How to Change a Business Name in Virginia 2024: Ultimate Guide

Welcome to our all-in-one guide on renaming your business in Virginia (also known as The Old Dominion)! We know that a name change can impact your operations, brand, and customers. We aim to make this transition as smooth as possible, offering expert advice and guidance throughout the process.

Get ready to dive in as we explore the necessary steps for a successful business name change in Virginia. We’ll cover everything from selecting a new name to updating crucial documents and registrations, ensuring your Virginia LLC remains compliant and thriving. At LLCBase, we’re here to support you every step of the way in this exciting journey towards a fresh business identity in Virginia!

Change a Business Name

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

What is a Business Name
- Top Reasons for Changing a Business Name
Change a Business Name: A 4-Step Guide
Considerations When Changing a Business Name
FAQs

What is a Business Name

A business name, or trade name, is the official and unique title under which a company conducts its operations and represents itself to the public. It is essential to a company’s identity in branding, marketing, and communications. A well-chosen business name distinguishes a business from its competitors and conveys its values, mission, and services or products offered to customers.

A business name represents your company’s identity and is crucial for all branding and marketing initiatives. However, entrepreneurs often feel the need to change their business’s name at some point.

Top Reasons for Changing a Business Name

Rebranding: One of the most common reasons for changing a business name is rebranding. As businesses evolve over time, their initial name may no longer reflect the current products, services, or target audience. A new name can help create a refreshed identity and better communicate the business’s direction.
Expansion: Another reason for changing a business name is geographical or market expansion. If your company name was initially tied to a specific location or target market, a change might be necessary to reflect the new areas you’re targeting.
Mergers and Acquisitions: Adopting a new name representing both entities’ strengths may be beneficial if your business merges with or acquires another company.
Legal Issues: Trademark disputes or potential infringement can also lead to a business name change. If you’re facing legal challenges over your company’s name, rebranding might be a wise choice to avoid further issues.
Negative Associations: Suppose your business has faced negative press or unfavorable associations with its current name. In that case, a name change can help distance the company from past issues and signal a fresh start.

Change a Business Name: A 4-Step Guide

Let’s discuss the various steps and procedures involved in changing your business name effectively:

Step 1: Choose Your New Business Name

Selecting a new name is the first step in changing your business name in Virginia. Many business owners file a DBA (Doing Business As) or a Fictitious Name before registering their business with the Secretary of State (SOS). They can then change this name when filing their business. To choose a new name and file a DBA, follow the steps below:

Visit the Virginia Secretary of State to access the Virginia State Corporation Commission Entity Search , where you can search for the desired name and confirm its availability.
Once you have found an available name, proceed with the DBA name filing in Virginia. The Virginia DBA filing method can be done through three methods, online, by mail, and in person filing., which may include For online filing, check the State Corporation Commission (SCC) of the Commonwealth of Virginia website or For filing offline in Virginia, you must send the accomplished DBA filing form to the Virginia State Corporation Commission, P.O. Box 1197, Richmond, VA 23218 or drop it off in person at 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219. options.
Depending on the chosen filing method, you may need to submit a DBA application form and pay the associated $10. This fee may vary depending on your state and filing method.
After successfully filing your DBA, keep track of the Indefinite, as you may need to renew your DBA registration periodically, depending on your state’s requirements.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition in changing your business name in Virginia while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Remember to update all relevant documents, licenses, and registrations with your new business name to avoid confusion and maintain a consistent brand identity.

We have curated a list of the best LLC services in Virginia to assist you with changing your business name. Feel free to browse their offerings!

LLC Services	Rating & Pricing	Top Features	Learn More
#1 Editor's Choice	5/5 $0 + State Filing Fee	Free LLC Formation Various Legal Services Attorney Advice	Learn More
	3/5 $299 + State Filing Fee	Single Package Flat Pricing Legal Services	Learn More

Virginia Requirements to Change a Business Name

Before proceeding with the next step, it is crucial to know the naming guidelines when choosing a new name for your business. These guidelines may vary based on the type of business structure. For example, if you start a Virginia LLC, the following rules must be observed when changing the name:

The name should be available for use
The name should not be in use by another business
The new name must include “LLC” if it is a limited liability company
The name should not be confused with a government entity
The name should be unique

Read the Virginia LLC name search article to learn more about LLC naming guidelines if you are forming an LLC.

