How to Start a Private LLC in Virginia
Without Using Your Home Address

Intro: Why a Solo LLC and Privacy Matters

If you’re making money on your own — freelancing, consulting, selling online, or offering services — a single-member LLC is one of the easiest and smartest ways to protect yourself legally while keeping your business finances separate.

✅ With a Single Member LLC (Solo LLC), you get:

• Legal protection — if your business gets sued or owes money, your personal assets (like your home or savings) are typically off-limits
• Separation of business and personal finances — makes taxes, accounting, and banking much simpler
• Flexible and simple taxes — by default, your single-member LLC is a pass-through entity taxed as a sole proprietorship, so you’ll report business income on your personal tax return.
• A more professional image — you can do business under your LLC name instead of your personal name

But here’s what most people don’t realize: when you file an LLC, some of your information becomes public — including your name, your home address (if used to file), and your Registered Agent’s address.

That means anyone can look you up, send you mail, and potentially tie your personal identity to your business. It can also make it harder to show that your business is legally separate from you — especially when your personal address is listed on public documents.

If you want a private LLC in Virginia from day one, the solution is simple. Use these two services:

• 📬 iPostal1 — to get a virtual business address for your LLC at only $14.99 per month for a Business Plan. Click here to read why we think iPostal1 is the best.


• 🧾 Northwest Registered Agent — to file your LLC and serve as your official Registered Agent (so your home address stays private). Only $39 + State Filing Fee.
  Click here to read why we think Northwest Registered Agent is the best business formation service.

Both are affordable services that let you build a clean, private LLC foundation — even if you’re just getting started as a solopreneur or freelancer.

This guide will walk you through how to use these services to form your private LLC in Virginia in 8 simple steps. Let’s start with Step 1: picking your name.

Step 1: Pick a Name for Your Virginia LLC

Your business name is the first thing your clients will see, and it’s what you’ll use when filing your LLC. Virginia requires that your name follow a few basic rules — but don’t overthink it. You can always evolve your brand over time.

🧠 Virginia LLC naming rules:

• ✅ Must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
• 🚫 Can’t use restricted words like “Bank,” “Trust,” or “Insurance” unless properly licensed
• 🔍 Must be distinguishable from other business names already registered in Virginia

You can check if your desired name is available by using the Virginia SCC Business Entity Search .

💡 Pro Tips:

• Keep it short, simple, and easy to spell


• If you plan to build a website, check domain availability while choosing your LLC name to make sure it’s a good brand fit.

Once you’ve picked a name and confirmed it’s available, you don’t need to reserve it — you’ll claim it when you officially file your LLC. If you use Northwest Registered Agent , they’ll make sure your name is valid and handle the filing for you.

✅ Ready with a name? Great — but don’t sign up just yet. You’ll want to get a few other things together first, so you can use it when filing your LLC with Northwest. In Step 2, we will walk you through how to get a business phone & gmail e-mail address for free.

Step 2: Get a Free Business Phone Number & Gmail Account

To protect your privacy and separate your business from your personal life, it’s a smart idea to create a new Gmail account and claim a free Google Voice number. You can use this number for:

• ✅ Business registrations
• ✅ Your Northwest account setup
• ✅ Bank applications and licensing
• ✅ Public contact info without giving out your personal phone

Both Gmail and Google Voice are 100% free, and you can access them from anywhere. Just note: you’ll need an existing U.S.-based mobile number to sign up. All calls will be forwarded to this number — but your clients will only see your Google Voice number.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Create a Free Gmail Business Account

• Go to accounts.google.com/signup
• Input your Business’s Name in the First Name field and Continue
• Choose a business-style email address like yourbusinessname@gmail.com
• Set a secure password and confirm your new email

2. Get a Free Google Voice Business Number

• Go to voice.google.com and sign in with your new Gmail
• Choose “For personal use” then select Web
• Pick an available phone number in your preferred area code
• Confirm and link it to a backup number (can be your personal cell)

📌 Pro Tip: Google Voice lets you call, text, and even forward calls to your real phone — but, again, the client or other person only sees your Google Voice number.

Once complete, use your new Gmail and Google Voice number in the next steps — especially when registering your LLC and setting up accounts with iPostal1 and Northwest Registered Agent. Let’s get your virtual address setup next!

Step 3: Set Up a Virtual Business Address

When filing your private LLC in Virginia, you’ll be required to list a Principal Office Address, which cannot be a PO Box. Your Principal Office Address must be a real street address. If you use your home address, it becomes part of the public record — meaning anyone can look it up. That’s not ideal for privacy or professionalism.

