Services

How can I check the status of a company doing business in Vermont?

You may use the Corporation Database Search feature located on our website to look for any corporation, trade names, limited liability companies, partnerships, reservations, and registrations filed with this office, www.vtsosonline.com

How do I find out if a trade name is already being used?
You may use the Trade Name Availability search feature located on our website to look for possible conflicts, http://www.sec.state.vt.us/seek/keysrch.htm.

How do I find out if a trademark is already being used?
You may use the Trademark search feature located on our website, http://www.sec.state.vt.us/seek/keysrch.htm.

Can I file my Annual Report online?

Yes, all annual and biennial reports can now be filed online at www.vtsosonline.com . 

How do I request a Certificate of Good Standing?

All Certificate of Good Standing can now be obtained in real time online through www.vtsosonline.com. Click on "Obtain Certificate of Good Standing" to begin.

Where does the certificate of good standing come from for a foreign entity?
This certificate would come from the Secretary of State or Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office for the state of domicile.

Can I request plain (non-certified) or certified copies of documents online?
Yes and no. You may request plain copies (non-certified) to be emailed to you. The request for plain copies should be emailed to kim.choquette@sec.state.vt.us. You must make a request to this office in writing for certified documents and include the appropriate fee of $20 plus $1.00 per page (unless you have a draw down account with us).

How do I get a copy of my company’s Articles of Organization/Certificate of Authority?
Submit your request to this office in writing. There is no form or fee for plain copies.

How long will it take to process my request for plain or certified documents?
Our office has a five-to-seven business day turnaround time once we have written request and the fee has been received by our office.

Can I request a copy of an entity’s bylaws through your office?
No, we do not keep bylaws on file, you must contact the organization directly.

Can I get an example of what to include in bylaws?
Yes, model bylaws are posted on our web site, http://www.sec.state.vt.us/corps/dobiz/npo/sample_bylaws.htm and may be used as a guide.

I have questions regarding Service of Process, who should I contact?
http://www.sec.state.vt.us/corps/serviceofproc.htm. If a corporation has failed to appoint or maintain a registered agent or its registered agent cannot with reasonable diligence be found, the Secretary of State may be served as agent for that corporation. Summons and service may be made by delivering such notice of service to the Secretary of State, Corporations Division, 128 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609-1104. The documents must be in duplicate, and a fee of $20 is charged when the Secretary of State accepts service of process on behalf of a corporation. The Secretary may also accept service of process on insurance companies, whether foreign or domestic.

Can you provide me with Debtor information?
Yes, our website offers a Debtor search function through the Uniform Commercial Code registry database, http://www.sec.state.vt.us/seek/ucc_seek.htm.