How to Search Utah Business Entities?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
    Table of Contents
      Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

      How to Search Utah Business Entities?

      Utah has earned a reputation as a business powerhouse. Its pro-business environment is blended with the innovative energy of the “Silicon Slopes.” Among the most business-friendly states in the nation, Utah also takes pride in the fact that nearly half its workforce is employed by small businesses.

      Per the 2024 Small Business Administration (SBA) report, the state has over 352,000 small businesses, which make up 99.4% of all enterprises. These businesses range from tech startups and real estate firms to nonprofits and retail establishments. Professional and technical services lead the charge, closely followed by real estate and retail trade sectors.

      The Beehive State’s streamlined processes make registering business entities, whether corporations, partnerships, or nonprofits, simple. Entrepreneurs and investors can turn to the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code as a trusted resource for navigating and researching businesses in the state.

      The steps below detail how to perform a business entity search in Utah:

      Access the Utah Business Registration Search Page

      The Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, under the state’s Department of Commerce, makes its business registry available to the public. Users must visit its website to begin the process.

      From there, individuals must take the following steps:

      • Navigate to the Searches menu in the website’s header.
      • Select Business Entity Search from the options that appear.

      Users can also directly access the link at https://businessregistration.utah.gov/EntitySearch/OnlineEntitySearch#.

      Enter the Search Criteria

      Users can conduct a search by entering one or more of the following criteria:

      • Name
      • Entity Number
      • Domicile Name
      • Principal Name
      • Registered Agent Name

      Advanced search features, including filters for entity type, domesticity, and other criteria, are available for those seeking more specific results.

      Once the relevant information is entered, submitting the search will generate results.

      Review the Utah Business Entity Search Results

      The search results will be displayed in a table, with each row containing basic details about the entities that match the criteria. These details include:

      • Name
      • Other name
      • Filing date
      • Status (e.g., active, dissolved, or expired)
      • Status details
      • Entity type and subtype
      • Entity number

      Users can scroll through the list to find the desired business entity. They can then access further information by selecting the entity name.

      Examine Business Entity Details

      The detailed view provides comprehensive information about the selected business entity, organized into several sections:

      • Entity Information
      • Registered Agent Information
      • Principal Information
      • Address Information
      • Service of Process Information

      Users can also access additional details, such as filing history, name changes, and any mergers or conversions, which will lead to a new page. For their convenience, options are available to return to the search results or start a new search.

      Further Assistance

      For additional support, the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code provides multiple contact options:

      Live chat assistance is also available during business hours for those requiring immediate help.

      Why Do a Utah Entity Search?

      A Utah business entity search helps individuals and organizations obtain vital information about companies registered within the state. Below are some of the reasons why performing an entity search in Utah is essential:

      • Checking Name Availability: Per Utah law, if a business name is unique and not similar to other names or trademarks recorded in the business registry, then the state may grant approval for its use. By performing a name search, individuals can determine that the desired business name is not already in use or reserved by another entity. Doing this step helps avoid legal complications and any potential trademark conflicts down the road.
      • Verifying Business Registration:  The business verification confirms that the entity has been legally established within Utah and is in good standing with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. The database includes records of previous filings, ownership changes, mergers, or structural modifications for review. This process provides peace of mind for potential investors, partners, or clients.
      • Checking Export Partnership Potential: Utah’s small businesses are significant players in international trade, with firms contributing $9.5 billion in exports, according to the latest SBA (Small Business Administration) report. Entity searches help identify potential export partners and verify their business standing, financial stability, and reliability.
      • Exploring Opportunities in the Tech Sector: Professional and technical services constitute Utah’s most prominent business sector. Conducting entity searches can identify potential collaborators or assess competitors in the rapidly growing industry.
      • Identifying Registered Agents: Registered agents are the designated individuals or entities that receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of a business. Through them, companies can receive timely notifications regarding legal matters, regulatory updates, and other critical administrative tasks. Knowing the registered agent also facilitates communication with the company if necessary.