To keep your personal info off public filings, you can use a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA). These services provide real U.S. street addresses (not PO Boxes) and meet Virginia’s LLC requirements.

🔐 We recommend: iPostal1 — a trusted virtual address provider with 2,500+ locations. You can also use your iPostal1 address on your invoices, website, business cards, and more.

With iPostal1, you’ll get:

• ✅ A real U.S. street address you can use on your LLC filing
• 📦 Mail forwarding, scanning, and digital mailbox options
• 💼 A professional image — no more using your apartment or home address
• 💸 Business plans starting at just $14.99/month

✅ Once your virtual address is ready, you’re set to move on to Step 4: filing your LLC with the Virginia SCC.

Step 4.1: Filing Your Private Single-Member Virginia LLC

Now that you’ve chosen your name and secured a private business address, it’s time to file your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent . This step makes your business official and puts it on public record — which is exactly why your privacy choices matter most here.

From this point on, this guide will assume you’re using Northwest to file your LLC and iPostal1 as your virtual business address provider.

Northwest will file your Articles of Organization for only $39 + the Virginia state fee, and their platform is built with privacy in mind — so your personal information stays protected.

🧩 Why this matters: When you form an LLC, the information you submit becomes public record. If you use your home address or personal name, it will be searchable online.

Using Northwest as your Registered Agent and iPostal1 for your Principal Office Address keeps your real identity and location off those filings. You’ll look more professional — and stay more private.

🎉 Let’s walk through the process and make sure everything is done cleanly and correctly.

📋 Expand to view the Walkthrough: How to File with Northwest Registered Agent

Let’s walk through how to file your Virginia LLC using Northwest Registered Agent. You’ll be starting at the Order section and working through to Business Identity. We’ll walk through each screen step by step with screenshots included for reference.

1. Order Section

If you’re not already on the Order page, click here to start the Northwest filing process.

• Select LLC as your entity type.
• Select Virginia as the state you want to form in.
• 📌 Virginia’s filing fee is $100.
• Click Continue when finished.

📷 Expand to view this completed step

2. Company Section

• Enter your business name — we’ll use You Will Be Successful LLC as our example (you got this 😉).
• Select No when asked if you want legal notices sent to an attorney (most solopreneurs don’t have one).
• Toggle on Use Generic Business Purpose unless you want to write a specific purpose.

Address Settings:

• Physical Address: Select “Specify Address” and enter your iPostal1 virtual business address from Step 2 of this guide.
• Why? If you choose “Our Registered Agent Address,” Northwest only forwards 5 pieces of mail for free — after that it’s $15 per item. Their mail service is limited by location and availability. Learn more here.
• Mailing Address: Choose “Our Registered Agent Address” — this keeps your name and home address off public record.

🔐 Why can’t I just use my iPostal1 address for both?

• iPostal1 can’t act as a Registered Agent. That role requires a person or business authorized to accept legal notices.
• Even if it were allowed, your name would still be required — which defeats the privacy purpose.
• Northwest offers 1 year of Registered Agent service for free with their filing, then $125/year after — which breaks down to just $10.42/month.

📷 Expand to view this completed step

3. Management Section

• Choose Member Managed.
• Enter your real First and Last Name as Member #1.
• From the address dropdown, select Our Registered Agent Address.

🔒 Your name is required here for legal reasons — but don’t worry, it won’t show up in public searches. Virginia doesn’t publish a searchable member database.

📷 Expand to view this completed step

4. Contact Details

• Enter your First and Last Name
• Use your Google Voice number from Step 2
• Use your iPostal1 virtual address as your mailing address

📷 Expand to view this completed step

5. Account Setup

• Use your new Gmail account from Step 2
• Create and confirm a secure password

📷 Expand to view this completed step

6. Business Identity (Optional)

This is where you decide if you want to add services like a domain, business email, and an extra business phone number. Learn More Here

• Includes: 1 free year of domain, 90-day free trials for business email, website, and phone number
• Each service is $9/month after trial — or get all 3 bundled for just $21.60/month with a 20% discount

💡 In our opinion, this is a excellent deal! And it can all be managed from your Northwest Dashboard.

📷 Expand to view this completed step

✅ What’s Next

Click Continue to move to the Optional Items section. In the next step, we’ll walk you through getting your EIN — the number you’ll use for taxes and banking.

