VIRGINIA – SCC

A proposed business entity name must be distinguishable upon the records of the Commission from the names of all active business entities, except general partnerships,
and from
names that have been designated, registered, or reserved for use by other persons.

A result that a proposed name is distinguishable is not the equivalent of a determination that it is acceptable. For example, an acceptable proposed name must include an appropriate
entity designator (e.g., “LLC”), if required, and may not include words and designations that imply the business entity will engage in a particular business activity, unless it will actually
conduct such business (e.g., “bank”), or words that are prohibited by law.

A distinguishable business entity name remains available for use on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a distinguishable business entity name, see
How can a business entity name be reserved for future use?

For more information, see Business Entity Names FAQs or contact the Clerk’s Office at (804) 371-9733 or toll-free Virginia, 1-866-722-2551, or by email at SCCeFile@scc.virginia.gov.