Vermont: Assumed-Name (DBA) Registration Requirements

Requirements one by one

Vermont uses one statewide assumed-name system

Vermont's Chapter 15 covers an individual using an assumed business name, a
general partnership, and an unincorporated nonprofit association, whether the
registrant is resident or nonresident. Section 1653 also provides the assumed-
name route for a business organization already authorized to do business in the
State.

The Secretary of State describes the trigger in practical terms. A sole
proprietor using a name other than the proprietor's proper name registers, as
does an entity using a name other than its complete name on the State's records,
including the entity identifier. An assumed-name filing does not form a new
entity or change the registrant's underlying liabilities.

Core filers have a 10-day deadline

An individual, partnership, or unincorporated nonprofit association covered by
§ 1621 must file with the Secretary of State not later than 10 days after
commencement of business. Section 1653 conditions a business organization's
use of an assumed name on submitting a registration, but does not state a
separate numeric grace period.

Online filing through the Secretary of State's Business Services portal is the
preferred workflow. The initial statutory registration fee is $70. An
amendment or certificate of cessation costs $35.

The complete current chapter contains no newspaper-publication or proof-of-
publication requirement.

Registration lasts five years

A registrant must reregister every five years. The filing window opens 60
days before the current registration expires, and the reregistration fee is
$65. If the registrant misses renewal, the name becomes available to the
first applicant who submits a new original registration.

Active registrations receive record-level name protection

The Secretary must decline a proposed assumed name unless it is distinguishable
from other registered or reserved business and entity names in the State's
records. The agency treats active and certain pending-status registrations as
retaining rights to their business names. That registry protection is distinct
from trademark registration and does not decide every private priority or
infringement issue.

Nonregistration has both procedural and monetary consequences

A person required to register under the assumed-name subchapter cannot maintain
an action or proceeding—or raise a counterclaim, crossclaim, or affirmative
defense—until it registers. Contracts and acts remain valid, and the person may
still defend an action.

The monetary exposure is $50 for each day of unregistered business, capped
at $10,000 for each year, plus the fees that should have been paid and any
other penalties imposed by law.

What trips people up

• The filing can follow commencement, but only briefly. The § 1621 deadline
  is 10 days after business begins.
• The renewal fee differs from the initial fee. Registration is $70;
  five-year reregistration is $65.
• A full personal name can avoid the assumed-name trigger. “John Smith
  Carpentry” is the Secretary's example of an exempt individual name.
• Name acceptance is not comprehensive trademark clearance. It protects
  availability on the Secretary's records, not every possible private right.

Common questions

Does Vermont require newspaper publication?

No. Chapter 15 requires filing with the Secretary of State but contains no
newspaper notice or affidavit-of-publication step.

How often do I renew the DBA?

Every five years. You may reregister during the 60 days before expiration for
$65.

What if I keep operating without registering?

The statute imposes a $50 daily civil penalty, capped at $10,000 per year, and a
curable bar on affirmative litigation positions until registration is complete.
It preserves contracts and the ability to defend a case.

Statutes and sources

• 11 V.S.A. § 1621(a)-(c) — covered filers, registration contents, 10-day
  deadline, and distinguishability. Official Chapter 15
  (accessed 2026-07-26).
• 11 V.S.A. § 1625(a)-(b) — $70 registration and $35 amendment/cessation
  fees. Official Chapter 15
  (accessed 2026-07-26).
• 11 V.S.A. § 1626(a)-(b), (e) — litigation bar, contract preservation, and
  civil penalties. Official Chapter 15
  (accessed 2026-07-26).
• 11 V.S.A. § 1635 — five-year reregistration, 60-day window, $65 fee, and
  post-expiration availability. Official Chapter 15
  (accessed 2026-07-26).
• 11 V.S.A. § 1653 — assumed-name registration for authorized business
  organizations. Official Chapter 15
  (accessed 2026-07-26).
• Vermont Secretary of State, Assumed Name Registration — filing workflow,
  registrant categories, proper-name examples, and entity-name treatment.
  Official guidance
  (accessed 2026-07-26).