How to Register a Business Name in Utah

In the State of Utah, registering a business name and registering a business are one and the same. All business entities in the state must register with the state, as well as with their local county and city governments, as applicable. The state registration will require a fee, and most city and county registrations will require a small fee, as well. Some business registrations will require other licensing or neighbor approvals. The only way to check the availability of a business name and to register a business name is through the Utah Department of Commerce. City and county registrations are additional steps in the process of legally doing business in Utah. Read on to learn more about how to register a business name in Utah.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Complete information regarding the business being registered
• Funds for fee payment (credit/debit card to use for online payment)

1. Check business name availability with the Utah Department of Commerce. If the name is available, you may register it. If not, you will need to choose a different business name and repeat this step.

2. Enter the “OneStop” section of the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code site in order to register your business name and business. You will need to answer some preliminary questions before you may begin.

3. Create a Registration Account for the OneStop site. Once you have completed the registration, if you need to stop and save at any point in the process you may do so. Your information will be saved so you may continue the process later. Information will be saved for up to 120 days.

4. Complete the online registration application and pay the appropriate fee through the OneStop site.

5. Use the OneStop site Local Municipality Contact Information page to contact your city and county about their business registration requirements. Generally, you will need to fill out more paperwork and pay another fee. These registrations usually are only valid for one year, but your municipality will send out a renewal notice before expiration.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not ready to register your business name, but want to reserve it, you may do so by filling out a Business Name Reservation Application. The application will need to be turned into the Department of Corporations for it to be valid. A non-refundable fee will be assessed, as well. The reservation is only valid for 120 days from the date of approval. However, if you reserve a name, you must cancel the reservation in order to use the name when you register your business. Registering your business is what legally secures your business name and registers it to you. A reservation of it only puts it on hold for you. It does not legally give you ownership of the name.
• The “OneStop” section of the division’s website offers a demo regarding how to complete the “OneStop” process online. The demo is accessible at the start page of the “OneStop” section of the site.
• To view a summary list of the information needed for business registration, review the OneStop Online Registration Checklist.
• The Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code will send out a reminder postcard before your business renewal is due. This renewal is for your business name as well as for your business. It is important to keep your contact information current with the division, and to track when your registration expires.
• Business name registration is not just for big companies. Sole Proprietors and those “Doing Business As” must also register their business name. This includes home businesses.
• All business names must be re-registered every three years in order to remain valid. All businesses operating in Utah must have a registered business name in order to operate legally. Unregistered businesses may be subject to fines and penalties.
• If changes occur with your business such as contact information, location or principals involved, the information needs to be updated with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. Utah State offers the ability to make such changes online on their website. Alternatively, a form may be filled out and mailed in. Copies of the form may be picked up from the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, requested by phone, or downloaded and printed from the website.

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Resources

• Business name availability search
• OneStop online business registration
• OneStop online registration checklist
• Business name reservation application
• Business registration information changes online