Vermont’s business landscape is characterized by its strong emphasis on community-driven enterprises. Over 80,000 small businesses comprise 99% of all establishments in the state. These businesses—from sole proprietorships and LLCs to corporations and nonprofits— support the local economy and foster sustainable growth. For those looking to verify business names, conduct due diligence, or explore Vermont companies, the Vermont Secretary of State’s (SOS) Office is the central authority managing business registration and records.
They provide a business entity search tool that allows users to access their database for business information. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to navigate the business database efficiently.
Navigate to the Vermont SOS Business Entity Search Page
To begin, access the Business Search page on the Vermont SOS (Secretary of State) website. Look for the Business Services section on the header.
Click on Business Services and scroll down the page to locate the Searches category.
Select the Businesses option, which will redirect to the Business Filing System. Once there, scroll down to find the Business Search feature.
For direct access, use this link: https://bizfilings.vermont.gov/business/businesssearch.
Enter Search Criteria
Once on the search page, users can decide what type of search to perform based on their specific needs. The system allows for the following search methods:
- Starts With (find businesses with names that begin with the entered term)
- Contains (identify businesses where the term appears anywhere in the name)
- Exact Match (locate businesses whose names match the term exactly)
Users can refine their search further by applying additional filters such as business type, business status, registered agent name, or date of formation. Once the desired criteria are set, they can click the Search button to generate results or select the Clear button to reset all search fields and start over. The site might ask for verification before proceeding.
Analyze the Vermont Business Entity Search Results
The search results will be displayed underneath the search fields in a table format, with each row representing a business that matches the entered criteria. The table includes the following key details:
- Business Name
- Record Number
- Business Type
- Physical Address
- Business Status
To view additional details about a specific business, users can click on the business name in the table. Individuals can adjust the number of results displayed per page or choose to navigate back to the homepage using the options provided below the search results.
Review the Vermont Business Entity Details
The detailed information page provides an organized breakdown of the selected business entity. The information supplied includes:
- Basic information such as the business name, ID, type, status, registration date, and description
- Annual report information
- Business purpose using NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code
- The registered agent’s name, physical address, mailing address, and type
- Filing history
Individuals can download and view filing images of the entity’s submitted documents, provided they are available.
Contact Information for Further Assistance
For any questions or further support, individuals can reach out to the Business Services Division through the following means:
- Address: 128 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont
- Phone: (802) 828-2386
- Toll-free Number: (888) 647-4582
Users can also visit the contact page to submit a request form if they prefer to email the division.
Why Do a Vermont Entity Search?
A Vermont entity search allows individuals and businesses to obtain useful information about companies registered in the state, such as a company’s legal status and ownership. Here are some compelling reasons why conducting an entity search is important:
- Verifying Business Registration: An entity search confirms that a business is properly registered with the state of Vermont and follows the necessary state regulations. Moreover, a registered business indicates it is up to date on legal requirements like annual filings and fee payments. This step is helpful in avoiding fraudulent or unregistered companies, especially when entering into partnerships or contracts.
- Checking Name Availability: Conducting an entity search helps verify that the desired business name has not already been claimed by another entity in Vermont. Entrepreneurs can save time, prevent registration delays and legal disputes, and keep their branding unique.
- Investigating Business History: With an entity search, users can investigate a business’s status (whether it’s active, inactive, or dissolved) and view its history of filings, ownership changes, and structural adjustments. It also provides valuable information about any liens, judgments, or financial issues the business may have faced.
- Identifying Decision Makers and Contact Persons: An entity search reveals the individuals or entities that own or control a business. The information is especially helpful for verifying the business’s leadership and finding the right people to contact for legal or administrative matters.
- Finding Local Construction Partners: Vermont’s construction industry is one of the state’s largest sectors. An entity search helps businesses and individuals find and verify legitimate and reliable contractors for their projects.
- Researching Rural Enterprise Status: An entity search helps verify rural enterprise certifications and compliance with state and federal regulations for businesses operating in Vermont’s agricultural and forestry sectors. Provided that they meet the necessary standards, these businesses often qualify for special programs or grants.