      Who Holds Data for Utah Business Entity Search

      Besides the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, other agencies and organizations hold data pertinent to Utah business entity searches. Some of them are the following:

      Utah Insurance Department

      The Utah Insurance Department is tasked with regulating and supervising the insurance industry in the state. A key focus of the department is consumer protection, which includes addressing complaints, investigating fraudulent activities, and ensuring that insurance policies adhere to state regulations. As the state’s licensing authority, the department offers a license search tool to help individuals verify the status of insurance companies and agencies.

      Additionally, it monitors the financial stability and ethical practices of insurance providers, which includes agents, brokers, adjusters, and companies, and subjects them to the state’s rigorous standards.

      Utah Department of Workforce Services

      The Utah Department of Workforce Services provides various programs and services aimed at helping residents achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency. It assists job seekers by offering career counseling, training programs, and job boards while helping employers find qualified candidates.

      Workforce development is another focus, with education, training, and vocational rehabilitation services designed to help individuals improve their skills and access better job opportunities. As part of its mandate, the department manages FirmFind, an employer search tool built on the department’s unemployment insurance system. FirmFind allows users to filter by industry, occupation, specific firm, or largest employers.

      The tool provides detailed information, including the contact information, type of industry, and employment size range of all firms in the state.

      Utah Department of Health & Human Services

      The Utah Department of Health & Human Services offers a wide range of programs aimed at improving the health, safety, and well-being of residents across the state. The department addresses public health issues such as infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and environmental risks while also promoting preventative care and health education. One of the department’s key components is the Division of Licensing and Background Checks.

      This division provides tools for citizens to locate licensed healthcare providers through the Find Health Providers resource and to search for regulated care facilities using the Find Facilities tool. These services make it easier for residents to identify trustworthy providers and facilities.

      Utah Department of Government Operations

      The Utah Department of Government Operations assists state agencies by providing them with administrative and operational support. The department also oversees human resources, which includes managing the hiring, training, and retention of state employees for a skilled workforce.

      The department also manages procurement and contracting services for government agencies. Through its Division of Purchasing and General Services, the department offers a tool for searching state cooperative contracts, which makes it easier for the public to search for ongoing arrangements with private companies and for businesses to find procurement opportunities.

      Utah Department of Environmental Quality

      The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) protects the state’s environment by overseeing air, water, and land resources. Its mission is to reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices across the state.

      In addition, the DEQ is responsible for waste management to make sure that both solid and hazardous waste is properly disposed of. The DEQ issues permits for activities that may impact the environment, such as industrial operations. The department offers the Businesses and Facilities Index, a resource that provides detailed information on businesses and government entities that regularly engage with the department for permits, licenses, certifications, or special environmental issues.

      County Clerk’s Offices

      In Utah, county clerks are responsible for managing business records at the local level, such as business licenses, partnership agreements, and incorporation papers. Responsibilities can vary by county, so business owners should contact their local office to clarify specific requirements.

      Some counties offer searchable databases online, while others may require an in-person visit to access information.

      Local Governments

      Local governments manage business licenses, zoning rules, and compliance with local laws. They also handle property tax assessments, register certain specialized businesses, and keep records like building permits, inspections, and safety regulations. Many local governments offer online resources for applying for licenses, requesting permits, or accessing public records.

      Since processes can vary by location, business owners should consult their local government for specific requirements.

      Some government websites provide online access to records and other resources, but others may only accommodate in-person or mail requests.

      Federal Agencies

      While state and local governments manage many aspects of business operations, federal agencies ensure that businesses meet national standards and comply with regulations affecting various industries. For example, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for overseeing federal tax obligations, such as issuing Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) and compliance with tax laws. Other federal agencies regulate specific industries.

      The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces environmental standards, while the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) implements labor laws, workplace safety, and wage regulations.  Additionally, businesses involved in importing or exporting goods must comply with regulations set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Most federal agencies have their records available for public inspection.

