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State Corporation Commission Document

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COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION
APPLICATION FOR RESERVATION OR FOR RENEWAL OF RESERVATION OF A BUSINESS ENTITY NAME

The undersigned makes this application, pursuant to § 13.1-631, § 13.1-830, § 13.1-1013, § 13.1-1215, or § 50-73.3 of the Code of Virginia, to (MARK APPROPRIATE BOX):

BUSINESS ENTITY NAME BEING RESERVED OR RENEWED:

Applicant’s printed name:

Applicant’s mailing address:

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to sign a document he or she knows is false in any material respect with intent that the document be delivered to the Commission for filing. See §§ 13.1-612, 13.1-811, 13.1-1006, 13.1-1205, and 50-73.15 of the Code of Virginia.

Signature of Applicant or Applicant’s authorized agent:

If the applicant is a business entity or the application is signed by an authorized agent of the applicant, the following must be completed:

Phone number of Applicant or Applicant’s authorized agent (optional):

( ) –

FOR SCC USE:

REVIEW THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT FOLLOW BEFORE SUBMITTING THIS FORM.

Personal Information, such as a social security number, should NOT be included in a business entity document submitted to the Office of the Clerk for filing with the Commission. For more information, see Notice Regarding Personal Identifiable Information at www.scc.virginia.gov/clk.

INSTRUCTIONS TO FORM SCC631

The application must be in the English language, typewritten or printed in black, legible and reproducible. The document must be presented on uniformly white, opaque paper, free of visible watermarks and background logos.

This form can be downloaded from our website at www.scc.virginia.gov/clk/formfee.aspx.

A proposed business entity name does not need to include an entity designation (such as “Inc.” or “LLC”) in order for it to be reserved.

The proposed business entity name for which a reservation is requested must be distinguishable upon the records of the Commission. See §§ 13.1-631, 13.1-830, 13.1-1013, 13.1-1215, or 50-73.3 of the Code of Virginia. To check the availability of a proposed business entity name, visit our website at https://sccefile.scc.virginia.gov/NameAvailability or contact the Clerk’s Office at (804) 371-9733 or toll-free in Virginia, 1-866-722-2551.

A reserved business entity name may be used by its owner in connection with (i) the formation or an amendment to change the name of a domestic stock or nonstock corporation, limited liability company, business trust or limited partnership, (ii) an application for a certificate of authority or registration to transact business in the Commonwealth as a foreign stock or nonstock corporation, limited liability company, business trust or limited partnership, or (iii) an amended application for such authority or registration, provided that the proposed name complies with the provisions of § 13.1-630, § 13.1-762, § 13.1-829, § 13.1-924, § 13.1-1012, § 13.1-1054, § 13.1-1214, § 13.1-1244, § 50-73.2 or § 50-73.56, as the case may be.

“Applicant” is the individual or entity that will become the sole owner of the reserved name upon the filing of the application.

Renewals: The owner of a reserved business entity name may renew the reservation for successive periods of 120 days each by filing with the Commission, during the 45-day period preceding the date of expiration of the reservation, a renewal application. See §§ 13.1-631, 13.1-830, 13.1-1013, 13.1-1215, or 50-73.3 of the Code of Virginia.

A name reservation may be renewed only by or on behalf of the owner of the reserved name.

Submit the signed application to State Corporation Commission, Office of the Clerk, P.O. Box 1197, Richmond, Virginia 23218-1197, (Street address: 1300 East Main Street, Tyler Building, 1st Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219), along with a check for the filing fee in the amount of $10.00, payable to the State Corporation Commission. DO NOT SEND CASH. If you have any questions, contact the Clerk’s Office at (804) 371-9733 or toll-free in Virginia, 1-866-722-2551.

NOTES

A reserved name cannot be used to complete the incorporation of a Virginia stock corporation, or the formation of a Virginia limited liability company, in SCC eFile through eFile Express.

The reservation of a business entity name that includes a restricted word (e.g., “bank” or “engineering”) does not ensure that the name will be accepted for use by the business entity for which it is intended. The determination of whether a reserved name can be used will be made when the business entity’s organizational instrument (e.g., articles of incorporation) is presented for filing. For more information regarding restricted words in a business entity name, see Frequently Asked Questions regarding Business Entity Names at www.scc.virginia.gov/clk/befaq/name.aspx.

The owner of a reserved business entity name may transfer the reservation to another person by submitting to the Clerk’s Office a written notice that sets forth the reserved name and the name and address of the person to whom the reserved name is to be transferred, accompanied by a check in the amount of $10.00 made payable to State Corporation Commission. The notice must be signed by the owner or by the owner’s authorized agent.

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What a State Corporation Commission Document Is and When it Matters

A State Corporation Commission Document is any official filing submitted to a state-level corporate registry or commission to form, amend, or report on a business entity. Typical filings include articles of incorporation, annual reports, amendments, and certificates of good standing. These records establish or update a business's legal existence, registered agent, principal office, and officer information, and they become part of the public record maintained by the state agency.

Why Accurate State Corporation Commission Filings Matter

Proper filing preserves corporate status, protects limited liability, and ensures compliance with state requirements. Accurate, complete documents reduce rejection risk, avoid fines, and maintain public records that banks, vendors, and regulators rely on.

Why Accurate State Corporation Commission Filings Matter

Who Typically Prepares and Submits These Documents

State Corporation Commission filings are prepared by a mix of internal and external parties depending on entity size and complexity.

