Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Online filing normally takes less than 1 business day. Please allow 7-10 business days for the processing of any filings received by mail. Online registration is the preferred method. There is no extra fee for online registration.

Register Online

We recommend that you consult with an attorney, accountant, or business advisor about which business structure is best for you.

Do not invest in websites, signs, business cards, or other marketing materials until you receive a certificate confirming the availability and your ownership of the requested name.

Under Vermont's “distinguishable on the record” standard, if the requested name is too similar to an already registered name, such that it would confuse the public as to whom they are dealing with, it will be rejected. All registrations are subject to name availability rules. To avoid conflicts, please search our online database for your desired business name.

LLP

A limited liability partnership (LLP) is a general (equal) partnership that voluntarily registers with the Corporations Division as an LLP. The law specifically allows any general partnership to register as an LLP. The primary reason for a partnership to register as an LLP is that the partners in an LLP will not have individual or personal liability for a partnership’s debts. By having this liability shield, the partner is placed in a similar position to that of a stockholder in a corporation.

An obligation of an LLP is solely the obligation of the LLP. A partner is not personally liable, directly or indirectly, by way of contribution or otherwise, for such an obligation solely due to being, or so acting, as a partner.

Foreign (Non-Vermont) LLPs Doing Business in Vermont

If you are an existing out-of-state LLP and wish to do business in Vermont, you need to request a Statement of Qualification form from the Office of the Secretary of State. For more information about registering as a foreign LLP, please see Foreign Business Registration.

Business name of a Limited Liability Partnership

The name of a limited liability partnership must end with one of the following phrases or abbreviations thereof:

• "Registered Limited Liability Partnership" ("RLLP")
• "Limited Liability Partnership" ("LLP")

LLP business names may NOT contain the word "cooperative," nor the abbreviation "coop."

Duration of Registration

Once registered, you must renew your LLP registration each year. For renewal information, please see Annual/Biennial Reports.