Vermont Business Name Search


Before you form an LLC, register an assumed business 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.

Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent will register your business name when they form your LLC for $29 (plus state fees).

SKIP AHEAD:

Complete a Vermont Business Entity Search

Complete a Domain Name Search

Register Your Business Name

A laptop with a search engine open that says "LLC Name Search"

Vermont LLC Name Search

The Vermont Secretary of State requires all business names to be distinguishable from other business entities in the state.

It's also important to search for a matching domain name (URL).

How to Search Available LLC Names

You can check your business name availability by searching the Vermont Business Entity Search online database.

Recommended: If you don’t have a business name yet or find that yours is taken, use our LLC Name Generator.

How to 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.

Find a Domain Now

How to Register Your Business Name

Register Your Name

An LLC name is officially registered when you file your LLC application documents and form an LLC.

Ready to register your LLC name? Use our Vermont LLC guide to get started.

Registering a DBA in Vermont (also known as an assumed business name) is a separate process that requires filing with the Secretary of State.

Reserve Your Name

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

Name reservations can be filed 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.

Vermont Naming 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 (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 cannot include words or phrases that, in context, falsely imply governmental affiliation.
  • Your name cannot 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 cannot include words or phrases that, in context, depict or describe sexual or excretory organs or the activities or products thereof.
  • Your name cannot include words or phrases that, in context, appeal to the prurient interest; or depict, describe in terms patently offensive or threatening, or such words or phrases that imply such terms, regarding sexual conduct.

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

Distinguishability

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

The following differences make a business name distinguishable in Vermont:

  • Different key words or numerals
  • Different order of the same key words

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

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

Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in your formation filing being rejected.

Is your name already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will generate thousands of new ideas.

Vermont LLC Name Search FAQ

How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Vermont?

You can use the Vermont Business Entity Search tool to see if your business name is available.

Learn more about business entity name availability in the How to Search Available LLC Names section.

Should I name my LLC after myself?

While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this. 

One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.

To explore other naming options, use your free AI-powered LLC Name Generator.

What words can’t be used in a Vermont LLC name?

Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.

Vermont also prohibits the use of obscene or offensive words.

Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Vermont Naming Requirements section.

Should I use an LLC name generator?

If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.

What is a brand name?

A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.

Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name an LLC guide.

Do I have to include LLC in my name?

Yes. Vermont requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., LLC or L.L.C.) in their legal name.

Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Vermont Naming Requirements section.

Do I need to renew my business name in Vermont?

Vermont doesn't require LLCs to renew their legal name, but assumed business names must be renewed every five years with the Secretary of State. 

You can renew online, and the filing fee is $40.

Learn more about assumed business names with our Vermont DBA guide.

Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Vermont?

Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or an assumed business name in Vermont. 

In Vermont, LLC assumed business names are filed with the Secretary of State.

Learn more about assumed business names with our Vermont DBA guide.

Does my LLC need a DBA name?

Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Vermont DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Vermont from the dropdown menu.