Register as a Foreign LLC in Vermont
Already have an LLC but want to do business in Vermont? You’ll probably need to register as a foreign LLC. This requires submitting an Application of Certificate of Authority to the Vermont Secretary of State ($125).
Don’t want to bother with figuring it all out yourself? Have us do it for you!
Get Everything You Need, Hassle Free!
Our professional registered agents will register your foreign LLC in Vermont for just $149 + state fees!
The best part? You get registered agent service, too. (A requirement for registration.)
What’s a Vermont Foreign LLC?
A Vermont Foreign LLC is any limited liability company that was formed outside Vermont, but conducts business here. (In this way, “foreign” just means out of state.) In most cases, you are required to register your LLC in any state in which your company generates income. Foreign registration is often a more affordable and much simpler alternative to forming an entirely new Vermont LLC.
What constitutes “doing business” in Vermont?
“Doing business” refers to business activities meant to generate income. It generally pertains to ongoing activity rather than an isolated transaction. The state isn’t specific about what these activities entail, but conducting sales and manufacturing products likely fit the bill for “doing business.”
Need more specifics? While the state doesn’t outright define “doing business,” Vermont’s statutes offer a list of activities that are NOT considered “doing business” (11A V.S.A. § 15.01).
How to Register a Foreign LLC in Vermont
There are three main steps to registering a foreign LLC in Vermont:
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Step 1. |
Step 2. |
Step 3. |
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You’re required to have a registered agent for your foreign LLC. This person (or entity) must be located in Vermont, and available to receive service of process on your behalf during normal business hours. Don’t know anyone off-hand? We offer the most affordable RA service in the state! |
A certificate of good standing is a document you get from your home state. (Usually from the secretary of state’s office, or wherever you filed your formation papers.) It just shows that your LLC is all caught up on state filings and fees and is generally fit to do business. Don’t want to bother with another document? When you hire us to register your foreign LLC, we get this for you! |
The Application for Certificate of Authority is the document that ultimately establishes your right to do business in Vermont (provided the state accepts your application). You’ll be required to include basic information about your business, and must attach the certificate of good standing from your home state. Want to file it on your own? Sure thing! Check out our Foreign LLC Filing FAQ below. |
Foreign LLC Filing FAQ
How much does it cost to register a foreign LLC in Vermont?
The state charges a $125 filing fee.
What do I have to include in my Vermont Application for Certificate of Authority?
According to Vermont statute 11 V.S.A. § 4112, your application must include the following information:
- LLC name (and an alternate name if your business name is already in use in VT)
- Name of the state or country where your LLC was formed
- Primary address of your LLC
- Name, street address, and mailing address (if different) of your registered agent (referred to as “designated agent”)
You will also have to attach your certificate of good standing, which Vermont refers to as a “certificate of existence.”
How do I get an alternate name for my foreign LLC in Vermont?
An alternate name, what VT also refers to as an “assumed business name,” is what most states call a DBA name. You can apply for an assumed name through the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division online. You’ll have to make sure that your name is distinguishable enough from all other business names on the public record. (To check for availability, use the state’s Express Search function.)
Curious about what it means for a business name to be distinguishable? See the state’s Business Name Rules & Availability for details.
How do I submit my Vermont Application for Certificate of Authority?
The state strongly urges online filings, but you can also file by mail or in person. Note that if you want to file by mail, you must request a physical application from the state.
Online: Create a User Account
By Mail: Forms Request
In Person:
Vermont Secretary of State
26 Terrace Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-1104
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vermont require an operating agreement for an LLC?
Vermont does not require LLCs to have an operating agreement, however this doesn’t apply to foreign LLCs. Why? Because your company’s operating agreement (if you have one) will have been written when your LLC was originally formed back in your home state. Your foreign LLC operates by the same standards.
Do Vermont foreign LLC owners pay taxes?
Yes. Just like a regular Vermont LLC or Vermont Corporation, foreign entities are required to pay state taxes wherever they’re registered. Depending on where your company operates, you may also be subject to local taxes.
Benefits of Working with Us
Our foreign registration service gives you a professional registered agent and gets you set up to do business in Vermont—all for a very low price! Here’s how it breaks down:
| Vermont State Fee: | $125 |
| Certificate of Good Standing: | (varies) |
| One Year of Registered Agent Service: | $49 |
| Our Service Fee: | $100 |
| Total: | $274+ |
*A certificate of good standing can range anywhere from $0-$50, depending on your home state’s fee.
In addition to low-cost registration we give you high-class service, including:
- Secure Online Account
- Quick Document Delivery
- Regular Annual/Biennial Report Reminders
- Year Round Compliance Monitoring
- Immediate Notification for All Service of Process
- No Hidden Fees, Upsells or “Introductory Prices”
- All Formation Filings Done Online Within Minutes
- How-To Filing Guides and Tips For DIY
Everything you need… and more!