File a DBA in Vermont

Registering to do business under a different business name can help your business adapt to the marketplace.

What's your DBA name?

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file a dba in vermont

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Updated on: July 8, 2025
Read time: 2 min

What is a DBA?

If a business wants to operate under a different name than the one used to form the business, it may have to register the new name (called a trade name or fictitious name). This process is often called filing for a DBA, or doing business as. For example, if “Frank’s Hot Dogs LLC” wants to do business as “Best Hot Dogs in Town,” then the owners have to file a DBA.

When you need a DBA

Under Vermont law, all businesses except for corporations and limited liability companies doing business within the state will need to file a DBA. Filing for a DBA allows the company to open bank accounts, enter contracts, and otherwise operate with the new name.

Setting up a DBA in Vermont

The first step in the DBA filing process is to search the state database of business names to see if the name you want to use is available or if it’s been registered by another business.

Furthermore, Vermont has many rules associated with the type of name that can be selected for DBA purposes. Filers should review those rules, which can be found here, to ensure compliance with them. For example, the terms "Company," "Corporation," "Incorporated," or "Limited," or any abbreviation thereof, cannot be used in a trade name.

File a Vermont DBA

Visit the Vermont Secretary of State Business Services Division website to learn more about the statutes relevant to filing for a trade name, the rules surrounding the type of names that can be selected, and the legal implications of a DBA filing.

Vermont DBA filing & registration

You will need to provide the proposed DBA name, an alternative name or "backup" in case that name is unacceptable, the town where the business is to be located, the date the business began, the purpose of the business, the name of the owner (person or company), the name and address of the process agent (for non-residents only), and the appropriate signature.

Tax considerations

Getting a trade name registered by filing a DBA doesn’t change how your company is taxed.

When you are ready to file a DBA in Vermont, LegalZoom can help you. We can search the state business name database to find conflicts, file your paperwork, and even get you in touch with an attorney to help you with specific questions.

What's your DBA name?Register my DBA
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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

30 days ago
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10/10 customer service

Both Kathy and Princess made the process of filing my DBA incredibly easy and were able to walk me through the process the entire time. Both were incredibly kind and helpful and I'm so grateful to the LegalZoom team for being there to support me through any troubles I have with my small business!

Kate
69 days ago
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Very helpful everyone I spoke with was…

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and pointed me in the right direction. My dba was filed swiftly and I was informed about the progress the entire time. Very happy with the results.

karl anderson
78 days ago
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KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service

KIERVE was very knowledgeable and provided the information I requested with additional things to assist me with creating a new DBA. I appreciated how patient they were and ensured everything had processed to the next step before we signed off the chat. Excellent customer service!

Tenika Ashley
122 days ago
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Customer Service exceeded my expectations.

After an initial dilemma with my DBA filing in California, a LegalZoom account executive took the reigns and made everything right by going above and beyond my expectations. Thank you LegalZoom!

Clinton Goodrich
207 days ago
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Very helpful

I called in looking for help with my DBA and was able to complete setting it up effortlessly and got help with a few more items I didn’t even know I needed.

Kevin McCarthy
211 days ago
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Joe was extraordinary

Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!

Juan Ferrer
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,946+ reviewson

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