My past login information is not working for the CIS. What is happening?

All customers, regardless of existing accounts with SCC and SCCeFile, must register for a new CIS account to log into CIS and access your business records. For step by step instructions, see our How-to guide on creating an account here.

I have an SCCeFile account. Do I need to establish another account?

Yes, even if you have a SCCeFile account, you will need to set up a CIS account to access your business records in the new system. SCCeFile accounts were not transferred to the new CIS and are no longer available. For step by step instructions, see our How-to guide on creating an account here.

How do I sign up for a CIS account in the new system?

You can create a CIS account online by entering your name, address, phone number, and email. You will need to create a username and secure password. A third-party identity management database will verify your information. If it matches, your account will be created, and you can begin using the new system immediately. For step by step instructions, see our How-to guide on creating an account here.

I am getting the error message “Experian was not able to verify the name and home address combination." What do I need to do?

CIS includes an identity verification step that validates your identity by cross referencing it to your home address, not your business address. It is important that you enter your home address in this step, without any alterations or additions. If you recently moved, Experian may not have your new address information, and you may try entering your old address. If you still get the same message, you will need to contact us.

I created a new CIS account but forgot my password. How do I reset it?

You can reset your password by choosing the “Forgot your password?” option from the CIS log-in page. You will receive an email with the new password. It may take a few minutes to receive it.

I am logged in to CIS but my dashboard is empty. Where is my business information?

Business information will populate on your dashboard once you complete a business transaction on the “Online Services” tab. These transactions require a PIN. After completing a business entity transaction with your PIN that begins with the letters “BE”, you will see your business in the “Business Entities” dropdown as well as any relevant “Alerts”. After completing a registered agent transaction with your PIN that begins with the letters “RA”, the “Serving as Registered Agent” dropdown will populate. Note: CIS was launched in December 2019 and will only show business activities completed after that date.

How do I update my online account information?

You can update your online account information by following the steps below:

• navigate to cis.scc.virginia.gov
• enter your username and password and click “sign in”
• navigate to cis.scc.virginia.gov
• across the top you will see various tabs, click on “profile”
• make the changes needed
• click “submit”

What is a PIN and why do I need one?

A PIN is a 6-character identifier assigned to either a business entity or to a registered agent. PINs are required to make changes/updates to information held on record in the Clerk’s Office. Be sure to have your PIN on hand when you log in to complete a transaction for your business in CIS.

Why did I receive a PIN? Or multiple PINs?

Each business and registered agent is issued a PIN to verify their authority to file and change records online. SCC records show that you are a business owner, a registered agent, or both.

PINs that begin with “BE” are assigned to the business entity itself and are required when completing all business filings and submissions other than resigning as registered agent.

PINs that begin with “RA” are assigned to the individual serving as a registered agent and are required when resigning as registered agent and/or updating the registered agent’s name and registered office address. If you are a business owner who also serves as the entity’s registered agent, then you will receive this PIN in addition to your BE PIN.

I received the same PIN in multiple letters for different businesses. Is this correct?

Yes, RA PINs are assigned to the individual serving as the registered agent. Registered agents will use the same PIN in CIS to manage all the businesses for which they serve as a registered agent. Note that the RA PIN is only used to resign as registered agent and/or update the registered agent’s name and registered office address.

I only received one business entity PIN. Do I need additional PINs for other employees so they may file documents for the business entity?

Only one PIN is issued per business, but there is no restriction on multiple CIS accounts using the BE PIN to make changes to the business information on file. It is the responsibility of the business owner to manage and authorize PIN usage. Note that the BE PIN is used to authorize all business filings and submissions. As such, we encourage business owners to be cautious with distributing the BE PIN. Each individual user will need to create their own online account.

How are PINs issued?

New businesses registered in CIS that have an email address associated with the business record will receive their PINs via email.

I lost or never received my PIN. How do I get a new PIN?

If you previously used your PIN to complete a business transaction in CIS, you may request a new PIN in your CIS account. If you did not previously use the PIN, you will need to contact us to receive a new PIN.

Do I need a PIN to register for an account?

No, a PIN is not needed to create an online user account. PINs are required for certain CIS transactions to ensure the individual acting on behalf of a business has the right level of authority to do so.

How will a payment transaction appear on a credit card or bank account statement?

The payment will appear as a transaction labelled "VA SCC Clerk’s Office." This transaction reflects payments collected on behalf of the Clerk’s Office.

What happens to the credit card or bank account information provided when completing an online payment in CIS?

The Commission has contracted with a third party, LexisNexis, to provide a secure method for accepting and processing online payments in CIS on behalf of the Clerk’s Office. The Commission does not obtain or maintain customers’ credit card or other financial information.

Can I still submit filings on paper?

Yes, you can, but we hope you’ll consider filing online for real-time convenience and faster processing.

Which forms am I able to print online?

Almost all filings and fee payments can be done in CIS. If you need to print a form, all forms and associated fees are available by selecting the appropriate business entity from the Forms and Fees page.

What happens to my information if I decide not to complete a transaction and close my browser?

Incomplete transaction information is saved and will be available to you from the CIS dashboard for 90 days, after which time, it will be deleted.

Where are my previous transactions?

The CIS online dashboard will only show transactions that were completed online after December 9, 2019. Transactions completed via paper will not be displayed on the dashboard.