Updated on: November 30th, 2024

Vermont Registered Agents 2023 – A Beginner Guide

Hire #1 Registered Agent Service for Vermont

To establish a Vermont LLC, it is necessary to designate a registered agent as required by Vermont State Law. If you are conducting business in the state, a Vermont Registered Agent must be appointed. All official and legal documents from the State, as well as any lawsuit service of process, will be received by the registered agent.

We have provided essential information about hiring a registered agent, the reasons why you need one in Vermont, and the qualifications of who can serve as an agent for your LLC in this guide. Please read this guide thoroughly before selecting a Vermont Registered Agent.

Our #1 recommended Registered Agent service in Vermont is:

What is a Vermont Registered Agent?

In Vermont, a registered agent (also known as a statutory agent or resident agent) is responsible for receiving official documents on behalf of your business. These documents can include formation forms, business renewal documents, tax filings, and legal papers if the LLC is sued by other businesses. The registered agent’s official address in the state is where all these documents will be sent. It’s required to appoint a registered agent when forming an LLC.

When submitting the formation papers for a Vermont LLC to the Secretary of State, you must provide the name and address of your registered agent. There are other registered agent services. There are two options for selecting a registered agent in Vermont: hiring an in-house registered agent or outsourcing the service.

The Registered Agent for a Vermont LLC must have a physical street address located in Vermont and be available during normal business hours (9am-5pm) from Monday to Friday. P.O. Box addresses are not permitted.

Hiring a Registered Agent in Vermont

There are multiple options available for you to hire a registered agent in Vermont. To become a registered agent, a person must fulfill the basic eligibility criteria. Once these minimum requirements are met, any Vermont resident can serve as your LLC’s registered agent.

Does Vermont Require a Registered Agent?

In Vermont, it is mandatory for all business entities to have a Registered Agent listed on their LLC formation paperwork and this information must be kept on file with the state throughout the duration of the LLC.

You can see the full Vormon LLC filing guide here.

Why do I need a Registered Agent in Vermont?

A Registered Agent is responsible for receiving Service of Process on behalf of your individual or business entity in case of a lawsuit. This is important because the court requires evidence that your LLC has received the legal documents. Therefore, every business entity such as a Corporation or Limited Liability Company must have a Registered Agent registered with the state.

In simpler terms, the Registered Agent for your LLC plays an important role in how the legal system operates. Vermont requires all LLCs to have a Registered Agent so that court documents can be efficiently and accurately delivered.

Who Can Be My Registered Agent Here in Vermont?

In Vermont, there are three options available for choosing a Registered Agent:

  • You can choose yourself,
  • A friend or family member,
  • Or a Vermont Registered Agent Service.

It is possible to save money by serving as the Registered Agent for your LLC, but there are a few potential risks to consider.

Who Can Be a Registered Agent

To act as a registered agent for our LLC, one must:

  • Be over 18 years old.
  • Have a legal and physical address within the state where our LLC operates.
  • Be able to be physically present during normal working hours.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent

To clarify, anyone who meets the criteria can act as a registered agent for their own LLC. This includes members of the LLC, managers, owners, and even family members. However, it’s important that whoever serves as the registered agent meets the necessary requirements.

What are the risks?

If you act as your own Vermont Registered Agent, you may face certain risks,

  • Such as failing to receive important notices from the state,
  • Facing administrative dissolution,
  • And not being properly served with legal documents (which could result in legal consequences).
  • If you change your address and don’t update it with the state,
  • Travel or leave for a long time,
  • Don’t have a reliable physical address and don’t keep up with your mail,
  • You are more likely to experience these issues.

Below, we will outline some of these risks.

Missing an important notice from the state

It’s important for your business to receive all important notices from the Vermont Secretary of State or any other state agency promptly. These notices may require your LLC to take action by a certain deadline, and failing to do so may result in penalties and fees.

Administrative Dissolution

It’s important to remember that if you move and don’t update your Registered Agent address for your LLC, the Vermont Secretary of State has the authority to dissolve (shut down) your LLC. However, this won’t happen automatically as the state is not constantly monitoring your LLC’s information.

If the state discovers that your LLC’s Registered Agent address is not current and they cannot contact you, they have the authority to terminate your LLC.

Default Judgment

When someone files a lawsuit against your LLC, a process server will try to deliver the court documents to you multiple times. If they are unsuccessful in serving your LLC in person, they may use other methods such as Certified Mail. This means that even if you don’t physically receive the court notices or documents, they can still be considered “delivered” to you.

If you are not present to defend your LLC, the person suing your business can argue their case. Typically, in such situations, the person suing your LLC tends to win, and the court may enter a default judgment against your business.

Contempt of Court

Your LLC may receive a subpoena if it’s involved in a lawsuit. The subpoena might require you to testify in a hearing or provide records.

