When navigating the business landscape in Utah, conducting a Utah business entity search is a vital step for entrepreneurs, investors, legal professionals, and consumers alike. Whether you’re forming a new business, checking the status of an existing company, or conducting due diligence, the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code provides a robust platform for searching business entities. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about performing a business entity search in Utah, interpreting results, and taking the next steps to form or manage a business entity.
What is the Utah Business Entity Search?
The Utah Business Entity Search is a public tool offered by the Utah Department of Commerce that allows users to search for information about registered business entities in the state. This includes:
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LLCs (Limited Liability Companies)
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Corporations (C-Corp, S-Corp)
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Non-Profits
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Partnerships
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DBAs (Doing Business As / Assumed Names)
The search results provide crucial business details such as business name, entity type, registration status, principal address, registered agent, and filing history.
Why Perform a Utah Business Entity Search?
Verifying business legitimacy is essential for several reasons:
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Check Name Availability when starting a new business.
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Confirm Entity Status (active, expired, delinquent, dissolved).
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View Ownership and Registered Agent Information.
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Access Filing Documents including certificates and amendments.
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Perform Due Diligence before partnerships or investments.
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Monitor Competitors or industry activity.
How to Use the Utah Business Entity Search Tool
The search interface is user-friendly and offers several ways to conduct a search.
Search by Business Name
Enter the full or partial name of a business. The tool supports wildcard searches and partial matches, making it easy to find entities even if you don’t know the exact name.
Search by Entity Number
If you already have the entity number (provided on official documents or prior searches), this is the fastest and most accurate search method.
Search by Executive Name
Look up businesses based on the names of officers, directors, members, or managers. Ideal for tracking businesses associated with a specific individual.
Understanding the Search Results
Each search result includes valuable business insights:
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Business Name (including any assumed names)
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Entity Number
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Type of Entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
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Status (Active, Expired, etc.)
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Date of Registration
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State of Incorporation
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Registered Agent Name & Address
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Business Address
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Annual Report Due Date
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Filings & Documents
These details are essential for legal, compliance, and operational purposes.
How to Check Business Name Availability in Utah
When forming a new company in Utah, your business name must be unique and distinguishable from existing entities.
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Use the Utah Business Name Search function.
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Check for any exact or similar names that may cause confusion.
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Confirm the name does not violate trademark protections or naming conventions.
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Consider reserving the name (optional) for 120 days for a nominal fee through the Utah Division of Corporations.
How to Register a Business Entity in Utah
Once your desired name is confirmed, follow these steps to form a legal business in Utah:
Step 1: Choose an Entity Type
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LLC – Great for flexibility and liability protection.
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Corporation – Ideal for larger businesses and raising capital.
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Nonprofit – For charitable or mission-driven entities.
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Partnership – Simple structure for shared ownership.
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
A Registered Agent is a person or business authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of the company. Utah law requires every entity to maintain a registered agent with a physical Utah address.
Step 3: File Certificate of Organization or Incorporation
You can file online or by mail with the Utah Division of Corporations:
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Certificate of Organization (for LLCs)
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Articles of Incorporation (for corporations)
Fees vary by entity type, typically around $54–$70.
Step 4: Apply for EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Obtain your EIN from the IRS for tax purposes. Required for hiring employees, opening a bank account, and more.
Step 5: File for Additional Licenses or Permits
Depending on your business activity and location, you may need local or state business licenses. Visit Utah’s OneStop Business Registration Portal for a seamless process.
Maintaining Your Utah Business Entity
Once formed, your Utah business has ongoing compliance obligations:
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Annual Renewals: Utah entities must file Annual Renewal Reports to maintain good standing.
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Registered Agent Updates: Must be reported promptly.
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Changes in Ownership or Structure: Require amendments through official filings.
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Dissolution or Withdrawal: Entities no longer doing business must file for voluntary dissolution to avoid penalties.
Accessing Utah Business Documents Online
The Utah business search portal allows access to:
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Certificate of Existence
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Articles of Organization or Incorporation
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Amendments & Name Changes
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Dissolution Documents
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Annual Reports
Documents can be viewed, printed, or ordered for official use.
Pro Tips for Navigating the Utah Business Entity Database
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Use partial names when unsure of exact spelling.
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Use the “Begins With” filter for broader results.
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Always double-check business status for the most up-to-date information.
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Search trademarks if you plan to operate under a brand name.
Utah Business Entity Lookup Alternatives
In addition to the official Utah Division of Corporations search, consider using:
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SEC EDGAR Database – For publicly traded companies.
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County Clerk’s Office – For sole proprietorships and partnerships registered under a DBA.
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U.S. Patent and Trademark Office – To search trademarks.
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Utah Tax Commission – To verify tax status or resale certificates.
Legal and Financial Due Diligence
For investors, lenders, and partners, it’s essential to use the Utah business entity search to perform background checks, review corporate structure, verify good standing, and confirm agent and ownership information before entering agreements.
Conclusion
Conducting a Utah business entity search is a fundamental step whether you’re starting a company, doing business with another organization, or ensuring your entity is compliant. The Utah Department of Commerce provides a reliable and intuitive platform to access business records, verify legitimacy, and manage filings. Leveraging this tool can save you time, protect you legally, and help you navigate Utah’s business environment with confidence.