Step 2: Prepare the Documents

Once you choose a new business name, prepare the necessary documents to file the Virginia Articles of Amendment. Gathering all the required information and double-checking for accuracy before the submission is essential. Along with the name change form, submit the following details:

Current business name: Provide the existing name of your business as it appears on your registration documents.
New business name: Clearly state the new name you have chosen for your business, ensuring that it complies with your state’s naming guidelines.
The entity number of the business: Include the unique identification number issued by the Virginia for your business. This number is often called the Secretary of State File Number or the Business Identification Number.
Board of Directors’ approval statement (for corporations): If your business is a corporation, provide a statement indicating that the Board of Directors has approved the name change. This statement should include the date of the meeting during which the decision was made and the signatures of the authorized representatives.
Information on shares (if applicable): For corporations, provide details on the number of authorized shares, the various classes of shares, and any changes to the share structure resulting from the name change.
Signatures of members (LLC) or Shareholders (Corporation): Obtain and include the signatures of all required parties, such as LLC members or corporate shareholders, to confirm their agreement to the name change.
Virginia Articles of Amendment filing fee: Include the appropriate filing fee of $25 in Virginia. This fee may vary depending on the state and the type of business entity.

Just like the first process of starting a business in Virginia, ensure that the details in the Articles of Amendment are consistent with the initial filing documents. Inconsistencies may result in the cancellation of your registration or delays in processing the name change. By carefully preparing and reviewing your amendment documents, you can help ensure a smooth transition to your new business name in Virginia.

Recommended: Ensure hassle-free Articles of Amendment filing in Virginia – hire an LLC Formation Service for precise document preparation. Foster your business stability today! We recommend –
Our #1 Pick: LegalZoom – ($0 + State Fees) Online LLC Setup

Step 3: File the Virginia Articles of Amendment

After thoroughly preparing and reviewing all the necessary documents, proceed to file the Virginia Articles of Amendment for your Virginia LLC or an Amendment of Articles of Incorporation for corporations. Keep in mind the following steps to ensure a successful filing:

Attach the name reservation form: Remember to include the name reservation form with the Amendment forms. This form typically confirms that you have reserved and have the right to use the new business name.
Choose the appropriate filing method: You can file the Articles of Amendment online or by mail, depending on your state’s available options. Each method may have specific requirements or fees, so research your state’s guidelines to determine the best option for your business.
Submit the Articles of Amendment forms and fees: Complete the required amendments, providing accurate information and including all necessary signatures. Include the appropriate Virginia Articles of Amendment filing fee of $25, which may vary depending on your state and business entity type.
Keep track of processing times: Depending on your state and filing method, the processing time for your Amendment may vary. Monitor your filing status and be prepared to address any questions or concerns from the state agency.
Obtain a confirmation or updated registration documents: Once your Articles of Amendment has been processed and approved, you should receive a confirmation or updated registration documents reflecting the new business name. Keep these documents for your records and update any other relevant materials.

By diligently following these steps and adhering to your state’s requirements, you can successfully file the Virginia Articles of Amendment and transition to your new business name. Remember to update all related licenses, permits, and registrations to maintain compliance and prevent confusion.

Recommended: Time to make a change to your LLC? Opt for the help of an LLC Formation Service to take care of your Articles of Amendment with ease. Their experienced team ensures a fast and accurate process, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – your business. We recommend –
Our #1 Pick: LegalZoom – ($0 + State Fees) Online LLC Setup

Step 4: Update the New Business Name

Once you have successfully filed the Virginia Articles of Amendment, updating the new business name in various areas is crucial to maintain compliance, prevent confusion, and ensure a seamless transition.

We’ve also compiled a list of the best business attorneys in Virginia to support you in changing and updating your business name. Please take a moment to explore their services!

But if you decided to update the new business name yourself, consider the following updates that you need to do:

Legal documents: Update the Virginia statement of information, loan documents, active legal contracts, lease agreements, and any other relevant legal documents with your new business name.
City/local registration: If your city or local authorities require business registration, update your new business name with the appropriate departments, such as the Virginia State Corporation Commission, by submitting the necessary forms and fees.
Business Licenses: Contact the relevant departments to update your new name and obtain the necessary Virginia business licenses and permits for operating in Virginia.
Bank Accounts: Visit your bank or financial institution to update your business accounts, credit cards, and checks to reflect the new name, ensuring a smooth financial transition.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Amend your business name with the IRS by obtaining your EIN records or filing an updated VA-4P Form to maintain compliance and prevent confusion.
Other updates: If you have employees, amend your records with the Virginia Employment Commission and the employment development authority. Update any additional business permits, insurance policies, and legal documents as needed.
Marketing materials: Update your website, signage, business cards, merchandise, social media profiles, email signatures, and other places where your business name is displayed to maintain a consistent brand identity.

Updating your business name across all relevant areas ensures a smooth transition and minimizes any potential issues arising from the name change. This comprehensive approach will help maintain your business’s credibility and reputation while adapting to the new name in Virginia.