Who Holds Data for Vermont Business Entity Search
In addition to the Vermont SOS (Secretary of State), various organizations and resources are available to assist with Vermont business entity searches. These include:
Vermont Department of Economic Development
The Vermont Department of Economic Development fosters economic growth and stability across the state by assisting businesses, attracting investments, and creating job opportunities for Vermont residents. The department’s key focus is providing business development assistance, which includes financial help, tax incentives, and technical expertise.
The department provides the Vermont Business Registry, an online searchable database that offers details about a wide range of businesses in Vermont. This registry enables individuals and businesses to locate vendors and suppliers within the state easily.
Vermont Department of Health
The Vermont Department of Health promotes and protects the health and well-being of the state’s residents through various public health programs and initiatives. The department tackles a wide array of health issues, including disease prevention, health education, and emergency preparedness.
As proof of its commitment to supporting safe environments and healthy lifestyles among Vermonters, the department has initiated the Food and Lodging Program, which is responsible for licensing and inspecting food establishments across the state. Inspections are conducted by trained public health inspectors who follow national standards for safety and quality.
The department provides the Inspection Report Public Portal, which allows individuals to access recent inspection reports for food establishments throughout Vermont. The frequency of inspections varies based on factors such as the type of food served and compliance history.
Vermont Judiciary
The Vermont Judiciary is a critical part of the state’s legal system. It ensures the fair and efficient handling of cases, including those involving business entities. The judiciary helps maintain a legal framework that supports business operations while upholding the rule of law. The judiciary oversees various cases, from civil disputes and contractual issues to business-related litigation, such as intellectual property, breach of contract, and disputes between business partners.
A valuable resource for businesses is the Vermont Judiciary Public Portal, which offers public access to court records for cases involving businesses registered in Vermont.
Through the portal, individuals and organizations can monitor any ongoing or past litigation involving a business to assess potential legal risks or challenges.
Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets provides the necessary support for the sustainable development of Vermont’s farming community by offering resources, grants, and expert assistance to farmers. The department also regulates and inspects agricultural products so that they meet state safety standards.
The department is also behind the Nursery/Dealer Search tool available on its website.
This tool allows individuals and businesses to check the licenses of nurseries and plant dealers operating within the state, which is especially useful for those looking to purchase plants or related products for their use.
Vermont Agency of Human Services
The Vermont Agency of Human Services is dedicated to enhancing the health, safety, and overall well-being of individuals and families throughout the state. The agency manages various programs through its other departments, such as Medicaid coverage, mental health support, and assistance for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
One key resource provided through the Department for Children and Families is the Childcare Provider/Centers Lookup Tool. This online tool helps parents and caregivers find licensed childcare providers and centers across Vermont for safe, dependable, and high-quality childcare services provided to the state’s residents.
County Clerk’s Offices
In Vermont, county clerks maintain and manage certain business-related records at the county level. They are responsible for recording and preserving local records that are critical for businesses, including deeds, property transactions, and liens. Additionally, county clerks serve as a resource for businesses needing access to local land records or historical documents.
These documents can be relevant for verifying ownership or preparing for real estate transactions. They may also assist in issuing certain licenses and permits required for specific types of businesses that depend on local regulations. Individuals can access records by visiting the offices in person or using online tools available on county websites.
City or Municipal Governments
City and municipal governments also maintain business-related records within their jurisdictions. They oversee zoning permits, business licenses, and local operating permits required by municipal ordinances. Additionally, they manage property tax collection. These records can be accessed either in person at their offices or through online portals.
Federal Agencies
Federal agencies maintain records that Vermont businesses rely on for compliance, transparency, and growth. Among these agencies include:
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Maintains records related to business tax filings.
