File a DBA in Utah

How DBAs work for Utah businesses

DBA registration is also referred to as an "assumed name" or "fictitious name" under Utah Code Title 42, Chapter 2. Once registered, the DBA lets you conduct business under that assumed name instead of the one you used when establishing your business in the state. This gives you greater flexibility and makes it easier for you to use a creative and memorable name that speaks to your brand’s values.

Here’s how it works: Say you own ABC Company, LLC and want to do business as ABC Furniture Rental. You’ll then have to file a DBA with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.

A DBA allows your business to legally operate under a different name while maintaining your original business structure. This is particularly useful for businesses that want to:

• Market under a more customer-friendly name
• Operate multiple business lines under different names
• Rebrand without dissolving their business entity

Who needs a DBA in Utah, and when is it required?

Utah requires a business to file for a DBA designation if it seeks to do business under a name other than its formal legal name. This requirement applies to various business structures operating in Utah. This includes:

• Sole proprietorships when operating under any name other than the owner's legal name
• Partnerships when using a name different from the partners' names
• Limited liability companies (LLCs) when conducting business under a name other than their registered LLC name
• Corporations when operating divisions or subsidiaries under different names

Common scenarios requiring a DBA in Utah

There are a few situations when registering a DBA with the state is necessary.

• You want to open a bank account under the branded name. If you want to use a different name than your officially registered name to open a bank account, you’ll need to register your DBA with the state.
• You want to use that assumed name for contracts. For contracts to be legally binding using your assumed name, that name must be registered with the state.
• You want to build business credibility. Using an unregistered assumed name makes it hard for vendors and customers alike to have confidence that your brand is legitimate. Registering your DBA makes your business look more official and can inspire confidence in your company. 
• You want to separate your business into different categories. If you offer multiple services and want to distinguish those services with different variations of your brand’s name, you’ll need to file your DBA in the state for each category or name you use.

What a DBA doesn’t do

DBAs let you use a name that speaks to your business’ values and your services more accurately than your registered name. But before you file, it’s important to note that DBAs do have some limitations. They don’t:

• Create a separate legal entity
• Provide liability protection
• Change your tax structure or obligations
• Grant trademark rights to the name

Where to file a DBA in Utah

In Utah, DBA registrations are filed at the state level with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, not at the county level. This centralized system makes the process more streamlined compared to states that require county-level filings.

If you’re confident in your ability to manage the necessary paperwork on your own, you can file directly with the Utah Division of Corporations. 

However, if you want help or want to make sure everything is filed correctly, choosing a DBA filing service like LegalZoom can help. When you choose LegalZoom, you’ll also be able to easily search for your preferred business name to make sure it’s available before you start the registration process.

How to file a DBA in Utah

Step 1: Choose your DBA name

Select a name that accurately represents your business activities. Avoid names that could be perceived as fraudulent or deceptive in nature, which misrepresent the activities of the business, or which indicate that the business is a type of entity that it is not.

Utah does have some requirements in place that you’ll need to follow.

• Cannot be identical to existing registered business names
• Cannot imply government affiliation without proper authorization
• Cannot include restricted words without proper licensing
• Must not be misleading about the nature of your business

Step 2: Search name availability 

Filing for a DBA usually begins with a search to ensure the name selected is actually available and is not already in use. You can search the names of Utah business entities already on file through the Utah Division of Corporations website.

Remember that just because you can register a name in Utah doesn't mean you've got a legal right to use that name. If another company hasn’t registered that name in Utah, you would be able to register that name for yourself. However, federal trademark laws would come into play, and you could face a lawsuit for trademark infringement if you use the name without checking its availability.

Step 3: Confirm your business structure and eligibility

Verify that your current business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or partnership) is eligible to file a DBA in Utah. Most business types can register a DBA, but the requirements may vary slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the required information and documents

Gather the following information before starting your application:

• Your legal business name and structure
• Proposed DBA name
• Business address in Utah
• Nature of business activities
• Effective date for the DBA (if different from filing date)
• Contact information for the business owner or authorized representative

Step 5: Complete the online application

Access the Utah Business Registration Portal using your UtahID login credentials. Navigate to the DBA registration section and complete the online application form with all required information.

Check the Secretary of State's website for detailed filing instructions, which include all of the relevant information they will need in order to complete the application process.

Step 6: Pay the filing fee

Submit the required filing fee through the online portal. Utah accepts various payment methods, including credit cards and electronic bank transfers. If you’re using a filing service, you may pay an additional cost for the help you get preparing your documents.

Step 7: Receive confirmation and proof of filing

Once your application is processed and approved, you'll receive official confirmation and documentation of your DBA registration. Keep this documentation for your business records and future reference.

How much does a DBA cost in Utah?

Filing for a DBA in Utah for the first time costs business owners $22. However, if you choose to reserve your name before filing, you’ll need to pay an additional $22 to the state. Those fees can change from year to year, so be sure to check the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code for updated information each year.

Your DBA registration in Utah is valid for three years. At the end of the three years, you’ll need to renew your DBA for $18.

The state filing fee for a DBA in Utah is typically modest compared to other business filings. Keep in mind that you may pay higher rates for expedited processing or using a filing service for your registration.

Typical processing times

Processing times can vary depending on how you file for your DBA.

• Online filing: Generally processed within 1–3 business days
• Mail filing: May take 7–10 business days for processing
• Expedited service: Same-day or next-day processing available for additional fees

Renewal frequency and process

Utah DBA registrations typically require periodic renewal to remain active. The renewal frequency and requirements are specified in your initial filing documentation and Utah state regulations. Typically, DBA registrations are valid for three years.

Accepted payment methods

The Utah Business Registration portal accepts:

• Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
• Electronic bank transfers (ACH)
• Business checks for mail-in applications

Does Utah require publication for a DBA?