Vermont Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Vermont LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Vermont.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Vermont LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Vermont, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Vermont Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Vermont.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Vermont Business Name Search or the Vermont Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Vermont Business Entity Search page
Vermont Secretary of State: Business Entity Search
Here’s how to use the search tool:
- Select "Contains" as the search type.
- Avoid clicking "Show me similar-sounding business names" – that tool is unreliable.
- Keep the search criteria set to "Business Name".
- Enter your desired LLC name in the search bar.
- Click "Search" at the bottom of the page.
Why choose "Contains"? Using "Starts With" may cause you to miss similar names that include filler words. For example, if you search for "Mountain Guide" using the "Starts With" option, you might overlook an existing business named The Mountain Guide Inc. You won't be able to name your company "Mountain Guide LLC" if The Mountain Guide Inc. already exists.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Vermont LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
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Vermont Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Vermont Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Vermont representatives can guide you through the process of using the Vermont Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the Business Services Division at 802-828-2386, Monday through Friday, between 7:45 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Time.
Vermont LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 11-4005 of the Vermont LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Vermont business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Green Mountain Farms LLC
- Green Mountain Farms, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LC
- L.C.
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Company
- Limited Co.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Incorporated
Restricted Words in Vermont LLC Names
Your Vermont LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Ensuring Your Vermont Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Vermont Secretary of State Business Entity Database.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Maple Ridge Studios LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Vermont Business Name Search:
- Maple Ridge Studios, Inc.
- Maple Ridge Studios, Corp.
- Maple Ridge Studios, Limited Liability Co.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Vermont Peaks LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Vermont Peaks LLC
- A Vermont Peak Inc.
- Vermont and Peaks L.L.C.
- Vermont & Peaks Corp
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Green Mountain Herb LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Green Mountain Herb LLC
- Green Mountain Herb's Inc.
- Green Mountains Herbs L.L.C.
Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers
Using numerals (like 5 or 101) instead of spelling out the number (like "five" or "one hundred and one") doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "802 Adventures LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Eight Hundred Two Adventures LLC
- Eight 0 2 Adventures Inc.
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Adding or removing punctuation, symbols, and spaces doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Lakeview Crafts LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Lakeview-Crafts Inc.
- Lakeview/Crafts, Limited Liability Co.
- Lakeview Crafts LLC
Internet Suffixes
In Vermont, adding internet suffixes doesn’t make business names distinguishable.
An internet suffix is any website ending, like ".com" or ".org".
For example: "Maple Valley LLC" can't be used if there is already a company called "MapleValley.org Inc".
The Word "Vermont"
Adding the word "Vermont" (or the abbreviations VT or Vt.) won't create distinguishability. The same rule applies to "Green Mountain" or "Green Mtn".
If your desired LLC name is "Vt. Outdoor Gear LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Outdoor Gear Inc.
- Vermont Outdoor Gear LLC
- Green Mountain Outdoor Gear LLC
The Same Word, Written Differently
Vermont is strict about what makes similar names distinguishable. Unlike in some states where different spellings might suffice, Vermont doesn't consider these variations to create distinguishability.
Unique Spelling
A unique spelling, or a different spelling where the words are still pronounced the same, doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Maple Ridge Farms LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Mable Ridge Farms Inc.
- Maple Ridge Farm LLC
- Maple R1dge Farms Corp.
Variations of the Same Word
A variation of a word, which removes or adds letters to the same root word, doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Summit Trail LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Summit Trails Inc.
- Summit Trale LLC
- Summitt Trail Corp.
Abbreviation vs. Complete Name or Word
Using an abbreviation instead of a complete word (or vice versa) doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Green Mountain Crafts LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- GM Crafts LLC
- Green Mtn Crafts Inc.
- Green Mountain Craft Ltd. Liability Co.
Business Search Tips for Abbreviations
If you want to use an abbreviation or a word that has a commonly used abbreviation, make sure to search for both the abbreviation and the complete word when checking availability in the Business Entity Search.
For example: If you want to use the word "Vermont" in your business name, make sure you also search for the abbreviation "VT". Or if you want to use "Crafts" in your name, search for both "Crafts" and "Cfts".
Homographs vs. Homophones
Homographs (words spelled the same but with different meanings) don't create distinguishability, while homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings) can.
In Vermont, the written name is key, but names that sound confusingly similar might still be rejected.
Homophones Words like "pair" and "pare" are distinguishable because they sound different. For example:
- Peak Performers LLC (a mountain guide service) is distinguishable from Peek Performers LLC (a photography studio).
Homographs Words like "lead" (to guide) and “lead” (a metal) aren’t distinguishable because they’re spelled the same. For example:
- Plant Care LLC (a gardening service) is not distinguishable from Plant Care LLC (a factory equipment supplier).
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Vermont Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in Vermont?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Vermont. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
You can file your LLC’s Articles of Organization directly with your chosen name.
Does Vermont require an LLC in the name?
Yes, your Vermont LLC name must include one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Vermont LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your Vermont LLC.
A DBA, or Assumed Business Name in Vermont, allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you want to use a different name, file an Assumed Business Name Registration online with the Secretary of State, paying an additional fee of $50. There is no limit to the number of Assumed Business Names an LLC can have, but each must be distinguishable from existing names in the state.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
If you form an LLC called Sugar Maple Hiking Tours LLC but want to use a friendlier name like Maple Hiking, you would need to file an Assumed Business Name Registration for Maple Hiking.
Without filing for a DBA, you can only use your legal name of Sugar Maple Hiking Tours LLC.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you've chosen a business name, check if the domain name is available before forming your LLC.
You can search for available domain names through GoDaddy:
What does "distinguishability" mean?
"Distinguishability" means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any other business name on the Secretary of State’s records.
For example, if you want to form an LLC named Turnip Landscapers LLC but a business named Turnip Landscapers, Inc. already exists, your name is not distinguishable and cannot be used.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a strong business name is important. Here are some tips:
- Start by listing features of your company and desirable associations.
- Write down as many potential names as you can without editing them.
- Review the list and note any variations.
- Set the list aside, then return later to refine and add more ideas.
- Read the list aloud and seek feedback from others.
- Repeat the process of refining and reviewing until a name stands out.
- If needed, use a decision-making trick like choosing a name after counting to 10 to help finalize your choice.
Can I use the name of another Vermont entity?
No, you cannot use a name that is already taken by another Vermont business, regardless of entity type.
However, if a business is "dissolved" or in certain other statuses like Inactive or Expired, its name may become available for use. The following statuses indicate the name is not available:
- Active
- Terminated
- Expiration Pending
- Registered
- Reserved
- Hold
Statuses indicating the name is available include:
- Inactive
- Expired
- Dissolved
- Withdrawn
- Canceled
- Merged
- Converted
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on changing an LLC name in Vermont are available from the Secretary of State’s office.
How to start an LLC in Vermont?
To start an LLC in Vermont, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and verify its availability.
- Choose a Vermont Registered Agent.
- File the Vermont LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Determine if you need a business or sales tax license in Vermont.