If do not comply with the subpoena, you may be held in contempt of court which can result in fines or a bench warrant. A bench warrant authorizes the sheriff to take your records or make you appear in court.

So should I be my own Registered Agent?

Yes, you are allowed to be your own Registered Agent in Vermont. Although the risks associated with this option are minimal. Plus, it can be cost-effective for you to serve as your own Vermont Registered Agent.

A professional Registered Agent Service can provide extra advantages, such as address privacy.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Own Registered Agent

It is common for small businesses to forgo hiring a registered agent in order to save money. However, serving as your own registered agent is not advised due to the numerous challenges that come with it. Here are some of the problems you may encounter as the registered agent for your own LLC.

  • If you run a business from home or operate an online business, your home address will be made public on the portal. It will be used for official correspondence like mail, which could compromise your privacy.
  • To serve as a registered agent, you must be present in person at the official address every working day and hour for the entire year. This could limit your availability for other work if you choose to serve as your own registered agent.
  • Make sure that the address of the registered agent is current in the Secretary of State portal.

To simplify your workload and safeguard your privacy when running a home-based business, it’s advisable to hire a registered agent service. Choosing to outsource this service is a smarter decision than serving as your own registered agent.


Registered Agent Information is Public Record in Vermont

Although you or someone you know can act as your LLC’s Registered Agent, revealing a home address on public record may not be desirable. Once provided in your Articles of Organization, which also includes the Registered Agent’s address, this information becomes public record under the Vermont Secretary of State.

Public records containing your address can be easily accessed by the public and republished by other websites. This can result in your address being listed on multiple websites and easily found through a Google search. However, we can suggest a strategy to help you keep your address off of public records.

How to keep your address off public records:

It’s common for business owners in Vermont to start their businesses from home. However, please note that the Registered Agent’s address you provide on your LLC Articles of Organization will become public record. To keep your home address private, you can hire a Vermont Registered Agent Service that lets you use their address instead.

Northwest Registered Agent provides this distinctive service without any extra charge. Although there are numerous Vermont Registered Agents, we believe that Northwest is the top-notch Registered Agent Service accessible.

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Vermont?

There are two ways to choose a Vermont Registered Agent – either you can hire someone to be an in-house RA or outsource the service. Alternatively, you can be your own registered agent. It is suggested that you outsource the service, as it is less stressful and more convenient.

In-house Registered Agent

You have two options for the in-house registered agent: you can either appoint someone from within the LLC, including yourself, or hire an individual for this role. If you choose to hire someone, your registered office address or home address will serve as the registered agent’s office address. It’s mandatory for every LLC to provide the state public portal with its primary office address, mailing address, and registered agent’s office address. Opting for a registered agent service can simplify this process, as you can use their address as the mailing address.

Outsourcing Registered Agent Service

You can consider using professional registered agent services to ensure your business is properly represented. We have listed the top registered agent services that can provide you with the assistance you need.


Vermont Registered Agent Costs — $39 or $125/year

If you’re forming an LLC in Vermont, it’s mandated by law that you select a Registered Agent. This is someone or a company who accepts legal notifications and state updates on your behalf. Your appointed Registered Agent must possess a valid street address within the jurisdiction of Vermont and should be available during normal business hours for communication purposes.

Luckily, there are no added expenses if you decide to serve as your own Registered agent or appoint somebody from your circle instead!

Here are our recommended Vermont Registered Agent services:

  • Northwest Registered Agent services is the perfect choice for those seeking to establish a new business and gain access to a registered agent, with full LLC creation package starting at only $39 + state fees.

OR:


What to Consider While Choosing a Vermont Registered Agent

When deciding on a best registered agent service name, it is important to take into account the following factors.

Service Fee: 

LLCGuys-Service-Fee

Choosing the right registered agent is essential for formal businesses as it is a legal requirement in most states. The cost of hiring a registered agent ranges from $99 to $300 per year, but considering the time it will save you, it is a reasonable investment.


Tenure in Business of Registered Agent: 

LLCGuys-Tenure-in-Business-of-Registered-Agent

Based on your message, it seems that you are seeking a national registered agent service with proven procedures and expertise in managing documents. Our suggestion is to choose a Registered Agent Service that has a long track record in the industry. They possess vast experience and are fully equipped to handle all your documentation needs.


State Jurisdiction Limitation:

LLCGuys-State-Jurisdiction-Limitation

To make things easier when expanding to a new state, use the same registered agent service required in all states instead of dealing with multiple registered agent service providers.


Offer Monitoring and Follow-up Services: 

LLCGuys-Offer-Monitoring-and-Follow-up-Services

To make sure you’re aware of the laws and rules that affect your company, choose a registered agent service that provides up-to-date alerts and information as soon as possible. Not all providers offer this service, so be sure to select one that does.


