How Long Does It Take To Form An LLC In Virginia? (Guide)
If you plan to start a Virginia LLC with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, you may have questions about the filing process, including how long it will take to form your limited liability company.
As a corporate attorney with over a decade of experience, I've personally guided more than 50 clients through Virginia LLC formation, navigating everything from expedited same-day filings to resolving rejected applications. Through this hands-on work, I've learned the precise timelines for each submission method.
In this guide, I'll show you how long it takes to form an LLC in Virginia using different filing methods—online, mail, and in-person—plus how to leverage expedited processing when you need faster approval.
You have the option to hire a professional service to help you with LLC filing. These top LLC formation services in Virginia can help you complete your LLC filing quickly and allow you to focus more on your business.
Quick Summary
- It takes an average of 2 weeks to form an LLC in Virginia if you filed by mail and within 5 business days if you submitted online.
- Expedited service is only available for online filings. It costs $50 to $100 for next day approval and $200 for same day processing.
- According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Virginia recorded 132,075 new business applications in 2023 [1].
- For in-person filing, I recommend you deliver the documents to the office and expect a processing time of 5 to 10 business days.
What is The Fastest Way to Start an LLC in Virginia?
The fastest way to start an LLC in Virginia is by filing online using expedited service.
The state offers online expedited processing for your LLC formation requests, which guarantees approval of your company within the next or the same day.
You only need to complete the form and submit your articles of organization online at cis.scc.virginia.gov [2].
LLC Processing Time in Virginia
0The processing time for your LLC will depend on the filing method you choose.
You can file your LLC via mail, online, or in person. The state also offers expedited filing for forming your LLC [3].
1. Expedited Virginia LLC Processing Time Online (next-day processing + $50 or $100, same-day processing + $200)
Next-day processing comes with an online filing fee of $50 or $100 and must be submitted by 2 pm EST to receive a response by 4 pm the next business day [5].
For same-day processing, there is a $200 fee, and you must submit your paperwork by 10 am EST to receive a response by 4 pm the same day.
I always advise clients to comply with the time deadlines so that there are no delays in their expedited LLC processing time.
Learn more about the exact cost of an LLC in Virginia.
2. Non-Expedited Virginia LLC Processing Time By Mail (2 - 5 business days)
The state of Virginia doesn’t offer expedited processing for paper submissions. In my experience, filing by mail typically takes up to two weeks to be approved.
The actual filing takes around 2 to 5 days, with additional processing time for your LLC company documents to be sent to you by mail.
You only pay the state filing fee of $100, which should be made payable to the State Corporation Commission, and send the documents to P.O. Box 1197, Richmond, VA 23218-1197.
3. Virginia LLC Processing Time Online (1 - 5 business days)
When you file online, you can expect your formation request to get approved within 1 to 5 days.
Once your domestic or foreign LLC application has been approved by the state, all legal documents will be made available to you. Having helped clients form an LLC in Virginia, they simply need to download the Articles of Organization as well as other pertinent documents.
4. Virginia LLC Processing Time In Person (5-10 business days)
If you file your Virginia LLC with the state’s office in person, you can expect the processing time to occur within an average of 5 to 10 business days.
However, remember that you will wait longer if you want your approved LLC filing documents mailed back to you.
I encourage my clients to personally pick up the documents to avoid any delays in the mail time.
"Considering non-business days and peak times can help in planning the LLC filing more effectively."
- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter
Factors Influencing the Formation Timeline of Virginia LLCs
Although there is an established timeframe for the filing to be completed, there are factors that may extend the duration.
These are some of them:
- Processing errors: Inaccurate information or spelling mistakes will prolong the filing process, so be sure to check all information before submitting the document. If you’re drafting your own articles of organization, you can follow the format provided by the state [5].
- Non-business days: I always advise my clients to file their documents after the weekend or holidays. This way, the state can process their filings quickly.
- Time of the year: Majority of businesses submit and renew at the beginning or end of the year. It is ideal to file after this timeframe to prevent delays with the approval.
In Virginia, the State Corporation Commission's data shows that over 85% of LLCs successfully complete their registration process without any delays or issues, showcasing the effectiveness of the state's streamlined business formation procedures.
FAQs
Where Can I Check the Status of My Virginia LLC Formation During the Processing Period?
You can check the status of your Virginia LLC formation during the processing period online and by postal tracking. You can also contact the Secretary of State's office to determine your application status.
Is There a Difference in Processing Time for Domestic and Foreign LLCs in Virginia?
There is no difference in processing time for domestic and foreign LLCs in Virginia.
Do I Need a Registered Agent To Form a Virginia LLC?
You need a registered agent to form a Virginia LLC, as Virginia law requires all business entities to designate one during the formation process. The registered agent must maintain a physical address in the state to receive legal documents on behalf of your business owner filing.
Should I Create an Operating Agreement When Forming a Virginia LLC?
You should create an operating agreement when forming a Virginia LLC, even though it's not legally required for formation. An operating agreement establishes business management rules and is often needed to open a business bank account, apply for a business license, or satisfy Internal Revenue Service requirements after formation.
References:
- https://appspre.scc.virginia.gov/clk/formsum.aspx
- https://cis.scc.virginia.gov/
- https://www.scc.virginia.gov/getattachment/73b8be62-d19b-44e5-aea5-a1e9075ff456/notc_llc.pdf
- https://www.scc.virginia.gov/pages/Expedited-Services
- https://scc.virginia.gov/getattachment/6dffd2b0-e9b1-461e-af61-eb1ea11db866/llc1011.pdf
