How Much Does an LLC Cost in Virginia?

Here’s exactly how much it costs to form an LLC in Virginia. The state filing fee is $100, making Virginia one of the most affordable states for LLC formation. Whether you file online or by paper, the fee remains the same, but online processing gets your LLC approved within 24 hours.

Your total first-year cost depends on whether you handle the filing yourself or use a formation service. Most business owners find that professional services save time and reduce errors, making them worth the additional cost.

Virginia LLC Fee Breakdown

Virginia keeps LLC formation simple with straightforward fees and fast processing. Here’s every fee you might encounter when starting your Virginia LLC:

Required State Filing Fees

Articles of Organization Filing Fee: $100 flat rate for all Virginia LLCs. This fee covers both online and paper filings through the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

Source: Virginia State Corporation Commission, verified March 2026

Processing Time: Online filings process within 24 hours. Paper filings take longer, making online submission the clear choice for most business owners.

Optional Filing Services

Name Reservation: $10 reserves your LLC name for 120 days. This optional service helps secure your preferred name while you prepare your formation documents.

Expedited Processing: Virginia offers expedited processing options, though specific fees require verification with the State Corporation Commission for current pricing.

Ongoing Annual Requirements

Annual Report: $50 due by the last day of the month in which your LLC was first registered. This report maintains your LLC’s good standing with the state.

Professional LLC Option: Virginia allows professional LLCs at the same $100 filing fee using form LLC1103 for licensed professionals like doctors, lawyers, or accountants.

Additional State Services

Certificate of Good Standing: $6 for an official Certificate of Fact of Existence when you need to prove your LLC’s active status to banks or business partners.

Name Change Amendment: $25 to officially change your LLC’s legal name through the state.

Dissolution: $25 to formally dissolve your LLC when you’re ready to close the business.

DBA Filing: $10 to register a “doing business as” name if you want to operate under a different name than your LLC’s legal name.

Total First-Year Cost Comparison

Your actual cost depends on whether you file yourself or use a formation service. Here’s what each approach costs in your first year:

DIY Filing Costs

Filing your Virginia LLC yourself costs:

• State filing fee: $100
• Registered agent (if self-serving): $0
• Operating agreement: $0 (use our free template)
• EIN from IRS: $0 (always free directly from the IRS)
• First-year total: $100

Formation Service Costs

Using a professional formation service typically costs:

• State filing fee: $100
• Service fee: $0-39 (most companies offer free basic plans)
• Registered agent (usually included): $0-125/year
• Operating agreement: $0 (included with most services)
• EIN filing assistance: $0 (included with most services)
• First-year total: $100-264

Why Use a Formation Service?

While Virginia makes LLC formation relatively straightforward, professional services offer significant advantages that make them worth considering:

Time Savings and Accuracy

Formation services handle the paperwork, reducing your risk of errors that could delay approval. They know Virginia’s specific requirements and ensure your documents are filed correctly the first time.

Included Registered Agent Service

Virginia requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a Virginia address. Professional services typically include one year of registered agent service, which provides:

• Privacy protection for your home address
• Reliable receipt of legal documents and state correspondence
• Professional handling of service of process
• Notification of important deadlines and requirements

If you’re not a Virginia resident or want to keep your personal address private, a registered agent service becomes essential. Learn more about Virginia registered agent requirements.

Additional Support Services

Many formation services include helpful extras like:

• Free EIN application assistance (though you can always get this free directly from the IRS)
• Basic operating agreement templates
• Ongoing compliance reminders
• Access to legal document libraries

Comparing Formation Service Options

Several reputable companies offer Virginia LLC formation services. Here’s how the most common options compare:

Premium Services

Northwest Registered Agent charges $39 plus the state filing fee but provides same-day filing and exceptional customer service. Their focus on registered agent services makes them particularly reliable for ongoing compliance.

Free Formation Plans

Multiple companies offer free formation plans where you only pay the state’s $100 filing fee:

• ZenBusiness processes filings in 2-3 weeks (1-2 days with rush service)
• Bizee offers next business day processing
• LegalZoom processes filings in 7-10 business days
• Inc Authority completes filings in 3-5 business days

These free plans typically include one year of registered agent service and basic support, making them excellent value for straightforward LLC formations.

Hidden Costs to Avoid

Watch out for these unnecessary expenses that some companies try to sell:

EIN Services

The IRS provides Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) completely free. Never pay for EIN services: you can apply directly at the IRS website or by phone at no cost.

Excessive Registered Agent Fees

While registered agent service typically costs $100-150 per year, some companies charge much more. Shop around and compare registered agent pricing if you’re not using an all-in-one formation service.

Unnecessary Legal Documents

Some services sell expensive operating agreement templates or corporate kits. While an operating agreement is important for multi-member LLCs, you can often get adequate templates included with formation services or find quality templates online.

Essential Next Steps After Formation

Once your Virginia LLC is approved, you’ll need to handle several important tasks:

Get Your EIN

Apply for your free EIN directly from the IRS. You’ll need this tax identification number to open business bank accounts and handle tax obligations.

Open a Business Bank Account

Separating your business and personal finances protects your LLC’s limited liability status. Look for business checking accounts with no monthly fees and good online banking features.

Understand Virginia Tax Requirements

Virginia LLCs face state income tax on business profits, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%. You may also need to register for sales tax if you sell products or taxable services. Learn more about Virginia LLC tax requirements.

Consider Business Insurance

While LLCs provide personal asset protection, business insurance protects your LLC’s assets and covers professional liability. General liability insurance is particularly important for businesses that interact with customers or operate from physical locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my LLC name later?

Yes, Virginia allows name changes through an amendment filing for $25. You’ll need to file articles of amendment with the State Corporation Commission and update your registration with any relevant agencies.

Do I need an operating agreement in Virginia?

Virginia doesn’t legally require operating agreements, but they’re highly recommended for multi-member LLCs. Operating agreements define ownership percentages, management structure, and member responsibilities, preventing disputes and protecting your limited liability status.

How long does Virginia LLC approval take?

Online filings process within 24 hours. Paper filings take longer, making online submission the preferred method for most business owners.

Can I reserve my LLC name before filing?

Yes, Virginia offers name reservation for $10, holding your chosen name for 120 days while you prepare your formation documents. Check name availability first through the Virginia LLC name search.

What if I don’t live in Virginia?

You can form a Virginia LLC regardless of where you live, but you must maintain a Virginia registered agent. Non-residents typically use professional registered agent services to meet this requirement.

Are there ongoing compliance requirements?

Virginia requires an annual report by the last day of your registration anniversary month, along with a $50 fee. Missing this deadline can result in penalties or administrative dissolution.

Virginia offers one of the most straightforward and affordable LLC formation processes in the United States. With a flat $100 filing fee and 24-hour online processing, you can have your business entity approved quickly and cost-effectively. Whether you choose DIY filing or professional formation services, Virginia makes it easy to get your business started on the right foot.

For complete step-by-step guidance, check out our comprehensive guide on how to start an LLC in Virginia.

Source: Virginia State Corporation Commission, verified March 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change: always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.