How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Vermont?

When submitting the Vermont Articles of Organization, the LLC can appoint a registered agent. This can be done through online or mail methods and there is no extra fee for it. Only the state filing fee should be paid.

Appoint Registered Agent Online

In order to appoint a registered agent online, you need to visit the Vermont LLC Online Filing page and enter the information of your Registered Agent as required.

Appoint Registered Agent By Mail

To designate a registered agent in Vermont via mail, follow these steps:

1. Download the Vermont LLC filing form (PDF).

2. Complete the “Registered Agent” section of the form with the appropriate details of the agent.

3. Submit the form to the SOS office. Additional information can be found in the Vermont Articles of Organization.


Cost of a Vermont Registered Agent

The cost for having a registered agent can vary depending on whether you choose to have an in-house agent or outsource the service. Being your own agent is also an option. The cost typically ranges from $99 to $300 per year. Choosing to outsource the service in Vermont may be cost-effective.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Vermont

If you want to replace the current registered agent in Vermont, you need to fill out the Change of the registered agent form or office by entity form and submit it to the Vermont Secretary of State either through mail or email.

File Online

To an LLC for email, visit the Vermont Secretary of State portal and fill out the online form. You’ll need to provide all the necessary information about your company as well as your current and previous registered agents. Once completed, the newly appointed registered agent and any authorized member of the LLC must sign the form. By signing, the new registered agent consents to their appointment. Submit the form online.

Fee: $25

File By Mail

To request a paper form for registering a new registered agent in Vermont, go to the Online Form Request page on the portal and find the “Change of Registered Agent or Office” form from the list. Fill out the request form and the paper form will be sent to you.

How to Pay: To file online, you must pay the filing amount to the Vermont Secretary of State using a credit card.


Why Do LLCs in Vermont Need a Registered Agent Service

Below are some of the most important reasons for a business to appoint a registered agent in Vermont.

  • Confidentiality: By hiring a registered agent service in Vermont, you can ensure that your business and its documents are kept completely private. Choosing a registered agent company instead of an individual provides the added benefit of receiving privacy and confidentiality contracts in advance.
  • Up-to-date Compliance: Registered agent services can assist LLCs and corporations with the necessary paperwork and compliance requirements, ensuring that they are kept up-to-date and on time. With a free registered agent service, you can rely on them to maintain a compliance calendar so you don’t have to worry about missing important deadlines.
  • Privacy: In Vermont, business owners must publicly disclose their address to the Secretary of State. However, if you use your home address as your business address, it may not be safe to make it public. To protect your privacy, you can use a registered agent service. They will provide their address to the Vermont SOS instead of using your personal address.
  • Availability: Registered agents are required to be available during standard business hours on weekdays. By hiring a registered agent service, this requirement can be fulfilled without negatively using regular business hours or affecting other tasks at your company.
  • Online Safe Backup: Registered agents, whether in Vermont or any other state, typically create online backups of all important documents and paperwork for LLCs. This helps to ensure that the papers are safely stored in a central system.
  • Lawsuits or Summons: Having to deal with a lawsuit or being summoned can create a negative impact on the employees. However, by having a registered agent, any legal documents will be sent to the agent’s official address instead of being delivered to the owner’s office, so there is no need for small business owners to receive such papers in front of their employees.

How to Remove a Registered Agent for LLC in Vermont

To remove a registered agent for an LLC in Vermont, you can submit a Registered Agent Change Form along with a $25 filing fee to the Vermont Secretary of State.

When it comes to operating an LLC in Vermont, it is important to ensure that accurate information is provided to the registered agent. It may be necessary to remove the registered agent who was appointed during the formation of the LLC. Knowing how to do this is important for any business owner.

It is essential to have a LLC registered agent as they are responsible for maintaining the communication between the LLC and the state, which is crucial for meeting legal requirements. If there is no registered agent, the LLC may miss important documents or could face a lawsuit. Therefore, it is necessary to consider changing the registered agent if any violations occur or if the business has outgrown the current agent’s capabilities.


Best Registered Agent Services for Vermont

As we mentioned before, being your own Registered Agent isn’t the best option for various reasons. That’s why we recommend hiring true professionals and forgetting all of the headaches of legal papers, being available 24/7, and collecting a ton of business mail.

#1 — Northwest Registered Agent Service

Northwest is one of our (and many others) top-rated LLC services. They have thousands of positive testimonials and hundreds of thousands happy customers.
You can read our honest review of Northwest Registered Agent here.

$39+State Fees

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Rating: 4.9/5
Review count: 4850+

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Form an LLC today with Nortwest. They have 98% customer satisfaction rating and over 4150+ verified reviews. They will include 1 year of free registered agent service!


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