Virginia § 13.1-316 - Articles of incorporation
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 13.1-316 — Articles of incorporation, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13.1-316. Articles of incorporation
Articles of incorporation shall be signed in triplicate by each of the incorporators and acknowledged by them, if natural persons, and, if associations, by the president and secretary of each such association, before an officer authorized to take acknowledgments, and shall state:
(a) The name of the association which shall be distinguishable upon the records of the Commission from the name of any association or corporation, whether issuing shares or not issuing shares, limited liability company, business trust or limited partnership existing under the laws of this Commonwealth, or the name of any foreign corporation, whether issuing shares or not issuing shares, limited liability company, business trust or limited partnership authorized to transact business in this Commonwealth, or any corporate, limited liability company, business trust or limited partnership name reserved or registered as provided by law;
(b) The address of its initial registered office (including both (i) the post-office address with street and number, if any, and (ii) the name of the county or city in which it is located) and the name of its initial registered agent at such address and that the agent is either (i) an individual who is a resident of Virginia and either a director of the corporation or a member of the Virginia State Bar or (ii) a domestic or foreign stock or nonstock corporation, limited liability company or registered limited liability partnership authorized to transact business in this Commonwealth;
(c) Its purposes;
(d) Whether organized with or without capital stock; and if organized with capital stock, a description thereof in accordance with the requirements of § 13.1-619;
(e) If organized without capital stock, whether the property rights and interests of each member are equal or unequal; if unequal, the rule by which such rights and interests shall be determined;
(f) The maximum number of directors, not less than five, who are to manage the affairs of the association;
(g) The number of directors constituting the initial board of directors and the names and addresses of the persons who are to serve as the initial directors;
(h) If the duration of a corporation is not to be perpetual, the period of its duration;
(i) The articles may also contain any other provisions, consistent with law for regulating the association's business or the conduct of its affairs, the establishment of election districts, the election of delegates to represent the members residing therein and the election of directors to represent such election districts, either directly or indirectly by said delegates, for voting by proxy or mail ballot and the issuance, retirement and transfer of membership certificates and stock.
Code 1950, § 13-257; 1956, c. 428; 1958, c. 564; 2001, cc. 517, 541; 2003, c. 592.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 13.1-316
What does Code of Virginia § 13.1-316 cover?
Section 13.1-316 ("Articles of incorporation") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 13.1-316?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 13.1-316" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 13.1-316 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.