Limited Partnership (LP)

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.

General vs. Limited Partners

General Partners are the operators who control and manage the partnership, and are jointly and severally liable for all its debts and obligations.

Limited Partners generally do not control or participate in the management of the partnership and liable only up to the amount invested by them.

Foreign (non-Vermont) LPs Doing Business in Vermont

If you are an existing out-of-state LP and wish to do business in Vermont, you need to file a Foreign Limited Partnership Registration with the Office of the Secretary of State. For more information about registering as a foreign LP, please see Foreign Business Registration.

Business Name of an LP

The business name of an LP must end with the phrase "Limited Partnership," or the abbreviation "LP."

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

Duration of Registration

LPs are, uniquely, not renewed on a specific schedule. For renewal information, please see Renewals.