Vermont Secretary of State

Overview

The Vermont Secretary of State is one of the five cabinet-level constitutional officers in Vermont, responsible for a wide array of civic and administrative functions. Established in 1778, the Office protects the integrity of the democratic process, oversees professional licensing, and preserves state records. Located at 128 State Street in Montpelier, the Secretary of State’s office serves as the primary interface for business registrations and election administration in the Green Mountain State.

Elections and Civics

The Elections Division administers Vermont’s elections, ensuring they are fair, accurate, and accessible. Responsibilities include:

Maintaining the statewide voter checklist.
Overseeing campaign finance reporting and lobbyist disclosure.
Coordinating with Town Clerks to administer local and general elections.
Providing civic education resources to the public.

Business Services

For entrepreneurs and companies, the Corporations Division is the first stop for doing business in Vermont. The office manages the registration of:

Corporations, LLCs, and Partnerships.
Trade Names (DBAs) and Trademarks.
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) liens.

The division offers a robust online portal allowing for the rapid filing of annual reports and formation documents, making it easier for businesses to remain compliant with state laws.

Office of Professional Regulation (OPR)

The OPR protects the public by licensing and regulating over 50 professions, ranging from nurses and architects to accountants and tattoo artists. This division investigates complaints of unprofessional conduct and ensures that practitioners meet the necessary educational and ethical standards to practice safely in Vermont.

State Archives and Records

The Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) is charged with preserving the permanent records of the state government. While the archives themselves are housed in a specialized facility in Middlesex, the administrative oversight comes from the Secretary of State. This division promotes transparency by helping public agencies manage their records and ensuring public access to government documents.

Visiting the Office

The office at 128 State Street is situated in the heart of the Montpelier Capitol Complex. Visitors typically come for authentication of documents (apostilles), specific filing assistance that cannot be done online, or historical inquiries. The building maintains standard state security protocols. Metered parking is available along State Street, and the location is easily accessible via local transit routes servicing the downtown area.