As an entrepreneur in Vermont, you should avoid using names already used by existing businesses to prevent legal complications. Performing a thorough LLC lookup is essential to ensure your business name is unique and available.
As an expert in business registration and legal procedures, I will guide you through the most effective way to conduct an LLC search in Vermont.
This post will discuss using the Secretary of State for a business entity search in Vermont. We'll also go over some other information that you might find helpful when setting up your Vermont LLC
Quick Summary
- The most effective way to look up an LLC in Vermont is by using the Vermont Secretary of State website. Conduct a name search by entering the desired name and reviewing the results list.
- Additional search criteria such as NAICS code, city, zip code, and registered agent can be used to narrow down the search.
- Vermont provides various search options, including searching by file number, trademark search, and LLC status, to find information about a limited liability company.
How Do I Look Up an LLC in Vermont?
You look up an LLC in Vermont by searching the Vermont Secretary of State website [1].
To conduct a name search, the first step is to navigate to the Vermont Secretary of State federal website page and type the desired name into the first search area.
Additionally, you can filter the results to include all companies with similar names and click Search.
A secondary page will show a list of names produced by your query's metrics.
If you check the availability of your suggested name and get a long list, that name is already used, and it's probably best to choose a different company name for your Vermont LLC.
Click on the company name in the far left row to access the entity's business information.
Here, you can go through all the details on the concerned entity that have been made public. By choosing the tabs at the bottom of the page, you will also have the ability to check the filing record, name history, and company shares.
You’ll also have the opportunity to narrow down and review the search results using the following criteria by using the advanced search feature on this website:
- Company NAICS Code
- City
- Zip code
- Name of the registered agent
Whether you use the aforementioned search options separately or together doesn't matter. The goal is to amass as much information on a given entity as possible. This will minimize your time searching individual company data, particularly if you’re looking up an LLC or LLP.
Information for Vermont LLC Look Up
In Vermont, you may access information about an incorporated LLC, including:
- The company mail address
- Type of licensed business
- State of incorporation
- Contact information for the registered agent in Vermont
- IRS tax filing history of the corporations
This information may be helpful if you're thinking about merging your Vermont business services with that particular liability corp.
Vermont Search Options
In Vermont, you can search for a limited liability company either through a file number, business status, or a trademark search. Here's a detailed description of each search option:
File Number
A file number is an ID number assigned to each Vermont business. Enter the file number and click "Search" to search using that number.
Only one result should be shown with this search option because each limited liability company has a unique file number.
Click on the entity's name to access the company information. You may access all of the data filed with the Secretary of State and available for public perusal here.
Trademark Search
Remember that even if the desired Vermont LLC name is available, it can already be the subject of a protected trademark. Before choosing a company name, run a trademark search using the Trademark Electronic Search System to avoid future hassles.
It's typically too expensive for a starting firm to trademark a name, but checking whether your LLC name is already trademarked is still a good idea.
LLC Status
By doing a corporation/LLC search by status, you get to see business names that are active or expired.
You might receive suggestions for potential business names that may be viable by considering entity-type names that have been disbanded.
For example, if you desire to build a limited partnership cosmetics business in Vermont, you could enter "cosmetics" in the search field, go through the list of names, and round up the ones labeled as expired.
It's then advisable to call the Vermont Secretary of State's office in Montpelier to see if an expired LLC name is still available. Once you receive a green light, you can proceed with the given name or tweak it a bit for it to be unique.
Vermont Naming Guidelines
What you need to know is the terms "limited liability company," "limited company," or the initials "L.L.C.," "LLC," "L.C.," or "LC" must appear in the name of your limited liability company.
Limited and company can be shortened to "Ltd" and "Co," respectively.
Your limited liability company's name must include the acronym L3C if it is a low-profit limited liability company [2].
The LLC name must be distinct from any other company already operating in Vermont. This covers names with Vermont prefixes.
FAQs
How Do I Start A Name Search For My Vermont Business?
You start a name search for your Vermont business by conducting an online search on the Secretary of State's website to find out if there are any companies or LLCs with that business name in the state of Vermont.
Can I Reserve A Business Name In Vermont?
Yes, you can reserve a business name in Vermont, especially if you don't plan on starting the company immediately.
Can I Change My Vermont Business Name?
Yes, you can change your Vermont business name. First, you must get a copy of the Certificate of Amendment from the Vermont Secretary of State website. Fill it out and submit it to their office.
Conducting a Vermont Name Availability Search
Conducting a Vermont name availability search is one of the crucial initial stages in starting a Vermont LLC. This saves you from violating LLC name rules and using the names of existing businesses.
The corporation division of the Vermont Secretary of State keeps a database of all Vermont corporate entities that are active or have terminated on its website. It's easy to locate current and active business firms using the database and check whether a potential business name is available.
Follow the steps in this post and do a thorough name search to ensure you register your business with a unique name that hasn't been trademarked anywhere else.
ReferencesÂ
- https://bizfilings.vermont.gov/online/BusinessInquire
- https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/31/title31sec1508.html
