How to Get a DBA Name For an LLC in Vermont – An Easy Guide


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Get a DBA Name in Vermont

Are you looking to establish a business in Vermont and need to get a DBA (Doing Business As) name for your venture? You’re in the right place! A DBA, also known as a Trade Name, Fictitious Name, or Assumed Name, allows you to conduct business under a name that’s different from your legal business name. This can be advantageous for branding, marketing, and overall business operations.

In Vermont, if you’re willing to use a different name other than the legal name for your business, you must file the DBA (Doing Business As). The public (specifically your potential customers) knows your business by its registered legal name. Instead of using your formal business name, you may use the trade name or DBA in marketing and sales to reach a wider audience.

Vermont, popularly known as The Green Mountain State, has some regulations when it comes to filing your DBA name. However, the regulations can vary depending on the type of business structure you have. In this article, I will share the basic steps to get a DBA Name in Vermont.

What is DBA Name in Vermont?

Whenever you form an LLC or any business structure, you must get a name for it. Every company has a legitimate name. For instance, a partnership or sole proprietorship might function under the legal name of the company’s owner or owners. The name specified in the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization may be used by any business entity, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and others.

However, there are situations when you may decide against using your company’s registered legal name in Vermont. This is due to a variety of factors. For instance, the legal name of your company can be unrelated to it or no longer accurately describe it. Or perhaps you want a new name without altering your documentation for incorporation or registration.

If you intend to run your business in Vermont under a name other than your personal name or an existing corporate name, you must submit a DBA name with Vermont state regardless of the type of business entity you have incorporated as (single proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC).

No restrictions exist on how many DBA names you can use to do business. However, each DBA name must be filed with the state where you conduct business. This is necessary because the general public has a legal right to know whether a specific individual or company is operating under a name other than their legal name.

In Vermont, changing your business name is a risky factor. It can bring positive and negative effects on your business. Hence, before you file and change your legal business name, analyze all the risks and advantages.

–LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to Get a DBA in Vermont

To get a DBA in Vermont, you must first check if any other business is already using the name before filing a DBA in Vermont. You can then submit the Vermont business name reservation form after it has been confirmed that no other company is already using the chosen name. You can search the Vermont Government Records Inquiry System and confirm that the name you chose is not already in use. However, getting a DBA is not mandatory in many states. If you open an LLC in Vermont, you must check with Vermont Secretary of State whether you need to file DBA or not.

Guideline for choosing a DBA name

You must choose a name to register, which is the crucial step. There are a few straightforward LLC name guidelines to follow (if you’re forming an LLC) while choosing a name in Vermont.

  • In Vermont, fictional names cannot be the same or similar to one another. A DBA cannot deceive the public by appearing to be confusingly similar to any other business name.
  • Unless the company has been incorporated as an LLC or corporation, a DBA name cannot contain a corporate indication, such as Corp or LLC, or any other words that imply an entity type. This will stop a lone proprietor from passing for a legitimate corporation.
  • Any banking-related words without a letter from the Vermont Banking Commissioner’s Office, or any insurance-related words without a letter from the Vermont Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, Insurance Division.
  • Any words that could confuse your corporation with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • A professional designation in the name (i.e., engineering, attorney) without a copy of the license of one officer/member or a letter from the governing agency allowing the use of the name without licensing.
  • Any words that indicate or imply that the corporation is engaged in a business that is not authorized by law to pursue.

How Can You Tell if a DBA Name in Vermont is available?

Once you have selected a name that complies with the requirements mentioned above, there are a number of methods you can use to find out if the name is open for registration. One simple strategy is to look up other companies in Vermont with the same name on Google.

It is a simple technique to clear out any already taken names, even though it may not guarantee that the name you want to register is accessible. As it is likely that you will require a website domain that matches your business name, you may also check to see whether the web domain for that name is accessible. For example, you can check Vermont LLC name search guide to see how you can find the availability of your desired LLC name in Vermont.

Before you may register your Trade Name in Vermont, you must have used it for business purposes. Therefore, you must use a Trade Name as soon as possible if you want to register and protect it in Vermont.