  • Business owners and incorporators handling initial formation, name reservations, and registered agent appointments.
  • Registered agents and corporate administrators responsible for annual reports and statutory notices.
  • Corporate counsel and outside attorneys preparing complex amendments, mergers, or reinstatements.

Choosing the right preparer reduces errors, speeds approval, and helps maintain good standing with the state.

Essential Elements to Include in a Professional Filing

A complete filing follows the state's form structure, supplies accurate entity data, and attaches required signatures and fees to avoid delays or rejection.

Entity Name

Use the entity's exact legal name as shown in formation documents; include punctuation and corporate designator (Inc., LLC) to match state records and avoid duplication or rejection.

Formation Type

Identify the entity type clearly (corporation, LLC, LP). The legal classification determines filing paths, fee schedules, and the statutory framework that will govern the entity.

Registered Agent

Provide the registered agent's full name and physical address within the state. Incorrect or P.O. box addresses commonly cause filings to be returned or rejected.

Principal Office

List the principal office street address, city, state, and ZIP. This information is used for service and public record — consistency with prior filings is important.

Authorized Signers

Identify the officer or organizer authorized to sign, including printed name and capacity (e.g., President, Organizer). Signatures must match the authority stated in corporate documents.

Filing Fee

Declare the payment method and include the exact statutory fee or payment confirmation. Underpayment is a common reason for rejection and processing delays.

Required Data Elements at a Glance

Entity Name: Full legal name
Formation Type: Corporation/LLC/LP
Registered Agent: Name and in-state address
Principal Office: Street address and ZIP
Authorized Signer: Name and capacity
Filing Fee: Payment method/details

Step-by-Step: Prepare and Submit a State Corporation Commission Filing

Follow these steps to collect information, complete the form, and submit correctly to the state registry.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect formation papers, EIN, and officer details.
  • 02
    Complete Form: Enter fields exactly, using MM/DD/YYYY for dates.
  • 03
    Sign and Notarize: Obtain required signatures and notarization if specified.
  • 04
    File and Pay: Submit online or by mail with correct fee.

Digital Workflow Settings for Online Completion

Recommended configuration options when completing and e-submitting the document through an electronic signing platform.

Field Configuration
Document Type Set as 'Articles/Annual Report/Amendment'
Signer Order Specify sequential or parallel signing as needed
Authentication Use email + SMS code or stronger methods
Return Copies Auto-deliver signed PDF to all parties

Where to File and How Submission Is Routed

State filings can usually be submitted online, by mail, or in person; each path has specific payment and processing rules.

  • Online Portal: Submit via the state's corporation commission website
  • Mail Submission: Include original signatures and payment check
  • In-Person Filing: Deliver signed documents to the state office
  • Registered Agent Filing: Agent may file on behalf of the entity

File Format and Technical Requirements for eSubmission

States typically accept PDF for uploads; some accept DOCX/HTML; RON or e-notarization may require specific audio-video retention and identity proofing.

  • Accepted Formats: PDF, DOCX, sometimes HTML
  • Integrations: CRM and cloud storage integrations supported
  • Authentication Options: Email, SMS, KBA, or stronger methods

Common Deadlines and Filing Timelines to Track

Different filings and ancillary tax forms have distinct deadlines. Confirm dates for both state filings and federal tax submissions.

Annual Report Due:

Varies by state; often by anniversary month

Federal Tax Return:

Form 1040 / corporate deadlines generally April 15

Information Returns:

1099-NEC and W-2 to recipients by Jan 31

RON Record Retention:

Audio-video recordings often kept 5–10 years

Amendment Processing:

Processing times vary; expedited options sometimes available

Penalties and Risks from Incorrect or Late Filings

Loss of Good Standing: Administrative dissolution risk
Late Fees: State penalties and interest may apply
Tax Consequences: Incorrect returns trigger IRC §6721 penalties
Service of Process Risk: Invalid registered agent risks service failures
Personal Liability: Members/officers can face exposure
Rejection Delay: Incorrect forms result in processing delays

Common Preparation Mistakes That Cause Rejection

  • Using an inconsistent or misspelled entity name that does not match formation records leads to automatic rejection and duplication issues.
  • Listing a P.O. box for the registered agent instead of a physical in-state address when the state explicitly requires a street address.
  • Forgetting required signatures or notarization blocks on forms that mandate acknowledgement, producing delays and resubmission fees.
  • Submitting incorrect payment amount or the wrong fee category; underpayment is a frequent cause of returned or delayed filings.

Real-World Examples of Filing Processes and Outcomes

Two practical examples that illustrate common filing workflows and business outcomes when forms are completed correctly.

Martin Properties — Mobile Filings

A regional property manager needed rapid annual report filings for multiple entities

  • Mobile signing and offline capability were essential
  • 'I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently.'

Fertility Centers of Illinois — Compliance

A healthcare operator required secure signature capture and audit trails for entity amendments

  • HIPAA-compliant workflows were prioritized
  • 'The airSlate SignNow team has been exceptional, responsive, the API has been great, and we're extremely happy that we chose airSlate SignNow as a company.'

eSignature Vendor Comparison for State Corporation Commission Documents

Compare typical plan criteria for electronic signature providers used to complete and submit state corporation filings. signNow appears first for parity with other leading vendors.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no credit card required Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Limited
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting Tips

Answers to common questions about signatures, notarization, corrections, and state-specific acceptance of electronic filings.


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