Name availability · VT
Vermont business name search
Vermont's Business Search on bizfilings.vermont.gov lets you look up a name with Starts With, Contains or Exact Match, and filter by record type and status. Vermont uses a "distinguishable on the record" standard with a long list of differences that don't count. It even ignores the words "Vermont" and "Green Mountains."
How to check if a name is available in Vermont
- 01
Search with "Contains"
Open Business Search on bizfilings.vermont.gov, enter your name and choose "Contains." Use Record Status to include terminated and reserved names, which still hold rights to their names.
- 02
Remove what Vermont ignores
Take out punctuation, articles, prepositions, conjunctions, entity endings, domain suffixes like .com, and "Vermont" or "Green Mountains." If what's left matches an existing name, it's not available.
- 03
Check assumed names
Assumed business names are in the same database. Set Record Type to include them, since an existing DBA can block your entity name.
- 04
Run a USPTO search
Vermont's records don't include federal trademarks. Check tmsearch.uspto.gov before you commit.
- 05
Check domains and socials, or find alternatives
Confirm the domain and handles are open. Our free tool at /business-name-generator/ can suggest options that will pass Vermont's strict test.
Vermont business naming rules
- Names that differ only by punctuation, special characters, spacing, articles, prepositions, conjunctions, prefixes or suffixes aren't distinguishable.
- Business type identifiers, internet domain suffixes, abbreviations, contractions, alternate spellings, homographs, numerals versus words, and tense also don't count.
- Adding or dropping "Vermont" or "Green Mountains" (or their abbreviations) doesn't make a name distinguishable.
- Records that are Active, Terminated, Expiration Pending, Registered, Reserved or on Hold keep sole rights to their names.
- Names can't include vulgar language or falsely imply a government connection, and assumed names can't use deceptive terms such as entity identifiers.
Reserving a name
Under Vermont law, when the Secretary of State finds a name available, it reserves it for the applicant's exclusive use for 120 days. Check the current fee on the Secretary of State's site.
DBAs and trade names
Assumed business names (DBAs, trade names or fictitious names) are registered with the Secretary of State. Individuals doing business under a name that includes their full legal name don't have to register, though banks and vendors may still ask for it.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Vermont search above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I search business names in Vermont?
Use Business Search on bizfilings.vermont.gov with Starts With, Contains or Exact Match, and filter by record type and status.
Do I need a DBA in Vermont?
Yes, if you do business under a name that isn't your full legal name. Assumed business names are registered with the Secretary of State.
Can I use a name that a terminated Vermont business had?
Not necessarily. Terminated, Expiration Pending, Reserved and Hold records still keep sole rights to their names.
Does adding "Vermont" make my business name unique?
No. Vermont ignores "Vermont" and "Green Mountains" when it compares names.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Vermont Secretary of State, Business Services Division; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.