Vermont Business Name Search

Before you form a limited liability company (LLC), register an assumed name, or start a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Vermont Business Entity Search tool to see if your name is unique.

In our Vermont Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Vermont.

How to Check if Your Vermont LLC Name Is Available

Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps, such as ensuring your business name follows state requirements and performing a domain name and state search. These are the steps you need to take to determine if your business name is available in Vermont. 

1. Follow LLC Naming Rules

Before you perform an LLC name search, you need to make sure your business name follows the state’s business name requirements. 

Some key guidelines for Vermont LLC names include:

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or “limited company” or one of their abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”). The word “limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.” and “company” may be abbreviated as “Co.”
• The name of a low-profit limited liability company must contain the abbreviation “L3C.”
• Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Vermont reserved names.

Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.

Vermont also has the following restrictions for LLC names:

• Your name can’t include words or phrases that, in context, falsely imply governmental affiliation.
• Your name can’t include words or phrases that, in context, denigrate or defame people or groups based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, place of birth, age, or disability.
• Your name can’t include words or phrases that, in context, depict or describe sexual or excretory organs or the activities or products thereof.
• Your name can’t include words or phrases that, in context, appeal to the prurient interest; or depict, describe in terms patently offensive or threatening, or use such words or phrases that imply such terms, regarding sexual conduct.

For more information, check out Vermont’s official state statutes.

Distinguishability

It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Vermont, a distinguishable name is one that’s substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.

The following differences make a business name distinguishable in Vermont:

• Different keywords or numerals
• A different order of the same keywords

The following differences do NOT make a name distinguishable in Vermont:

• Punctuation, special characters, and spacing
• Articles, prepositions, and conjunctions
• Prefixes and suffixes 
• Business type identifiers
• Abbreviations, contractions, and alternate spellings
• Homographs (words spelled the same with different meanings)
• Numerals vs. the word form of numbers
• Different tenses

Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in the rejection of your formation filing.

2. Complete a State Name Search

The first name search you must complete is at the state level. This’ll ensure your chosen name isn’t already taken by an existing business in the state. You can check your business name availability by searching the Vermont Business Entity Search online database.

3. Check Available Domain Names

When choosing a business name you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.

The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.

What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.

4. Reserve Your LLC Name

You may reserve your LLC name in Vermont for up to 120 days before you officially register it with the state. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself. 

You can file a name reservation online with the Vermont Secretary of State. The filing fee is $20.

You will need to create an online account to access the reservation form.

5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search

A trademark search is crucial for protecting your brand identity. Use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)‘s online database to ensure your chosen business name or logo isn’t already trademarked. Remember, state-level LLC name availability doesn’t guarantee federal trademark clearance. Need expert guidance? Check out our review of top trademark services for emerging businesses.

6. Form Your Vermont LLC 

To form an LLC in the Green Mountain State, you must file Articles of Organization with the Vermont Secretary of State. Your Articles of Organization must include the LLC’s name, principal office address (if different from the designated office address), and registered agent details. 

Vermont requires you to state whether the company is managed by members or managers and list the names and addresses of the managers or managing members. You also need to include the LLC’s specific business purpose, adding clarity to your company’s mission.

Vermont LLC Name Search FAQ

Vermont Business Resources