Considerations When Changing a Business Name

Customer Recognition: When changing your business name, it’s essential to consider its impact on your existing customers’ recognition of your brand. Ideally, the new name should maintain some connection to the old one to retain customer loyalty and familiarity.
Trademarks and Domain Name Availability: Before settling on a new name, ensure it is available for trademark registration and a corresponding domain name is available for your online presence.
Costs and Time Investment: Changing a business name involves various costs, such as legal fees and marketing expenses. The process can be time-consuming, from notifying customers and suppliers to updating documentation and signage.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Impact: Changing your business name can impact your website’s SEO rankings. Building a strong online presence using your new name and updating all online content and backlinks will require extensive work.
Notify Relevant Authorities: When changing your company’s name, ensure you notify the relevant local, state, and federal authorities, update your tax information, and obtain new business licenses and permits.

FAQs

What paperwork do I need to file to change my business name in Virginia?

You need to file Articles of Amendment with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

Can I change my company name myself or do I need to hire a lawyer?

You don’t need to hire a lawyer, but it is recommended that you consult with one before changing your business name.

What is the fee for changing a business name in Virginia?

The fee for filing Articles of Amendment is $25.

How long does it take to change a business name in Virginia?

The processing time for changing a business name varies, but it normally takes about one week.

Do I need to get a new EIN when I change my business name?

No, you do not need to get a new EIN when you change your business name.

Will changing my business name affect my business license in Virginia?

Yes, you will need to update your license with your new business name.

What if my business is not an LLC or corporation? Can I still change the name?

Yes, you can change the name of your business even if it is not an LLC or corporation.

What if my business is registered in another state but I want to change the name in Virginia?

You will need to contact the state where your business is registered to change the name, and then update your business name in Virginia.

What if I want to change the name of my nonprofit organization in Virginia?

You need to file Articles of Amendment with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

Is there a time limit for changing my business name in Virginia?

There is no time limit for changing your business name in Virginia.

Can I change my business name to anything I want?

No, your business name must not be misleading or confusing to customers and it must follow Virginia requirements.

Can I change from a “DBA” to an LLC or corporation when changing my business name in Virginia?

Yes, you can change your business entity type at the same time as you change your business name.

What if someone else is using the name I want to change my business to?

You will need to choose a new name or obtain permission to use the name from the other party.

How can I check if the name I want to use is available in Virginia?

You can conduct a name search on the Virginia State Corporation Commission website.

Do I need to notify the IRS when changing my business name in Virginia?

Yes, notify the IRS of the name change by filing Form 8822-B.

Do I need to change my business name on my bank accounts and checks?

Yes, update your business name on all legal documents, bank accounts, and checks.

Can I change my LLC name or only my company name?

You can change the name of your LLC or corporation by filing Articles of Amendment with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

After changing my business name in Virginia, will I receive a new Certificate of Good Standing?

No, you will not receive a new Certificate of Good Standing.

Can I change my business name again after I have already changed it once?

Yes, you can change your business name as many times as you’d like.

Will I need to update my business name with all of my clients or customers?

Yes, it is recommended that you update your business name with all of your clients or customers.

Will I need to change my business name on my website and social media accounts?

Yes, update your business name on all online platforms.

What if I change my business name, but then decide I prefer the old name?

You can change your business name back to the old name by filing Articles of Amendment.

What if I don’t change my business name, but decide to operate under a DBA name instead?

You will need to file a certificate of assumed name with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

Do I need to get a new business license for Virginia when I change my business name?

No, update your current license with your new business name.

How can I notify my existing clients or customers of my business name change?

Send out an email or mailer to your clients or customers to explain the name change and provide contact information.

Can I change other aspects of my business, like the address or phone number, at the same time as I change the business name?

Yes, you can update your address or phone number at the same time as you change your business name by filing Articles of Amendment.

Can I change the spelling of my business name if I change my business name in Virginia?

Yes, you can change the spelling of your business name when you change your business name in Virginia.

Do I need to physically mail in my Articles of Amendment or can I file them online?

You can file Articles of Amendment online or you can mail them in to the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

What if I misspelled my business name when I filed my Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization with Virginia?

You can correct the spelling of your business name by filing Articles of Amendment with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

What is the first step in changing a business name in Virginia?

The first step in changing a business name in Virginia is to conduct a name availability search to ensure that the desired name is not already in use by another business in the state.

Where can I conduct a name availability search in Virginia?

You can conduct a name availability search in Virginia online through the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s website.

How much does it cost to change a business name in Virginia?

