party services that may charge fees or have outdated information, the official database ensures you're getting accurate, current business entity data for Virginia. Always verify business entities through the official VA SOS database before entering into business relationships or financial transactions.
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