The Virginia business entity search database allows aspiring businesses to search for the availability of their desired business name, or members of the general public to learn more about business entities in the state. If you want to learn more about the search methods, our team has outlined the steps below:
Virgnia State Corporation Commission Clerk's Information System
The information on the Virginia Business Entity Search database through the State Corporation Commission Clerk Information System [1] are for free. However, there are corresponding charges if you want to purchase an entity’s “Certificate of Good Standing.”
Search by Name
Step 1
In order to begin your search, access the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Clerk Information System. On this page, you will find blank fields in which you can enter the entity name or SCC ID of a business.
In order to get refined results, choose between the three given options above the search bar which are: keyword “Starts With” and “Contains.” Choose which one you prefer and click “Search” after.
Step 2
On the next page, a list of results will be presented according to the information you have entered. Scroll through the results until you reach the business entity you’re searching for. Click the name to load more information.
Step 3
After selecting a particular business entity name, you will be routed to another page that contains general information such as registered agent details, the address of the principal office, and the current status of the organization.
There are also additional options located on the right side of the page where you can choose a variety of actions to perform. See the example screenshot below for reference.
Name Availability Search
Step 1
Access the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Clerk’s Information System Name Availability Check. On this page, you will find a search bar that will enable you to check the availability of a business name.
Enter your desired name and click “Check Name” to generate results.
Step 2
On the next page, the results of your research will be presented.
Names that are currently available will be indicated as “distinguishable”, while unavailable names will appear as “not distinguishable” based from similar registered business names from the Commission’s recorded files. Here are example screenshots for reference:
Available indicated as distinguishable
Unavailable indicated as not distinguishable
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