The fee to change a business name in Virginia is $10.

Do I need to file any paperwork to formally change my business name in Virginia?

Yes, you will need to file Articles of Amendment with the Virginia State Corporation Commission to formally change your business name.

Can I change my business name myself in Virginia, or do I need to hire an attorney?

You can file the paperwork to change your business name yourself in Virginia, but you may want to consult with an attorney to ensure that you are following all of the necessary legal requirements.

What information do I need to include on the Articles of Amendment when changing my business name in Virginia?

You will need to include your new business name, your old business name, the date your business was formed, your business’ contact information, and a brief explanation of the name change.

How long does it take to process a request to change a business name in Virginia?

The processing time for changing a business name in Virginia can vary, but it generally takes about 7-10 business days.

Can I change my business name and my business structure at the same time in Virginia?

Yes, you can change both your business name and your business structure at the same time in Virginia by filing the appropriate paperwork.

Will I need to update my business license and tax ID number when I change my business name in Virginia?

Yes, you will need to update your business license and tax ID number when you change your business name in Virginia.

How will changing my business name affect my business’s credit rating in Virginia?

Changing your business name should not have a significant impact on your business’s credit rating in Virginia, as long as your business credit history is maintained and linked to your new business name.

Should I notify my customers and suppliers about the name change when I change my business name in Virginia?

Yes, it is recommended that you notify your customers and suppliers about the name change when you change your business name in Virginia.

Do I need to update my contracts and agreements when I change my business name in Virginia?

Yes, you will need to update your contracts and agreements when you change your business name in Virginia to reflect your new name.

How can I ensure that the name change process goes smoothly in Virginia?

To ensure that the name change process goes smoothly in Virginia, you should consult with an attorney, update all necessary paperwork, and notify your customers and suppliers of the name change.

Will changing my business name affect my business’s intellectual property rights in Virginia?

Changing your business name should not affect your business’s intellectual property rights in Virginia, but you should consult with an attorney to ensure that you are still protected.

Can I reserve a new business name before I file the paperwork to change my business name in Virginia?

Yes, you can reserve a new business name for up to 120 days before you file the paperwork to change your business name in Virginia.

Will changing my business name affect my business’s registration as a foreign entity in Virginia?

Changing your business name may affect your business’s registration as a foreign entity in Virginia if you are registered to do business under your old name.

Do I need to notify the IRS when I change my business name in Virginia?

Yes, you will need to notify the IRS when you change your business name in Virginia, as well as update your business tax returns accordingly.

Can I change my business name to anything I want in Virginia?

No, your new business name in Virginia must comply with state regulations and cannot be too similar to other existing business names.

Will changing my business name affect any franchise agreements I have in Virginia?

Changing your business name may affect any franchise agreements you have in Virginia, so you should consult with an attorney to review your agreements.

Can I use a DBA or trade name instead of changing my legal business name in Virginia?

Yes, you can choose to use a DBA or trade name instead of changing your legal business name in Virginia, but you will still need to register it with the state.

Do partnerships need to update their partnership agreements when changing their business name in Virginia?

Yes, partnerships will need to update their partnership agreements when changing their business name in Virginia to reflect the new name.

Can I change my business name for a limited time only in Virginia?

No, the name change in Virginia is permanent and cannot be changed back without following the same process again.

Do I need to publish a notice of the name change in a local newspaper when changing my business name in Virginia?

No, you do not need to publish a notice of the name change in a local newspaper in Virginia.

Can I change my business name outside of my branding and marketing efforts, such as legal paperwork and tax ID numbers?

No, it is important to change your business name on all legal paperwork and tax ID numbers to maintain consistency and accuracy.

Do I need a new EIN when I change my business name in Virginia?

No, you do not need a new EIN when you change your business name in Virginia, but you will need to update your existing EIN with the IRS.

Will my business bank account be affected when changing my business name in Virginia?

Yes, you will need to update your business bank account when you change your business name in Virginia to reflect your new name.

Can I change my business name more than once in Virginia?

Yes, you can change your business name more than once in Virginia, but you will need to follow the same process each time and ensure that name is compliant with state regulations.

What should I do if my name change does not go through in Virginia?

If your name change does not go through in Virginia, you should consult with an attorney to determine the reason why and what steps you need to take to rectify the issue.

Conclusion

Changing your business name in Virginia is a significant decision that requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide and diligently updating your business name across all relevant areas, you can ensure a seamless transition while maintaining compliance with state regulations and preserving your brand’s reputation.

We invite you to visit LLCBase for more helpful resources and guidance on navigating the complexities of running a successful business in Virginia. Let’s make your business an enduring success story in Virginia!