Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Vermont’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting a Vermont LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
How to Name an LLC in Vermont
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a Vermont LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Vermont’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $20 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Vermont.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Vermont
To reserve an LLC name in Vermont you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Vermont Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $20.
To reserve an LLC name in Vermont, you’ll first need to visit the Secretary of State’s website and search for the availability of your desired name. This step is essential to ensure that no other business entity in the state is already using the same name. If your chosen name is already taken, you’ll need to brainstorm new options and repeat the search until you find an available name that suits your business.
Once you’ve found an available name, you can then submit a Name Reservation Request form to the Vermont Secretary of State’s office. This form can be filed online or by mail, and typically requires you to provide your contact information, the selected LLC name, and any additional information requested by the state.
After submitting the Name Reservation Request form, you’ll need to pay a small fee to reserve the name for a period of 120 days. This timeframe gives you ample time to finalize other aspects of your business, such as drafting your LLC operating agreement and filing your Articles of Organization with the state.
Reserving an LLC name in Vermont not only ensures that your chosen name is available for use, but it also protects your business entity from potential competitors who may try to use a similar or identical name. By taking the time to properly reserve your LLC name, you can prevent any confusion in the marketplace and establish a clear and recognizable brand identity for your business.
In addition to reserving your LLC name, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on trademark availability to ensure that your chosen name is not already protected by another entity. Trademark infringement can lead to costly legal battles and damage to your brand reputation, so it’s crucial to conduct due diligence before finalizing your business name.
Overall, reserving an LLC name in Vermont is a critical step in the business formation process that helps establish your brand identity and protect your business from potential legal disputes. By following the necessary steps and conducting thorough research, you can confidently move forward with establishing your business and building a strong foundation for future success.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name