Vermont Secretary of State's Office

The office of the Secretary of State performs a number of important functions:

Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA)

The mission of the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration is to:

• Establish and administer a records management program for Vermont public agencies;
• Promote sound records management principles and practices;
• Store inactive or semi-active state agency records according to record schedules;
• Appraise public records for continuing administrative, legal, or historic value;
• Preserve and enhance access to the state government’s archival records; and
• Where appropriate, convert records to different formats for access or preservation purposes.

To achieve this mission VSARA will establish and maintain partnerships with other public agencies and organizations, including the Department of Information and Innovation and its different units in order to effectively manage digital records.

Office of Professional Regulation

Vermont's Office of Professional Regulation protects the public from unethical, incompetent or otherwise unprofessional behavior by licensed practitioners in the professions and occupations that are regulated through the Office. The Office of Professional Regulation licenses, certifies, and registers 39 occupations and professions. The office is also charged with professional discipline.

Corporations

Corporations division is responsible for the registration of business entities -from the small proprietorship (trade name) to the incorporation process. It also is the filing repository for Uniform Commercial Code Filings for the state of Vermont.

Elections

The Elections division protects the integrity of campaigning and elections in Vermont. It administers Vermont’s elections, oversees campaign finance reporting and lobbyist disclosure laws and encourages civic participation through programs like Kids Voting Vermont and Honor a Vet with your Vote.

Municipal Programs

The Office Of The Secretary of State works to strengthen Vermont’s municipalities by providing local officials and members of the public with information, assistance, and educational materials related to municipal law and practice and the requirements of Vermont's open government laws.

Administrative Procedures Act -Rule Making

The Secretary of States Office oversees the filing and publication of administrative rules by all state agencies.

Notary

The Secretary of State’s Office oversees notaries public for the State of Vermont.

Safe At Home

The Safe at Home address confidentiality program helps victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking avoid being tracked down by an abuser using state or local public records. Program participants use the program’s address in all public records and their mail is forwarded to their confidential location.