- Small Business Administration (SBA): Provides records on small business loans, disaster assistance, and certification programs.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): Maintains searchable databases for patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
- General Services Administration (GSA): Manages public procurement databases for federal contracts.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Has public records on permits, compliance history, and environmental impact assessments.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Documents rural development grants, agricultural subsidies, and food safety regulations.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Manages database of consumer protection records.
Records from federal agencies can be accessed through their official websites, which often provide online search tools and databases. For specific documents, individuals can submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Some agencies also allow in-person visits or mail-in requests for unavailable records, with potential fees for copies.
Commercial Database Providers
Commercial database providers offer access to business records that supplement data available from government agencies. These services aggregate information to provide detailed company profiles, financial histories, credit reports, and other critical intelligence.
Providers like Dun & Bradstreet offer business credit reports and financial assessments, while LexisNexis offers public records, litigation histories, and compliance information for legal research and risk management. Vermont businesses can leverage these commercial databases for due diligence, competitive analysis, and decision-making.
What Are Different Entities You Can Register in Vermont?
In Vermont, individuals and organizations can select from several business entity types when registering a company. The chosen business entity determines factors such as liability structure, tax obligations, and management controls. Below are some of the business entity types available required to register with the SOS (Secretary of State) in Vermont:
Corporation
In Vermont, a corporation is a type of business that is legally separate from its owners. Owners (called shareholders) are not personally responsible for the business’s debts. Corporations can operate, own property, and make contracts independently. Vermont offers several types of corporations to fit different needs, with most created to make a profit. The most common type is the general corporation, a traditional structure in which shareholders own the business and are protected from personal liability. However, for small businesses, a close corporation may be a better option. In this structure, the shareholders are usually the ones running the business, and they can make decisions without needing a board of directors. Close corporations are limited to 35 shareholders and cannot sell shares to the public. Vermont also allows for other types of profit corporations:
- Professional corporations are for licensed professionals who want to operate as a corporation while maintaining their licenses.
- Benefit corporations allow a business to focus on making money while achieving a positive social impact.
- Worker cooperative corporations give employees decision-making power in how the business operates, per Vermont law.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An LLC is a business structure that protects owners from personal liability and allows them to separate their personal assets from their business. An LLC is also flexible in how it is run, as owners have the option to choose the management style that works best for their business. There are two types of management styles for LLCs in Vermont:
- Member-managed LLC, where owners are directly involved in daily operations.
- Manager-managed LLC, where owners appoint one or more managers for business operations, similar to a corporation.
Vermont also offers special types of LLCs for businesses with specific goals.
- Professional LLCs are for licensed professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, or accountants, who want to form an LLC.
- Low-profit LLCs (L3C) are businesses that focus on charitable or educational purposes and do not prioritize making money.
- Block-chain-based LLCs, governed by Vermont law, are for businesses that use blockchain technology.
Mutual Benefit Enterprise (MBE)
In Vermont, an MBE is a business structure that combines elements of both an LLC and a cooperative. It is also called a Limited Cooperative Association (LCA) in some other states. This type of business is formed by a group of individuals or companies who come together to create a shared enterprise for mutual benefit. What makes an MBE unique is that it blends the ease and structure of LLCs and partnerships with the shared ownership and democratic decision-making principles found in cooperatives. An MBE can have two types of members:
- Voting investor members who invest capital into the business.
- Patron members who benefit directly from the business.
Limited Partnership (LP)
In Vermont, a limited partnership (LP) has two types of partners: general partners and limited partners. General partners manage the business and are personally responsible for its debts. Limited partners, however, only invest money into the business and are not involved in its management. When naming an LP in Vermont, the business name must end with “Limited Partnership” or the abbreviation “LP.” The name cannot include the word “cooperative” or the abbreviation “coop.” If a limited partnership from another state wants to operate in Vermont, it must register as a foreign LP with the Vermont SOS.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
An LLP in Vermont is a type of business where partners are not personally responsible for the company’s debts or legal issues. If the business faces problems, the partners’ personal assets are protected. When naming an LLP in Vermont, the name must include either “Registered Limited Liability Partnership” or “Limited Liability Partnership” or their abbreviations “RLLP” or “LLP.” If a business is already an LLP in another state but wants to do business in Vermont, it must register as a foreign LLP.
