Virginia Registered Agent
What is a Virginia registered agent?
A Virginia registered agent facilitates due process by accepting state notices and legal service of process on behalf of a company. By acting as the point of contact for receiving these notices, they keep businesses from consequences like default legal judgment and bad standing with the state. Virginia legal code requires every entity registered in the state to maintain a registered agent.
What Does A Virginia Registered Agent Do?
The job of a Virginia registered agent is straightforward, and they should be available at the primary address provided on state records during normal business hours to accept hand-delivered and mailed documents for the appointing company. They must forward all documents to the last provided address or contact provided by the company. Professional registered agents often go beyond fulfilling these minimum requirements by offering additional useful services like business formation, web hosting, and VoIP phone service.
Requirements for Virginia Registered Agents
The Virginia State Code recognizes individuals and entities as registered agents. They can be any of the following:
- A resident of the state who is an officer or director of the company
- An attorney registered with the Virginia State Bar with an in-state address
- A corporation, LLC, or LLP authorized to do business in Virginia with an in-state address
All registered agents must be available during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to accept documents on behalf of an appointing business.
Can I be my own registered agent in Virginia?
Yes. While a business can’t be its own registered agent, individuals can as long as they meet the requirements. Hiring a professional registered agent is recommended since registered agents must be available to accept documents as needed. Professional registered agents are fully staffed so you won’t have to worry about staying in one place or missing deliveries.
How Can I Appoint My Registered Agent?
You can appoint your Virginia registered agent when you file your Articles of Organization of a Virginia Limited Liability Company or Articles of Incorporation of a Virginia Stock Corporation.
- For LLCs: Section 3 requires the name of your registered agent. It is optional to include their email. Section 4 allows you to specify whether your registered agent is an individual or entity. Section 5 is where you’ll include your registered agent’s address for service of process.
- For Corporations: Section 3 allows you to name your agent and specify whether they are an individual or entity. Section 4 is the place for your registered agent’s address for service of process.
How do I change my registered agent in Virginia?
The easiest way to change your registered agent information in Virginia is by filing a free online update using the state Clerk’s Information System. The state provides comprehensive guides for How to Change a Registered Agent/ Office for a Virginia Entity.
Alternatively, you can use the Online Forms Request to request a paper Statement of Change of a Registered Agent And/or Registered Office form. No matter which option you select, the state will send an Acknowledgement of Change to the address listed on record when the change has been fully recorded.
What does it cost to change my registered agent?
Filing online or by mail is free and takes just a few minutes to complete. When you hire us to be your registered agent, we’ll file it for you.
How Do I Find a Registered Agent in Virginia?
You can find a company’s registered agent by searching for them using the State Corporation Commission Clerk’s Information System. Every entity listing provides information for the registered agent of a company along with an address where documents and notices can be delivered. This is the best way to contact a company, and documents served to this address constitute successful service.
What happens if my registered agent resigns?
If your registered agent in Virginia resigns, you’ll need to appoint a new one as soon as possible. The state requires all entities to have a registered agent on record, and failure to maintain an agent can result in the administrative dissolution of your entity.
Why Should I Hire Registered Agents Inc?
Maintaining your business in Virginia is simple when you hire Registered Agents Inc. We meet every basic requirement for a registered agent, along with some unique benefits:
Speed & Reliability
All documents are processed the same day they’re received using the most efficient internal workflow. Receiving important information is easier than ever when your documents are handled with the utmost care and priority.
Instant Notifications
Our system provides instant email notifications for newly received documents so you never miss out on important updates and mail. We’ve developed the best software to keep you notified of new documents.
Digital Privacy
Proprietary software developed by our team keeps your information safe. Our commitment to privacy is essential in today’s digital landscape and helps fortify the corporate veil.
Forms & Resources
We make it easy to file, even if you’re doing it on your own. With a library filled with pre-populated forms for nearly every state filing, you won’t have to search for what you need to get the job done.
Local Expertise
Get local support from our team while enjoying all the benefits of nationwide coverage. Our team can help you in Virginia along with 51 other jurisdictions when you’re ready to expand to other markets and take your business to the next level.
Annual Reporting
Every corporation and LLC in Virginia must file annual reports to maintain good standing. We file your annual report in Virginia so you don’t have to keep up with due dates, late fees, or filings. All you pay is the state fee.
Additional Tools
Our helpful add-on services can help your business grow and thrive for great low prices. Choose from extras like web hosting, domain registration, SSL security, digital phone service, and more.
Premium Service
Our knowledgeable innovators are here to make business formation and maintenance a breeze. Reach out by phone or email for hands-on solutions that make all the difference.
Our wholesale registered agent service offers this premium service to your clients without extra steps for you. Request a custom wholesale plan today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Virginia registered agent cost?
The most basic registered agent service in Virginia costs around $50 and can reach up to $330 for additional services. Our premium registered agent service is $200 a year and includes annual report filing.
What is a Virginia SCC Identification Number?
The Virginia State Corporation Commission assigns an Entity ID to all active entities registered to do business in the state. You can find this number by performing a Business Entity Search for your company.
How do I get a business license in Virginia?
You won’t need a general business license in Virginia, but your city or county may require local licensing. Professional and Occupational licenses may be required depending on the services you provide. You can apply for these on the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation website.
How do I maintain a business in Virginia?
Every business in Virginia must maintain a registered agent on state records for service of process. They must also keep up to date with any annual reports to stay in good standing. The easiest way to maintain your business is by finding a reliable registered agent who can do it all.
