If you’re planning to start a business in Utah under a name other than your own, you will need to register for a business name. Business name registration is commonly referred to as a Utah DBA or “Doing Business As.”
Check out our guide to see if you need to register for a Utah DBA and the steps to register.
Related: Starting A Business In Utah Checklist
Who Needs to Register for a Utah DBA?
The requirements for registering an Assumed Business Name are organized under Utah Statutes, UT Code § 42-2-51. Naming requirements vary depending on the type of business entity.
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are the most common business structures for Utah DBA registration. By default, the name of a sole proprietorship and general partnership is the owner(s) legal name. If the small business owner wants to operate under a specific name, they need to complete the DBA registration.
For example, if Jackson Smith starts a small business repairing appliances and operates under the name Jackson Smith, he doesn’t need to register. However, if John decides to name his business John’s Appliance Repair, he will to register a DBA.
Related: How To Start A Sole Proprietorship In Utah
A corporation, Limited Liability Company, or Limited Partnership won’t typically register for a Utah DBA since a unique entity name is created during the entity formation process. However, some will want to register for a DBA if they have another business or brand name they want to operate in addition to the legal name of the business. This can allow multiple businesses to operate with the liability protection of a Utah corporation or Limited Liability Company without forming another entity.
What are the steps to file a DBA in Utah?
Step 1: Verify Name Availability
A business may not register a name that is the same or similar to another business in Utah. So, the first step in the DBA registration process is doing a Utah business name search through the Utah Department of Commerce.
Step 2: Fill out the DBA Application
Utah DBA name registration forms are available from the Utah Department of Commerce – https://corporations.utah.gov/business/dba.html
Information requested on the form includes:
- Requested business name
- Business purpose
- Business Address
- Name and address of Registered Agent (if applicable)
- Owner’s name and address
Step 3: Submit the DBA Application
Submit the form and filing fee to the Utah Department of Commerce. If mailing, send the form to:
Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations & Commercial Code
PO Box 146705
Salt Lake City, UT 84116-6705
To fax, send to (801) 530-6438
If you have questions about the process, contact the Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code at 877-526-3994 or corpucc@utah.gov.
Utah DBA FAQs
How long does it take to get a Utah DBA?
It normally only takes one day for the Utah Department of Commerce to process DBA applications.
How much does it cost to file a Utah DBA?
The state filing fee to register a DBA in Utah is $22. The registration is good for three years and can be renewed.
Are there any words that can’t be used in a Utah DBA?
DBAs can’t be registered using words related to Olympic, university, college, or any word that implies the business is a state-run agency or department. Names may also not use the terms incorporated, inc, or any similar variation. Last, names have to be written in English.
After registering a Utah DBA, can someone use my business name?
While registering your DBA will keep someone else from registering the same name in Utah, it does very little to stop someone else from operating that business name in other states. If stopping others from using your business name is important, you can protect it through a trademark.
Related: How to trademark a business name
Does a DBA need an EIN?
An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a unique nine-digit number for which some businesses will register through the Internal Revenue Department (IRS). An EIN is required for partnerships, corporations, multi-member LLCs, or any business with employees.
Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs without employees can use the owner’s social security number to identify the business.
There is no cost to get an EIN when registering directly from the IRS.
Can I have more than one DBA in Utah?
The number of DBAs that can be registered in Utah is unlimited. However, DBAs expire every three years and require renewal, so cost can be a concern.
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