Step 4.2: Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

After forming your LLC, the next step is to get your EIN — also known as your Federal Tax ID Number. This number is issued by the IRS and is kind of like your business’s Social Security number. It is used to:

• ✅ Open a business bank account
• ✅ File taxes and receive payments legally
• ✅ Apply for business licenses and permits
• ✅ Build business credit

Even if you’re the only member of your LLC, you’ll still need an EIN in most cases — especially for banking and taxes.

Option 1: Have Northwest File Your EIN (Recommended)

• During the LLC filing process with Northwest Registered Agent, you’ll see an “EIN” add-on for $50 in the Optional Items section.
• If you don’t want to deal with the IRS directly or need extra help, this is a fast and easy option.

✅ Recommended if you don’t want to wait or navigate the IRS system yourself.

📷 Expand to view this completed step

Option 2: Apply Yourself (Free)

If you have a Social Security Number (SSN), you can apply for your EIN directly through the IRS — completely free. Here’s how:

• Go to the official EIN portal: irs.gov EIN Application
• Click Apply Online Now
• Click Begin Application
• Choose Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Follow the prompts — use your iPostal1 address for privacy
• Submit and download your EIN Confirmation Letter (Form CP 575)

🕒 EINs are issued immediately after applying online (M–F, 7am to 10pm Eastern). Save your confirmation PDF — you’ll need it for banking and taxes.

✅ Once you’ve decided how you want to get your EIN — either through Northwest for $50 or by applying directly with the IRS for free — you’re ready to finalize your LLC setup with Northwest. Simply enter your payment details in the Payment section and click Done.

After this, Northwest will take it from here and your Virginia LLC will be officially formed! 🎉

👉 Up next, you’ll want to create your Operating Agreement — this is a key internal document that outlines how your LLC is run, even if you’re the only member. In the next step, we’ll show you how to create a clean, simple agreement for free.

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

Even though Virginia doesn’t legally require it, every single-member LLC should have an Operating Agreement. It acts like a rulebook for your business and proves to banks, courts, and the IRS that your LLC is a legit separate entity.

For solo business owners, an Operating Agreement confirms that:

• ✅ You’re the sole owner and decision-maker
• ✅ Your business is distinct from your personal finances
• ✅ You’ve documented how the business is managed

🔐 This is important for protecting your personal assets if your LLC is ever sued or audited. Without one, it’s easier for someone to claim your LLC is just an “alter ego” of you — which could risk your personal money, car, or house.

✍️ Don’t want to hire a lawyer? No problem — Northwest Registered Agent offers a free customizable Operating Agreement that you can edit online and download.

🛠️ You’ll just enter your LLC name, your name as the Member with your iPostal1 address, capital contributions (more on this soon) and download it. That’s it. No need to file it with the state — just keep it in your records.

LLC filing service (Northwest) – $39  
Virginia state filing fee – $100  
Virtual business address (iPostal1) – $14.99  
Google Voice business line – $0  
EIN service: $50.00
  

📂 Pro tip: Keep a copy with your LLC records — you may need to show it when opening your business bank account in the next step.

Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account

With your LLC and EIN in hand, it’s time to open a business bank account. This is a crucial step in separating your business finances from your personal ones.

🎯 Why this matters: Mixing business and personal funds is one of the fastest ways to lose your liability protection. A dedicated business account keeps things clean for:

• ✅ Taxes and deductions
• ✅ Accepting payments professionally
• ✅ Protecting your LLC’s legal status

📋 Most banks will ask for:

• ✅ Your LLC’s Articles of Organization
• ✅ Your EIN from the IRS
• ✅ Your Operating Agreement (Step 5)
• ✅ A valid form of personal ID

🏦 You can go with a traditional bank like Chase or Bank of America, or you can use a modern online option like:

• Mercury – great for online businesses
• Bluevine – no monthly fees, high interest
• Brex – geared toward startups and tech founders

💳 Once your account is active, you can:

• ✅ Accept payments under your LLC name
• ✅ Pay for business expenses from a clean account
• ✅ Start building business credit

📌 Final tip: When using your iPostal1 virtual address on your LLC paperwork, be sure to choose a bank that accepts it. Some banks and credit card issuers may still require a residential address on file to verify your identity — but this is used internally for compliance only and won’t appear on public record. 🛡️ Don’t worry — this doesn’t affect your LLC’s privacy or legal separation. As long as your public filings use your virtual business address and the account is opened in your LLC’s name, your personal and business identities remain separate.

