How to Start a Private LLC in Virginia:
for Freelancers and Solopreneurs

🧠 Why it matters: Your LLC name is your brand’s foundation — and Virginia has a few rules you need to follow.

📝 Virginia’s Naming Rules:

• Must include: “Limited Liability Company”, “LLC”, or “L.L.C.”
• Must be unique and not too similar to any existing business names on file with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC)
• Cannot include restricted terms like “Bank,” “Insurance,” or “Corporation” unless authorized

🔍 How to Check Name Availability:
Use the Virginia SCC Business Entity Search to make sure your name is available before filing.

💡 Pro Tips:

• Avoid long or confusing names — keep it simple and brandable
• If you plan to buy a domain, check availability at the same time
• Consider grabbing a matching Gmail or domain email (e.g., hello@yourbrand.com)

✅ Once you’ve picked your name and confirmed it’s available, you’re ready to move on to Step 2.

🧠 Why it matters: When you form your LLC in Virginia, you’re required to list a “principal office address.” This address becomes public record — so using your home address could expose your personal info.

💡 Solution: Use a virtual business address to keep your home private while still meeting state requirements.

📦 Recommended service: iPostal1 offers professional virtual office addresses you can use on your LLC filings, invoices, website, and more.

🔒 Privacy benefit: Virtual addresses help solo business owners stay anonymous while still presenting a professional image.

⚠️ Important Note: Most banks and credit card companies won’t accept virtual mailing addresses when you apply for a business account. They’ll likely ask for your residential address to verify your identity.

This address is not made public — it’s only used internally for compliance.

✅ With your business address secured, you’re ready to file your LLC in Step 3.

🧠 What it is: The Articles of Organization is the official form you file with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to legally create your LLC.

📄 What you’ll need to file:

• Your LLC name
• Your business (principal office) address
• Your Registered Agent’s name and address
• The name and signature of the LLC Organizer (you)

💰 Cost to file: $100 (one-time fee)

💻 How to file online: Submit your Articles of Organization through the Virginia SCC online portal. Most approvals take 1–2 business days.

📬 What happens next: Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Organization — the official document that confirms your LLC is active.

✅ With your LLC formed, you’re ready for Step 4: Creating an Operating Agreement.

🧠 What it is: An Operating Agreement is a written document that outlines how your LLC will operate — even if you’re the only member.

🔒 Why it matters for solo founders: Even though Virginia doesn’t require it, it is highly recommended that your business has one. It can help with:

• Proving ownership when opening a business bank account
• Clarifying how the business is managed and how money flows
• Supporting your limited liability status by showing separation from personal finances

📄 What’s included in a simple Operating Agreement:

• Your LLC’s official name and address
• Your name as the sole owner (or “member”)
• Management structure (you’re likely the sole manager)
• How profits/losses are handled
• Optional: rules for adding future members or transferring ownership

🛠️ Need a template? We’ve got you covered. Download a free, single-member Operating Agreement template here.

✅ Once your Operating Agreement is signed and stored (digitally is fine), you’re ready for Step 5: Apply for your EIN.

🧠 What it is: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is like a Social Security Number for your business — issued by the IRS.

📌 Why you need one:

• To open a business bank account
• To apply for business credit or loans
• If you plan to hire employees or independent contractors
• To keep personal and business taxes separate

💻 How to apply (free):
Use the IRS Online EIN Application portal:
Apply for an EIN Online

⏱️ Time required: About 10 minutes. You’ll get your EIN immediately after submitting the form.

🔒 Privacy Tip: If you’re asked for a “Responsible Party” address, it’s okay to use your home — this is not public record.

✅ With your EIN in hand, you’re ready for Step 6: Opening a business bank account.

🧠 Why it matters: Keeping your business and personal finances separate is critical for legal protection, clean bookkeeping, and tax reporting.

📋 What you’ll typically need:

• Your EIN from the IRS
• Your approved Articles of Organization from the Virginia SCC
• Your Operating Agreement (if you’re a single-member LLC, a simple version is fine)
• Your valid photo ID
• Your residential address — even if you used a virtual address for the LLC

⚠️ Privacy Reminder: Most banks will ask for your residential address during the identity verification process. This is normal and required by federal banking regulations.

Your home address will not appear on public records, and it’s only used internally for compliance purposes.

💳 Where to open your account:

• Online banks: Relay, Bluevine, Novo
• Traditional banks: Chase, Capital One, Bank of America

💡 Pro Tip: Many solopreneurs find online business banks easier to use and more freelancer-friendly — especially if you want to avoid in-person appointments.

✅ Once your business account is set up, you’re ready for Step 7: Checking local licensing requirements.

🧠 What to know: Virginia doesn’t require a general statewide business license, but depending on what you do and where you’re located, you might need one from your city or county.

🏙️ Common local requirements:

• Many cities (like Richmond or Virginia Beach) require a local business license
• Home-based businesses may need zoning or home occupation permits
• Freelancers working online often don’t need extra licensing — but it’s good to check

🔍 How to check your local rules:
Visit your city or county government website and search for “business license” or “BPOL” (Business, Professional and Occupational License).

💡 Helpful starting point:
Virginia.gov Business Portal

✅ Once you’ve confirmed your local license requirements (or lack of them), you’re ready for the final step: protecting your privacy going forward.

🧠 Why this matters: Once your LLC is formed, your personal information can still leak into the public unless you take a few simple steps to lock things down.

🛡️ Easy ways to stay private:

• Continue using your virtual business address instead of your home address whenever possible
• Use a business phone number (like OpenPhone or Google Voice)
• Get a custom business email (like you@yourdomain.com) instead of Gmail
• Use your LLC name — not your personal name — when signing contracts or proposals
• Be mindful of where your address appears (invoices, website footers, domain registrations)

💼 Bonus tip for freelancers: Set up a client onboarding process that uses your business identity — it helps you look professional and keeps your real name and contact info off random PDFs and spreadsheets.

✅ By taking these simple steps, you’ll maintain control of your personal privacy while presenting a strong business presence.

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