Get a Vermont Registered Agent

One of the things you’ll need to determine before filing your paperwork to form a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or another registered business in Vermont is who will serve as your registered agent. The state of Vermont requires all state-registered businesses to have one, but what is a registered agent, exactly? What are their duties, and what are the requirements to be one?

What is a Vermont registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or business that is designated by a business to receive important legal documents on behalf of the company. This position is crucial to ensure that the correct people within an LLC or corporation are notified in person when there are time-sensitive events, such as service of process for lawsuits. The agent also receives important notices from the state, such as garnishment notices against employees, notices of annual reports, and important tax notices.

Who can be a registered agent in Vermont?

The Vermont registered agent requirements are actually pretty simple. A registered agent may be either:

• An individual person who is a resident of the state
• A domestic business corporation or nonprofit or a foreign corporation that’s qualified to do business in Vermont

Whether you pick an individual or a business, your appointed registered agent needs to be present at their registered office address. The registered office address needs to be an actual, physical address in Pennsylvania; P.O. boxes and virtual mailing addresses don’t qualify. The agent needs to be present at that address during all regular business hours.

Benefits of Using a Vermont Registered Agent Service

Opting for a registered agent service offers several benefits. These services specialize in receiving and relaying official paperwork during standard business hours, helping ensure nothing slips through the cracks. They give you peace of mind to go work around town and travel without worrying about your legal mail. If you serve as your own registered agent, you’ll be required to stay at the registered office during all normal business hours, which makes meeting up with clients, going on vacation, etc., difficult. Many services also offer extra perks like digital access to your critical documents, compliance and annual report notices, and more.

In addition, a professional registered agent company can help protect you from potential embarrassment. If you’re acting as your own agent, you’ll have to accept service of process yourself, which means whomever you’re with at the time — maybe a client or business partner — will know you’re facing a lawsuit. But if you use an agent service, the process server will go to the registered agent’s address. Your agent will handle these notifications privately, discreetly, and promptly.

How is a registered agent appointed in Vermont?

You must designate your registered agent when you complete the official paperwork with the state of Vermont to form your business, so you need to decide who your registered agent or registered agent service will be before starting that process. Of course, you need to be sure to inform whomever you’re appointing and get their permission before appointing them.

How much does it cost for a registered agent in Vermont?

The cost of a registered agent in Vermont varies based on whether you choose an individual or a professional service. If you opt to be your own registered agent or designate someone you know, the costs can be minimal, primarily associated with the potential need to maintain a physical street address or office space during business hours. For many small business owners, being their own agent requires no out-of-pocket cost but requires time and attention instead. 

On the other hand, professional registered agent services usually come with a fee. These fees can range from $100 to a few hundred dollars annually, depending largely on the level of services offered. While using a professional service might seem like an added expense, the benefits they provide — like helping ensure compliance, protecting your professional image, and offering added peace of mind through knowledgeable customer service — often justify the cost for many businesses.

Cost of Changing Registered Agents

If you need to change your registered agent in Vermont, you need to file the Change of Registered Agent form. You can file online or by mail, but either method will cost you $35.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Vermont

Changing your registered agent in Vermont requires some administrative effort to ensure the state records are up to date and your business remains compliant. To begin, it’s vital to first determine who your new registered agent will be. If you’re considering transitioning to a professional service or selecting another individual, ensure you obtain their consent and verify that they meet Vermont’s requirements for registered agents.

After you’ve picked your new agent and gotten their consent, it’s time to file the Change of Registered Agent form. Vermont recommends filing online to save time and have faster processing speeds. You’ll log into the Secretary of State website (create an account if you don’t already have one) and make the change in your portal. There you’ll provide information about your former agent, your new one, and some basic facts about your business. You’ll need a credit card on hand to pay the $35 filing fee.

Change of Registered Agent Requirements

When changing a registered agent, the new agent must meet the same requirements: be a Vermont resident or a business authorized to conduct business in Vermont, have a physical street address in the state, and be available during all normal business hours.

Vermont Secretary of State Contact Information

Resignation of Vermont Registered Agent

If a registered agent needs to resign, they have two choices. First, they could resign directly with the business and request that the business file the necessary Change of Registered Agent form.

The second choice is to file the Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent form with the Vermont Secretary of State. The agent remains on file for 31 days after resignation unless a replacement is appointed sooner. To resign by this method, follow the steps below:

Steps to Remove a Registered Agent

1. Notify your business: Vermont state law doesn’t technically require you to notify the business that you’re resigning, but it’s recommended to do so. Not only is this notification a professional courtesy, but it also helps the business stay compliant with state requirements as seamlessly as possible.
2. Submit your resignation: Complete the “Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent” form and mail it with two copies to the Secretary of State (there’s no filing fee). The state will forward a copy of your resignation to the business you’re resigning from, alerting them that they need to appoint a replacement.
3. Hand off your responsibilities: Help your business transition to a new registered agent to avoid penalties. A valid registered agent is crucial to maintaining the company’s good standing.