Register the Vermont DBA Name

Once you have established that the name is available for registration, you must finish the file using the forms your county has provided. You must register your DBA name in the county where you intend to conduct business. In most Vermont counties, the following fundamental information is needed-

  • Name of the company, its phone number, city, state, and street address
  • The organization type under which the business is incorporated
  • List the partners’ names and addresses (if applicable)
  • Describe the items, services, or business that will be delivered under the Fictitious Name in the registration form
  • Use of the Fictitious Name in the marketplace
  • Both the classification type and number
  • Make a mark (pick Trade Name)
  • Date and state of the first use of the trade name
  • When the Trade Name first appeared in Vermont
  • Application’s name, title, signature, and date Email address

Submitting the Vermont DBA Name Application

To file the Vermont DBA Name, you must apply to the Vermont Secretary of State. In Vermont, you can file the DBA name in two methods, by mail and in person.. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Vermont is $50.

  • Online filing: There is no online filing available
  • Offline filing: For filing offline in Vermont, you must send the accomplished DBA filing form to the Vermont Secretary of State, Corporations Division, 128 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05633-1104 or drop it off in person at the same address.

Using the Vermont Trade Name

Three “specimens” demonstrating the Trade Name used must be submitted to Vermont Secretary of State. The following are some instances of acceptable specimens:

  • Business cards
  • Booklets,
  • Flyers,
  • Labels, and
  • Stickers

How to Renew a Trade Name in Vermont

You can renew your DBA name after a stipulated time. In most states, the renewal of the DBA name follows the same process as filing a fresh DBA name. You need to get the DBA renewal form, fill it up with the correct information, and submit it to the state online or offline. The renew time for DBA name filing is five years in Vermont.

How to Change a Trade Name

You can change your Trade Name (DBA or Fictitious Name) by applying to the Vermont SOS. The process is similar. You can search for the name you want to have after changing the old Trade Name. If the name is available, make sure it follows other guidelines. You can reserve your DBA name for five years; after then, you can change or renew your DBA if needed through the Vermont SOS.

FAQs

What is a DBA Name?
DBA stands for “doing business as” and is a name that a person or entity can register to do business under.
How do I file a DBA Name in Vermont?
To file a DBA Name in Vermont, you must first register your business with the Vermont Secretary of State. Once registered, you can fill out an application for a fictitious name certificate, also known as a DBA name.
Who can file a DBA Name in Vermont?
Any business that is registered with the Vermont Secretary of State can file a DBA Name in Vermont.
Does filing a DBA Name in Vermont require a fee?
Yes, filing a DBA Name in Vermont requires a fee of $35.
Is a DBA Name the same as a business name?
Yes, a DBA Name is the same as a business name.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in Vermont?
Yes, registering a DBA Name in Vermont is required.
Is there a list of registered DBA Names in Vermont?
Yes, the Vermont Secretary of State maintains a list of registered DBA Names in Vermont.
How long is a DBA Name valid for in Vermont?
A DBA Name is valid for five years in Vermont.
What information is required to file a DBA Name in Vermont?
To file a DBA Name in Vermont, you must provide the name of the business, the address and contact information of the business owner, and the type of business that you are registering.
Are there any restrictions to filing a DBA Name in Vermont?
Yes, a DBA Name cannot be the same as or similar to an existing business name or trademark in Vermont.
Can I file a DBA Name in Vermont if my business is based in another state?
No, you must register your business with the Vermont Secretary of State before filing a DBA Name in Vermont.
How long does it take to file a DBA Name in Vermont?
The process of filing a DBA Name in Vermont typically takes 3-4 weeks.
Can I reserve a DBA Name in Vermont?
No, a DBA Name cannot be reserved in Vermont.
Is it possible to file a DBA Name online in Vermont?
Yes, it is possible to file a DBA Name online in Vermont through the Vermont Secretary of State website.
What is the difference between a DBA Name and an LLC?
A DBA Name is a filing with the state that allows a business to operate under a different name than the one it was registered with, while an LLC is a business structure in which members limited liability.
Can I use a DBA Name for banking in Vermont?
Yes, you can use a DBA Name for banking in Vermont.
How do I change a DBA Name in Vermont?
To change a DBA Name in Vermont, you must first file a new DBA Name application with the Vermont Secretary of State.
Is it possible to cancel a DBA Name in Vermont?
Yes, it is possible to cancel a DBA Name in Vermont by filing a Cancellation of Fictitious Name Certificate with the Vermont Secretary of State.
How do I renew a DBA Name in Vermont?
To renew a DBA Name in Vermont, you must fill out a new Fictitious Name Certificate with the Vermont Secretary of State and pay the renewal fee.
What is the penalty for not renewing a DBA Name in Vermont?
If a DBA Name is not renewed in Vermont, the business will be forced to discontinue operations under the fictitious name and will be subject to penalties.
Is it possible to transfer a DBA Name in Vermont?
Yes, it is possible to transfer a DBA Name in Vermont by filing a Transfer of Fictitious Name Certificate with the Vermont Secretary of State.
Are there any other forms that need to be filled out to file a DBA Name in Vermont?
No, a Fictitious Name Certificate is the only form that needs to be filled out to file a DBA Name in Vermont.
What documents are required to change a DBA Name in Vermont?
The documents required to change a DBA Name in Vermont are the same as those required to file a DBA Name, including the name of the business, the address and contact information of the business owner, and the type of business.
How do I check the status of my DBA Name in Vermont?
To check the status of your DBA Name in Vermont, you can contact the Vermont Secretary of State.
How do I find out if a DBA Name has already been taken in Vermont?
To find out if a DBA Name has already been taken in Vermont, you can search the list of registered DBA Names maintained by the Vermont Secretary of State.
Is there a list of approved DBA Names in Vermont?
No, there is not a list of approved DBA Names in Vermont.
What is the address of the Vermont Secretary of State?
The address of the Vermont Secretary of State is 128 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.
Is there a phone number for the Vermont Secretary of State?
Yes, the phone number for the Vermont Secretary of State is (802) 828-2363.
Is there a website for the Vermont Secretary of State?
Yes, the website for the Vermont Secretary of State is www.sec.state.vt.us.
What are the steps for filing a DBA name in Vermont?
The process for filing a DBA name in Vermont includes selecting a business name, registering a trade name with the Vermont Secretary of State, and filing a registration statement with the Vermont Department of Taxes.
How much does it cost to file a DBA name in Vermont?
The filing fee for registering a trade name in Vermont is $25.
How long does it take to file a DBA name in Vermont?
The processing time for filing a DBA name in Vermont is typically 3-5 business days.
Are there any restrictions on what I can name my business in Vermont?
Yes. You cannot use a name that is already in use by another business or that is too similar to a trademarked name. You also cannot use a name that implies a connection to a government agency.
What documents do I need to file a DBA name in Vermont?
The documents required for filing a DBA name in Vermont include a completed Trade Name Registration form and a filing fee.
Do I need to register my DBA name in other states as well as Vermont?
If you are conducting business outside of Vermont, you may need to register your DBA name in other states. It is best to check the requirements of each state in which you plan to operate.

