Starting a business in Utah involves several steps, but one of the first is choosing a business name. This step is a little more complicated when setting up an LLC or corporation in Utah because these entities must have a unique name.
Our step-by-step guide will help you verify that your corporation or LLC is available to use. It will also show you how to quickly search the Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code business name database.
Related: Checklist To Start A Business In Utah
Utah Business Name Search FAQs
Step 1: Visit the Business Name Database
Go to the Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code website.
Step 2: Search for a Business Name
Enter the name you want to use in the “Business Name” field. In this example, we will search for a Utah LLC name by looking up “The Pool Guy.” After entering your name, click “Search.”
Step 3: Review the Results
Searching the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “The Pool Guy.” To register a corporation or LLC name in Utah, the name must be distinguishable from the other names registered. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since one is already registered. If your name comes up in the search, look at the “Status” column. Active means someone is using the name, while “Expired” means it may be able to register.
To find more information about any of the registered business names, click on the “Detail” link to see more information. In this example, we will look up “Pool Guy LLC, The.”
While the name “The Pool Guy” is unavailable, other variants are, such as “The Pool Guy of Utah.” Searching for this business name brings a result that says the business name appears available. Even if the name looks like it is available, the Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code will do its own search to avoid confusing potential customers with a business name that sounds like someone else’s. Typically, words that sound alike but are spelled differently, and even abbreviations, will make names show up as available but won’t be approved.
These are the basics of searching for a business name in Utah. Even when the name of the business you want looks like it is available, the Department of Commerce will make a final determination when filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names.
Also, keep in mind that even though each Corporation and LLC name must be unique, it may not stop someone else from using that name since business names for a sole proprietorship or partnership are not registered by the Secretary of State and are not required to be unique. To protect your business name, consider getting a trademark.
Related: Should I trademark my business name?
What information can be found on the Utah business entity database?
A Utah business entity search can find several pieces of information about the business. Some of the highlights include:
- Business Name
- Company Type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, etc.
- Principal Address: This could be the business’s physical address or where business records are stored.
- Registered Agent Information: A Utah Registered Agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice be sent to the business. This is often one of the owners, and if their home address is used, that address becomes public information.
- Status: Active means the entity is in good standing, and all reports and filing fees are up to date. Names of “Expired” results may be available to register.
- NAICS Code: The North American Industrial Classification System is a number that corresponds to the industry the business is in.
How do I find a name for a Utah sole proprietorship?
What are the naming guidelines for a Utah LLC?
In addition to being unique, a Utah LLC name must include a special designator such as Limited Liability Company, LLC, L.L.C., etc., and it may not use restricted words such as bank or insurance unless the entity is licensed to operate as such.
Can an LLC name be reserved in Utah?
If there is a name you want to use but aren’t ready to form the LLC, the Application for Reservation of Business Name can be filed to hold the name for up to 120 days.
How do I find a name for a Utah sole proprietorship?
A Utah sole proprietorship or partnership can use the business owner(s) full first and last name as the business name, but many will want to operate under a specific business name. In order to register the business name, they will register for a Utah Assumed Business Name, which is also known as “Doing Business As,” DBA, or Fictitious Business Name.
Similar to the corporation or LLC, Assumed Name registrations need to be unique as well.