      Commercial Database Providers

      Commercial databases, like Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) and LexisNexis, provide valuable business information not typically found in public records.  D&B offers detailed profiles on millions of companies worldwide, including credit reports, financial performance data, and industry classifications. On the other hand, LexisNexis provides a broad range of legal, regulatory, and business data, including company filings, financial reports, and news.

      These databases are widely used by professionals in legal, financial, and corporate sectors for research, compliance, and analysis. They offer specialized, real-time data that can support market analysis, risk assessments, and decision-making, though they typically require a subscription or payment to access.

      What Are Different Entities You Can Register in Utah?

      In Utah, businesses can register under several different types of entities, each offering its legal structure and implications. The entities available for registration include:

      • Corporation: In Utah, a corporation is a distinct legal entity, separate from its shareholders (owners) and officers (managers), which is governed by the Utah Revised Business Corporation Act. As an independent legal entity, the corporation’s existence is unaffected by changes in ownership or management, and it can own, hold, and transfer property in its name.  Shareholders in a corporation have limited liability, which means they are generally not personally liable for the corporation’s debts beyond their initial investment in the company. However, under certain circumstances, courts may “pierce the corporate veil” and hold shareholders accountable for corporate debts. Ownership interests in a corporation are freely transferable, and shareholders may sell or transfer their shares at any time. Unless they are also officers or directors, shareholders are not involved in the day-to-day management of the business and do not owe fiduciary duties to the corporation.
      • Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC is a flexible business entity that combines the operational simplicity of a general partnership with the liability protection of a corporation.  Unlike corporations, LLCs are not required to hold annual meetings or follow strict corporate formalities. However, they must comply with certain disclosures and reporting that are not applicable to general partnerships. There are also no restrictions on the number or type of owners, and they have greater involvement in management compared to limited partners in a limited partnership. The management structure is determined by the LLC’s Certificate of Organization, with members either managing the business or appointing managers.
      • Benefit Corporation: A benefit corporation is a business structure tailored for for-profit companies that strive to balance financial profit with societal and environmental well-being. Although directors in a benefit corporation maintain the same authority as those in traditional corporations, their performance is assessed based on the company’s success in achieving its stated social and environmental objectives. Shareholders evaluate whether the organization has made a meaningful positive impact in alignment with its mission.
      • Low-Profit Limited Liability Company (L3C): An L3C is a special type of business that focuses on helping charitable or educational causes rather than making a lot of money. It is set up with the main goal of doing good for society, and any profit it makes is secondary. The company cannot be created to increase the value of its property, and it cannot be used to push political or legislative goals.
      • Limited Liability Decentralized Autonomous Organization (LLD or DAO): A DAO is a type of organization that leverages blockchain technology and smart contracts to function without centralized authority or intermediaries. It is built to operate autonomously and with transparency and is governed collectively by its participants through a consensus-driven model. Unlike traditional organizations, where decision-making is handled by a central body such as a management team, a DAO relies on smart contracts to establish and enforce its rules. These smart contracts are self-executing and contain the terms of the agreement directly within the code. A DAO can be formed in the state by filing a DAO application form with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.
      • General Partnership: In Utah, a general partnership is created when two or more individuals agree to operate a business for profit. This agreement can be informal, but partnerships using an assumed name must be registered with the state as required by Utah law.  Partners share fiduciary duties of loyalty and trust and have equal rights to manage the business and act as agents. However, partners also share unlimited liability for the partnership’s debts, which means creditors can pursue their personal assets if the business cannot meet its financial obligations. Partnerships are not taxed as different entities. Instead, profits pass through to the partners and are declared on their individual tax returns. Partnerships can own property in their name, but a partner’s ownership interest cannot be freely transferred.
      • Limited Partnership: A limited partnership is a specific type of partnership with a distinct structure. It includes at least one general partner, who assumes full liability for the business’s debts, and at least one limited partner, whose liability is restricted to their capital contribution. Limited partners do not have a role in the management of the business unless they risk being classified as general partners. In Utah, limited partnerships are governed by the Utah Uniform Limited Partnership Act. To form a limited partnership, the general partners must file a Certificate of Limited Partnership with the state.
      • Sole Proprietorship: This structure, where the owner is the only person responsible for managing the entire business, is the most common in Utah. The sole proprietor has full control over operations and retains all profits but also assumes complete responsibility for the business’s liabilities. If the business faces financial difficulties, the proprietor’s personal assets can be used to cover debts. The appeal of a sole proprietorship lies in its ease of formation and low cost. No formal registration is required, and many individuals automatically create a sole proprietorship when they start a business without selecting another structure. Since a sole proprietorship is not a separate legal entity, it cannot sue or be sued in its name.

