Virginia § 13.1-919 - Authority to transact business required
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 13.1-919 — Authority to transact business required, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13.1-919. Authority to transact business required
A. A foreign corporation may not transact business in the Commonwealth until it obtains a certificate of authority from the Commission.
B. The following activities, among others, do not constitute transacting business within the meaning of subsection A:
1. Maintaining, defending, or settling any proceeding;
2. Holding meetings of the board of directors or members or carrying on other activities concerning internal corporate affairs;
3. Maintaining bank accounts;
4. Selling through independent contractors;
5. Soliciting or obtaining orders, whether by mail or through employees or agents or otherwise, if the orders require acceptance outside the Commonwealth before they become contracts;
6. Creating or acquiring indebtedness, deeds of trust, and security interests in real or personal property;
7. Securing or collecting debts or enforcing deeds of trust and security interests in property securing the debts;
8. Owning, without more, real or personal property;
9. Conducting an isolated transaction that is completed within 30 days and that is not one in the course of repeated transactions of a like nature;
10. For a period of less than 90 consecutive days, producing, directing, filming, crewing or acting in motion picture feature films, television series or commercials, or promotional films which are sent outside of the Commonwealth for processing, editing, marketing and distribution; or
11. Serving, without more, as a general partner of or as a partner in a partnership that is a general partner of a domestic or foreign limited partnership that does not otherwise transact business in the Commonwealth.
C. The list of activities in subsection B is not exhaustive.
Code 1950, §§ 13.1-265 to 13.1-265.2; 1956, c. 428; 1962, c. 239; 1980, c. 630; 1985, c. 522; 2007, c. 925.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 13.1-919
What does Code of Virginia § 13.1-919 cover?
Section 13.1-919 ("Authority to transact business required") 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 § 13.1-919?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 13.1-919" (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 § 13.1-919 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.