Useful Additional Information on the Vermont Secretary of State’s Websites
Beyond entity searches, the Vermont SOS (Secretary of State) official website offers a variety of essential services and resources for businesses, including:
Forms Request
The Forms Request page is where users can request specific business-related forms or documents that are not accessible through the standard online tools. The form is not intended to verify basic business information, such as a business’s status or registration details. Individuals are encouraged to use the business entity search for this purpose.
Fees
The Fees page of the Business Services Division is designed to help individuals and businesses quickly find the costs associated with various registration types and services. By using the dropdown menus on the page, users can easily search for the applicable fees related to forming or maintaining their business entity, filing documents, or accessing other services.
Lien Records Search
The Lien Records Search allows users to search for liens filed under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) or tax liens against businesses and individuals in Vermont. Individuals can verify if a business or individual has outstanding liens, which could indicate existing financial obligations or risks.
The search is particularly useful for lenders, buyers, and other parties needing to assess the creditworthiness or financial stability of a potential business partner.
Trademark Search
The Trademark Search function allows individuals and businesses to search for trademarks registered within the state of Vermont. Users can verify whether a specific name, logo, slogan, or other identifying mark has been registered by another party.
Certificate Search
The Certificate Search Tool lets users retrieve specific business certificates by entering a record number and certificate number. Users can locate certificates such as certificates of good standing, formation, or amendments and confirm they are state-verified.
Statutes, Rules & Rulemaking
The Statutes, Rules & Rulemaking page is a valuable resource for understanding the laws and regulations that govern businesses and other entities operating within the state. It provides access to the legal framework, including Vermont statutes and administrative rules, which outline the requirements for business formation, compliance, and operations.
Public Records
The Public Records page provides information for individuals and businesses seeking to access public records and better understand Vermont’s Public Records Law. It outlines the process for requesting public documents and provides tools to navigate the state’s commitment to transparency.
The SOS also offers a range of resources to support users, including A Matter of Public Record: A Guide to Vermont’s Public Records Law, which explains the law’s rights and responsibilities and provides contact information for designated records officers.
Vermont Business Search FAQ
Learn more about business entity searches in Vermont by exploring the frequently asked questions below:
How Often Is the Vermont Business Entity Database Updated?
The Vermont business entity database is updated regularly to reflect the latest filings and status changes. Updates are made as new documents are processed by the SOS (Secretary of State) office.
Is an Account Required to Perform a Business Entity Search in Vermont?
Access to the Vermont business entity database does not require an account. The search tool is publicly available.
Is There a Fee for Conducting a Business Entity Search in Vermont?
A basic search in the Vermont business entity database is free. However, additional services, such as obtaining certified documents, may incur fees.
What Should Be Done if an Entity Is Not Listed in the Vermont Business Entity Database?
If an entity is not found in the database, one should verify that the registration has been properly filed with the Vermont SOS. The office can assist with confirming filing status or resolving any discrepancies.
What Does It Mean if a Business Is Listed as “Active” or “Inactive” in the Vermont Business Search Results?
A business listed as “Active” indicates it is in good standing and compliant with state filing requirements. A business listed as “Inactive” suggests that the entity may have been dissolved, withdrawn, or is no longer compliant with state regulations.
Can Businesses Registered in Other States but Operating in Vermont Be Found in the Vermont Business Entity Database?
Yes, the database allows searches for foreign (non-Vermont) entities registered to operate in Vermont. These businesses are typically marked as “foreign” in their registration details.
Does the Vermont Business Entity Database Reflect Name Changes for a Business?
The database records previous business names in addition to the current name, enabling users to track any name changes made by an entity.
How Can Inaccurate Business Entity Information Be Reported?
Inaccurate information can be reported to the Vermont SOS. To facilitate corrections, specific details about the inaccuracy and supporting documentation, if available, should be provided.