An Ultimate Guide to file a DBA in the State of Vermont
Trade Name (DBA)
Any fictitious or assumed name, designation, or style other than the proper name of an entity or an individual operating business as such names.
What is a DBA?
If an entity wants to open a business with a different name rather than one used to operate the business, it requires to register a new name (called a fictitious or a trade name) this process is called “doing business as” or filing a DBA.
When you need a DBA?
According to Vermont Law, all businesses need to file a DBA except Limited Liability Companies or Corporations. Filing a DBA allows a company to enter contracts and bank accounts.
Setting up a DBA in Vermont
The very first step in filing a DBA is to search for the business names from the state database. The purpose of this activity is to ensure either the name is available or it has been registered already by another business.
The state of Vermont has set specific rules to operate a DBA. A DBA entity cannot use following words with the business:
- Company
- Corporation
- Incorporated
- Limited
Vermont DBA Filing & Registration
- Provide the selected DBA name
- An alternative business name in the case if your suggested name is unavailable
- Mention the place where the business is located
- Mailing Address (PO Box is not acceptable)
- Business Email
- Registered Agent name (Physical address and mailing address)
- Agent’s Email
- Date of operating business
- Mention the purpose of the business
- Write the name of the owner
- Address and name of the process agent (only for non-residents)
- Appropriate signature
- Exemptions to the Registration Requirement
Individuals are not need to register a trade name under Vermont Law, 11 V.S.A 1621 if they are running business under a business name with the public that include their full legal name.
Foreign (Non-Vermont) Trade Names Doing Business in Vermont
There is no distinction between foreign and domestic trade names under Vermont law. If you are operating a business using a DBA, trade name, fictitious name, or an alternate name in another state, and you are seeking to open a business in the state of Vermont, you only need to register a new (DBA) trade name.
Ownership of a Trade Name
The ownership of a DBA may be one or more individuals (11 V.S.A 1621)
Important form instructions
- Your business name can be expired if you do not get your business name registered after every 5 years
- The given information must be up to date and application must be filed on the behalf of owner or Corporate
- Business registration name must be sworn and signed by the owner
- Application must be filed within ten days with the secretary of the state
- A company or a corporation apply to state board of education if operating a postsecondary school prior to registering the business name. (16 V.S.A. § 176 and 176a)
Business Name Requirement
Business name must not include:
- Professional association
- Company
- Limited
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Abbreviations including PC and SC
- Limited Liability Company
- Cooperative
- Abbreviations (L3C, PLLC, PLC, LLC, LC)
- Limited Liability Partnership
- LP (Limited Partnership)
- Mutual benefit enterprise (Mut, Ben, Ent)
- Name should be distinguished of any other entity under this chapter whether foreign or domestic that is granted, registered, or reserved by or with the Secretary of State
- Do not add any word that could be obscene, indecent, or discriminatory
Business Location:
The primary or physical location where the business will be opened.
Business Description:
Write briefly about the services or the primary goods under the business name.
Trade Name Owned by:
Must write the names and address of all business entities, or individuals doing business under the business name.
Registered Agent:
Provide the official of any person or an owner’s contact having a place or an office in the state of Vermont for the business.
Registered Agent Address:
Provide the physical address of the registered agent where he can be found in normal business days.
Duration
7 to 10 business days are required to process the application.