Also Read

Why Vermont DBA Filing is So Important

A DBA name, also known as a trade name or fictitious name, is a name that a business uses for advertising and trade purposes that is different from its legal name. In the state of Vermont, businesses are required to file for a DBA if they operate under a name that is different from the owner’s legal name.

One of the primary reasons why filing a DBA in Vermont is so important is for legal protection. By formally registering a DBA name, a business can establish its legal right to use that name in the state. This protection can help prevent other businesses from using the same or a similar name, which could lead to confusion among customers and potential legal disputes.

Filing a DBA name can also help businesses build credibility and brand awareness. A unique and recognizable name can help differentiate a business in a competitive market, making it easier for customers to remember and recommend the business to others. Additionally, having a registered DBA name can make it easier for a business to open a bank account, apply for loans, and enter into contracts with suppliers and customers.

Another important reason to file for a DBA in Vermont is to comply with the state’s business regulations. Failure to register a DBA name can result in fines and penalties, and may even lead to legal action against the business. By taking the time to complete the necessary paperwork and pay the required filing fees, a business can ensure that it is operating in accordance with state laws and regulations.

Additionally, registering a DBA name can help businesses maintain their professional reputation. Customers are more likely to trust a business that operates under a registered and legitimate name, rather than one that uses a generic or unregistered name. By filing for a DBA, a business can demonstrate its commitment to transparency and professionalism, which can help attract and retain customers.

In conclusion, filing for a DBA name is a crucial step for businesses in Vermont. Not only does it provide legal protection and compliance with state regulations, but it also helps businesses establish credibility, build brand awareness, and maintain their professional reputation. By taking the time to register a DBA name, businesses can set themselves up for success and ensure a solid foundation for growth and expansion in the future.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Vermont is the best way to update your business name. Unlike the registered legal business name, you can have as many as DBA names. You can use your new assumed name as soon as the state has processed your filing, and getting one is a rather simple process. Whether you have an LLC or any other business structure, filing a DBA name is helpful for your business upgradation anytime.

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