How to File the Vermont LLC Articles of Organization

The Vermont Articles of Organization is the LLC form you fill out and file with the state to form an LLC.

Follow the steps in our How to File the Vermont LLC Articles of Organization guide below to get started.

Or, use a professional service to form your LLC:

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

Filing the Vermont Articles of Organization Is Easy!

We'll take you through three easy steps for filing the Vermont LLC Articles of Organization.

1. Get Your Articles of Organization Forms
2. Fill out the Articles of Organization
3. File the Articles of Organization

Step 1: Get Your Articles of Organization Forms

You can request a form and mail in your Vermont Articles of Organization, OR you can create an account and file online. For this first step, choose your preferred method below.

Get Your Vermont Articles of Organization

OPTION 1: Create an account with the Vermont Corporations Division website. From the left toolbar, select “VT Sec of State Online Services” and “Start or Register Your Business.” Then, indicate your entity type.

- OR -

OPTION 2: Request an Articles of Organization form from the Vermont Corporations Division. This form will be emailed to you and, in turn, will need to be submitted to the Corporations Division.

Step 2: Fill Out the Articles of Organization

In this step, we will help you complete the Vermont Articles of Organization form.

You will need to know the following information to complete the form:

1. Entity Name
2. Business Description
3. Physical Address and Email Address
4. Registered Agent Name and Registered Office Address
5. Names of Officers or Directors (if applicable)

Entity Name

Having a creative and smart business name is important but not as important as having a legally correct name.

When you choose a name for your business, you have to make sure the name:

• meets Vermont naming guidelines.
• is not already in use by another business in Vermont.

Follow the Vermont Naming Guidelines:

• 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 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.
• Restricted words (e.g., Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.
• Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Vermont reserved names.

Check Name Availability:

Is your name available in Vermont? Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a name search on the Vermont Secretary of State website.

To learn more about naming your business, including best practices and creative branding, visit our How to Name a Business in Vermont guide.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our Business Name Generator.

Register Your Domain Name:

We recommend checking to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to make a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Physical Address and Email Address

Provide a physical address and email address where your business can be contacted.

Registered Agent

A registered agent accepts and sends legal documents on your LLC’s behalf. When you register your Vermont LLC, you are required to list your registered agent and your registered office.

Your registered agent can be anyone 18 years or older that lives in Vermont. Your registered agent must always be available at the registered office during regular business hours.

Your registered office address cannot be a P.O. box.

To learn more about choosing a Vermont registered agent, read our How to Choose a Vermont Registered Agent guide.

To learn more about what a registered agent does and how to choose one, read our What is a Registered Agent guide.

Names of Officers or Directors

State whether your LLC will be managed by members or by managers. Then, provide their names and addresses.

To learn everything you need to know about choosing your management structure, read our Management by Members or Managers guide.

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

To register your LLC, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.

There are two ways to file your Articles of Organization:

• Complete the form online.
• Submit a hard copy by mail.

File the Vermont Articles of Organization

OPTION 1: Create an account with the Vermont Corporations Division website. From the left toolbar, select “VT Sec of State Online Services” and “Start or Register Your Business.” Then, indicate your entity type. Fill out the required fields and submit.

- OR -

OPTION 2: Request Form LLC-1(D) and submit it to the Vermont Corporations Division by mail or in person.

State Filing Cost: $125

Filing Address:
Vermont Secretary of State
Corporations Division
128 State St.
Montpelier, VT 05633

Turnaround Time: Online filing normally takes less than one business day, while registration by mail can take from 7 to 10 business days following receipt.

Steps After Your Vermont LLC Is Officially Formed

Once you’ve filed your Articles of Organization, you should take the following steps:

• Create an Operating Agreement
• Get an EIN
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Licenses and Permits

Create an Operating Agreement

A Vermont LLC operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure and member roles of your LLC.

In Vermont, you aren’t required to have an Operating Agreement to officially form an LLC, but it's still a good idea to have one. You can start your operating agreement before, during, or after you file your Articles of Organization.

Your operating agreement will be kept in your LLC’s private business records; you do not file it with the state.

Use our free Operating Agreement Tool to draft a customized operating agreement for your LLC.

Get an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a social security number for your LLC. You will need an EIN if you want to hire employees or open business bank accounts.

You can get your EIN for free through the IRS website, via fax, or by mail. If you would like to learn more about EINs and how they can benefit your LLC, read our What is an EIN article.

Open a Business Bank Account

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential to protect your business' corporate veil. When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued.

For reviews on some of our most trusted business banks, visit our Best Banks for Small Business review.

Get Licenses and Permits

When you are registering an LLC, you need to determine if your business needs any licenses or permits to remain compliant. On the federal level, there are a handful of business activities that require licenses or permits.

Find out how to obtain necessary licenses and permits for your business or have a professional service do it for you:

• Federal: Use the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide to federal business licenses and permits.
• State: Apply for or learn more about licenses, permits, and registration with Vermont's Business Startup Guide.
• Local: Contact your local county clerk and ask about local licenses and permits.

State of Vermont Quick Links

Vermont Online Business Filing

Vermont Business Startup Guide

Vermont LLC Information

Brand Your Business

The strongest and most memorable businesses are built on a solid brand. When developing your brand, think about what your business stands for. Customers and clients are looking for companies that have a compelling brand, as much as they are shopping for high-quality products and services.

Creating a logo for your business is vital for increasing brand awareness. You can design your own unique logo using our Free Logo Generator. Our free tool can help you design your own unique logo for your new business idea.