Step 7: Register for County Business Licenses

Once your LLC is formed, some counties and cities in Virginia require a local business license (sometimes called a BPOL — Business, Professional, and Occupational License).

🎯 Why this matters: Filing your LLC with the state isn’t always enough. Some counties want to know you’re operating locally — even if you’re online-only.

✅ Good news: In most Virginia counties, your local business license is not published online. This helps keep your personal information more private — especially if you’re running a solo or home-based business.

🧭 How to check if you need a license:

• Find your county or city’s official government website
• Look for the Commissioner of the Revenue or Business License Division
• Search for “Business License Application” or “BPOL”

📝 What they usually ask for:

• Your business name (LLC)
• Type of business activity
• Business address (use your iPostal1 address)
• Estimated gross receipts (if applicable)

💡 If you’re working entirely online, your county may not require registration — but it’s always best to double-check to avoid fees later.

🧾 Pro Tip: Some counties require a zoning approval form before issuing your business license, even for home-based or virtual businesses. This is especially true if you list a commercial address like iPostal1. If asked, simply explain that it’s a virtual mailbox provider and not a retail storefront.

🕊️ Final thought: Every county is a little different. If you run into questions or want to double-check your privacy settings, reach out to the local office by email or phone. You’re not obligated to volunteer personal details — just stick to what’s required.

Step 8: Protecting Your Privacy Going Forward

Your LLC is officially filed, and your business is legally protected! But if privacy is a top priority (especially for solopreneurs and freelancers), you’ll want to take a few final steps to keep it that way.

📍 Here’s how to stay private after you form your LLC:

• ✅ Stick with your iPostal1 virtual address — use it everywhere: website, EIN application, bank records, marketing materials.
• 📞 Keep using your Google Voice number instead of a personal cell phone — and add a voicemail greeting with your LLC name.
• 📧 Create a clean Gmail inbox just for your business. You’ll use this for your bank, EIN, and clients.
• 🛡️ Don’t list your personal info on your website (use a contact form instead of listing your email or phone directly).
• 🌐 Use domain privacy protection if you register a website domain name (many registrars offer it free).
• 📄 Check your Articles of Organization online — confirm that only the iPostal1 and Northwest info appears publicly.
• 📬 Keep your iPostal1 address subscription active — if it lapses, your mail will bounce and privacy could be compromised.

🔁 Bonus Tip: Once your business is set up, avoid changing your Registered Agent or business address unless necessary. Making changes often triggers updated public filings.

🎯 Your goal from now on: Keep your real name and home address out of your business footprint. You’ve already done the hardest part — now just maintain it with smart habits.

Final Thoughts: You’re All Set

🎉 Congrats! You’ve officially taken the major steps to start your Private LLC in Virginia privately and professionally. Whether you’re freelancing, consulting, or starting a brand, your LLC is now live — and protected.

If you followed this guide using Northwest Registered Agent and iPostal1, you’ve done it the right way — your name and home address are protected, your paperwork is clean, and your business is ready to grow.

✅ You now have:

• A legally filed Virginia LLC
• A private virtual business address
• A clean Google Voice number
• An EIN (for free or via Northwest)
• A professional Operating Agreement
• A dedicated business bank account
• Local business license registration (if required)
• A plan to protect your privacy going forward

You’re ahead of 95% of solopreneurs already. Now go build something amazing, you’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are quick answers to some common questions that come up during the LLC formation process:

• ❓ How much does it cost to form an LLC in Virginia?
  The state filing fee for a Virginia LLC is $100 (one-time). After that, you must pay a $50 annual registration fee to keep your LLC active. These fees are paid directly to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
• ❓ Do I have to use Northwest and iPostal1?
  Nope — but this guide is optimized for privacy, and those two services work well together. You can file on your own through the state if you’re comfortable navigating it alone.
• ❓ Is it really safe to use a virtual address?
  Yes — services like iPostal1 provide real commercial addresses that can legally be used as your business’s Principal Office Address.
• ❓ Will my name still appear on public records?
  In Virginia, the member’s name is required on the Articles of Organization but is not publicly searchable in the SCC database. You’re safe unless you voluntarily publish it elsewhere.
• ❓ Can I still be sued if I have an LLC?
  Yes — but having an LLC gives you legal protection by separating personal assets from business liabilities.
• ❓ What happens after the first year with Northwest?
  You’ll be billed $125/year for their Registered Agent service, which breaks down to roughly $10.42/month. Totally worth it if you want to keep your name and address private.