CIS Account & Pin Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a PIN and why do I need one?
A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a 6-character identifier that is assigned by the SCC to either a business entity or to a registered agent.
Your PIN provides secured online access to the SCC Clerk’s Information System and allows a user to make changes/update information held on record in the Clerk’s Office.
- Why did I receive a PIN? Or multiple PINs?
Each business and registered agent has been issued a PIN that indicates their authority to file and change records online. The SCC’s records show that you are either a business owner, a Registered Agent, or both.
- If you are a business owner who also serves as the entity’s registered agent, then you will receive two PINs.
- PINs assigned to a business entity begin with “BE”
- PINs assigned to a registered agent begin with “RA”
- If I have an account but not a PIN, can I use the system?
Yes, users with an account but no PIN can use the system to do the following:
- file new entity formations
- file no change annual reports
- pay annual registration fees
- obtain certificates of good standing/fact of existence
- request copies of documents
- file UCC financing statements
- file reserved and registered names
- search data on record
To file documents that will change/update information held on record in the Clerk’s Office, users will need both an account and a PIN.
- I went online to create a new account, but couldn’t find where to do so.
The new system is not scheduled to be available until December 9, 2019. Accounts cannot be created until the new system is available for use. More information about the new system can be found on the SCC’s website (www.scc.virginia.gov)
- I already have an eFile account do I need to establish another account?
Yes, even if you have an eFile account, you will still need to set up an account in the new system. eFile accounts were not transferred to the new system.
- I received a PIN for a business entity that is no longer in business (or that I no longer own). What do I do with the PIN?
You can discard the PIN.
- I received a PIN because I am listed as a Registered Agent (RA) of a business, but I am no longer the RA or was never the RA. What do I do with the PIN?
You can discard the PIN.
- I only received one Business Entity PIN (or one Registered Agent PIN), so do I need an additional PIN(s) for other staff members so they may file documents for the business entity?
Only one PIN is issued per business entity (or per registered agent). It is the responsibility of the business entity to manage and authorize PIN usage.
However, each business entity user will need to create an online user account.
- I am trying to set up a user account and I am getting an error message “Experian was not able to verify the name and home address combination”. What do I need to do?
You must use your home address. If you have recently moved it could be that Experian has not received your new address information. You may try entering your old address but if you still get the same message, you will need to contact the Clerk’s Office Contact Center at 866-722-2551 and 804-371-9733 for callers calling from outside of VA, and they will be happy to assist you.
- How do I update my online account information?
You can update your online account information by:
- logging into cis.scc.virginia.gov
- sign in with your username and password
- click “sign in”
- across the top you will see various tabs, click on “profile”
- make the changes needed
- click “submit”
- I have lost my PIN. How do I get a new Pin
In order to get a new PIN, you must call the Clerk’s Office Contact Center at 866-722-2551 and 804-371-9733 for callers calling from outside of VA, and staff will be happy to assist you.