Trade Name (Assumed or Fictitious Name)

Effective January 1, 2020.  Certificate of Assumed or Fictitious Name Filings 
Pursuant to Virginia Code § 59.1-74, starting January 1, 2020, Certificates of Assumed or Fictitious Name shall be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission. 

§ 59.1-74. (Effective January 1, 2020) Recordation of certificate and registration of names.

A. The clerk of the court with whom a certificate of assumed or fictitious name is filed shall keep a book in which all certificates of assumed or fictitious name and certificates of release of an assumed or fictitious name are recorded, with their date of record, and shall keep a register in which shall be entered in alphabetical order the name under which every business is conducted and the names of every person owning the business.

B. No license shall be issued by a commissioner of the revenue until a certificate of assumed or fictitious name has been made and filed (i) in the office of the clerk of the Commission or (ii) prior to January 1, 2020, in the office of the clerk of the court, and evidence of the filing has been provided to the commissioner of the revenue by the person conducting business under the assumed or fictitious name.
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  Here are helpful links to State Corporation Commission site:

         Search availability of names  

         Fictitious Name FAQs