What happens when a business entity’s proposed name is not available?
For a Virginia business entity, we would return the document un-filed for you to choose a name that is available. A foreign business entity will need to adopt a designated name for use in Virginia (sometimes referred to as a “For Use in Virginia” name). If a foreign business entity’s name does not include a word or abbreviation required for a similar Virginia entity (e.g., a corporate ending, such as “Inc.”), the business entity will need to adopt a designated name that merely adds a required word or abbreviation to its true name (i.e., the true name cannot be otherwise altered).
