How to search Virginia business entities online

Virginia business entity records are maintained by the State Corporation Commission (SCC), a constitutionally independent agency — not the Secretary of State, which handles elections. The public entity search is at cis.scc.virginia.gov/EntitySearch/Index, the Commission Information System (CIS). The search is a JavaScript-rendered single-page application; automated scraping tools may see a loading screen — a full browser is required. No account is needed to search; filing and ordering certificates require an SCC eFile account.

What the search covers

The database covers all entity types registered with the SCC Clerk's Office: domestic and foreign LLCs, stock corporations (for-profit), nonstock corporations (nonprofit), limited partnerships, registered LLPs, and business trusts. The SCC also administers public utility and insurance company filings, which appear in separate search interfaces.

Search options

The CIS supports searching by:

• Entity Name — text search with partial matching
• SCC ID Number — the seven-digit SCC-assigned identifier
• Entity Type Filter — LLC, stock corporation, nonstock corporation, limited partnership, business trust
• Entity Status Filter — active, inactive, terminated, and others

Registered agent information is visible on entity detail pages. Certificates of Good Standing can be downloaded instantly for $6 through the SCC eFile system at sccefile.scc.virginia.gov — one of the lower certificate fees in the country.

Annual registration fee — not an annual report

Virginia does not use the term "annual report" for its recurring compliance filing. Instead, entities pay an annual registration fee due by the last day of the month in which the entity was originally incorporated or registered. LLCs pay $50 per year; nonprofits pay $25. For-profit corporations pay a fee that scales with authorized share count — verify the applicable tier with the SCC. The filing itself (reporting changes to officers, registered agent, etc.) carries no separate fee. The SCC mails a reminder approximately two months before the due date. A five-month grace period applies before termination proceedings begin for non-payment.

This guide is informational only and is not affiliated with the Virginia State Corporation Commission or any state agency. Verify current procedures at scc.virginia.gov/businesses. Source: Virginia State Corporation Commission, verified May 2026.