What is a Vermont certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Vermont Secretary of State before doing business in Vermont. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Vermont certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.
Operating without a certificate of authority may result in penalties or fines. In addition to the state’s requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors will often request a certificate of authority.
When do I need a certificate of authority?
The most common reasons for applying for a certificate of authority include:
- Opening an office or physical location within the foreign state
- Hiring an employee who resides within the state
- Before beginning a contract or a job in a new state
- A vendor or bank’s requirements
- Licensing authority requirements
How do I get a Vermont certificate of authority?
To obtain your Vermont Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved. Be sure to follow the state’s instructions carefully, as they can reject a document for the smallest error.
For Foreign Corporations:
| Agency: | Vermont Secretary of State - Division of Corporations |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence dated within 30 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Vermont Secretary of State - Division of Corporations |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence dated within 90 days. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Vermont Secretary of State - Division of Corporations |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence dated within 30 days. |
For Foreign Professional Corporations:
| Agency: | Vermont Secretary of State - Division of Corporations |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence dated within 30 days. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Vermont Secretary of State - Division of Corporations |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
| Agency: | Vermont Secretary of State - Division of Corporations |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $100 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence dated within 30 days. |
What do I need from my home state?
In order to obtain a Vermont Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- Limited Liability Company: Certificate of existence dated within 30 days.
- Corporation: Certificate of existence dated within 30 days.
- Limited Liability Partnership: Certificate of existence dated within 30 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of existence dated within 30 days.
- Professional Corporation: Certificate of existence dated within 30 days.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Vermont Certificate of Authority application, you must list a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).
Many businesses do not have an individual or physical address in a new state. Listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you get same day document scanning from our local office in all 50 states and DC. Our registered agent service is a flat rate of $99 per year, and you can easily add our service to any certificate of authority order.
What is the contact information for the state?
Vermont Secretary of State - Division of CorporationsPhysical Address:
128 State Street
Montpelier, VT 5633
Phone: (802) 828-2386
Fax: (802) 828-2853
Website: https://sos.vermont.gov/corporations/
Name Search: https://bizfilings.vermont.gov/online/BusinessInquire
Forms: https://sos.vermont.gov/corporations/fees/
Online Filing: https://www.vtsosonline.com/online/Account?referrer=AR
Email: SOS.CorporationsSupport@vermont.gov