      Useful Additional Information on the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code’s Websites

      In addition to entity searches, the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code provides a variety of services and resources for businesses, including:

      Business Registration System

      The Business Registration System is a comprehensive platform designed to simplify business processes for Utah entities. It provides various services, including name availability searches, certificate authentication, and name reservations. Users can also conveniently access filing forms, order documents and copies, and submit annual reports to manage their business needs.

      Business Entities

      Through the Business Entities page, aspiring business owners can evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the business structure they are considering. The page serves as a centralized hub by providing direct links to specific sections where users can easily access all the necessary forms, guides, and additional resources related to each business structure.

      Utah Trademark Manager

      The Utah Trademark Manager simplifies trademark registration and management for businesses and individuals. This service allows users to register, monitor, and renew state-level trademarks to protect their brand names, logos, and slogans. It also provides resources to help users understand trademark laws and guidelines.

      UCC/CFS Self-Service

      The UCC/CFS Self-Service site portal streamlines the handling of Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings and Central Filing System (CFS) records. It enables users to file or amend financing statements, search for existing records, and request certified copies, all in one place.

      Education Hub

      The Education Hub provides access to essential information and tools for business success in Utah. It includes updates on current document processing times, guidance on the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), and an overview of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). Tax resources provide links to the IRS and information on local taxpayer assistance centers.

      Fee Schedule

      The fee schedule is a document detailing the most up-to-date fees for the fiscal year. Instead of a webpage, it is provided as a downloadable resource, with fees clearly organized by transaction type. Whether it is for business formation, amendments, or trademark filings, the document allows users to easily locate the applicable charges for their specific needs.

      Utah Business Search FAQ

      Discover useful answers to frequently asked questions about business entity searches in Utah:

      How Often Is the Utah Business Entity Database Updated?

      The Utah business entity database is updated the next business day to provide the most current information on business filings and registrations. For added accuracy, individuals are encouraged to verify the online information by contacting the division directly through the available communication channels.

      Is an Account Required to Search for Business Entities in Utah?

      An account is not necessary to perform a search. However, certain filings and applications may require users to log in.

      Are There Fees for Conducting a Utah Entity Search?

      No fees are associated with conducting an entity search in Utah.

      What Does “Domicile Name” Refer to in the Search Tool?

      The “Domicile Name” in a business registry refers to the legal or official name under which a business is registered in its home state or jurisdiction.

      Can Foreign Entities Be Searched in Utah?

      Yes, the database allows for searches of foreign entities registered to conduct business in Utah.

      Is Correct Capitalization and Punctuation Necessary for Accurate Results?

      The search tool does not differentiate between capitalization or punctuation and will return the closest results unless the “Exact Match” option is selected.

      Can Inactive Businesses Be Found Using the Utah Search Tool?

      Inactive businesses can be included in search results if the option is selected in the advanced search settings.

      How Can Filing Images from Before 2000 Be Obtained?

      To obtain filing images from before 2000, individuals must contact the division directly via phone, email, or by visiting in person.