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Utah Business Entity Search is the official way to find detailed information about companies registered in the state of Utah. This search is maintained by the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, a part of the Utah Department of Commerce. The database lets you check active and inactive entities, including Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), corporations, DBAs (Doing Business As), and more.
It also helps you confirm business status, entity number, formation date, and registered agent data without charge.
Utah’s system supports searches by business name, entity number, or principal’s name, depending on how much you know before searching. Many small business owners and entrepreneurs use this tool to verify name availability before formation.
Understanding how to run and interpret a Utah Business Entity Search is essential to avoid naming conflicts, ensure compliance, and access public records for legal or operational decisions. This guide walks through practical steps, common fees, entity types, and actionable takeaways for business owners in Utah.
Why Utah Business Entity Search Matters
Utah Business Entity Search gives access to official, public business records under the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). Businesses in Utah, including LLCs, profit corporations, nonprofits, partnerships, and DBAs, must file and update information in this state registry, making the data public.
When you run a search, you get:
- The legal entity name, exactly as registered.
- The entity type: LLC, corporation, DBA, partnership, etc.
- The entity number assigned by Utah.
- The formation or registration date with the state.
- Status (Active, Expired, Revoked) and the registered agent name.
This information is vital for due diligence, name checks, legal vetting, and compliance tracking. A proper entity search also ensures that your desired name is distinguishable and compliant before you file formation documents with the state.
How to Use the Utah Business Entity Search Tool
Step-by-Step Guide to Running a Search
To perform a Utah Business Entity Search:
- Go to the Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code website and open the “Business Entity Search” tool.
- Enter your business name, entity number, or the principal/executive name (may incur a small fee for principal lookup).
- Review the results. The system returns records that match or partially match your input.
Entity Search Options:
- Name search is the most common and essential for name availability checks.
- Entity number lookup gives precise results if you already know the number.
- Principal name search connects individuals to associated entities (may cost $1–$3).
Entity Types in Utah You Can Search
The Utah Business Entity Search indexes several types of entities, including:
- Domestic Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Foreign LLCs.
- Domestic and Foreign Profit Corporations and Nonprofit Corporations.
- DBAs (Doing Business As) and general partnerships.
- Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships, and more.
For each entity type, the search will show its status, such as Active, Inactive, Expired, or Revoked.
Active means the entity is currently compliant and authorized to operate. Inactive or Expired indicates lapsed filings. Revoked status means the entity lost legal standing due to non-compliance.
Fees Associated With Business Entity Search & Filings
Utah Business Entity Search Costs (2025)
Utah provides basic business entity search functionality for free. However, some searches and filings have fees:
- Business Name or Entity Search (basic): Free (no charge to view basic public records).
- Registered principal search costs $3.
- Business entity search principals cost $1.
Formation & Ongoing Filing Fees:
According to the Utah Fiscal Year 2026 Fee Schedule (effective July 1, 2025):
| Filing Type | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Annual Report / Renewal | $18 | Due each year to maintain good standing. |
| Registered principal search | $3 | Optional detailed lookup. |
| Business entity search principals | $1 | For out-of-state businesses to operate in Utah. |
| Foreign LLC registration | $59 | For out-of-state businesses to operate in Utah. |
| Foreign profit corporation | $59 | Same for corporations. |
| Name reservation | $22 | Reserve a name before filing. |
| Trademark initial application | $50 | Business entity search principles |
Filing Formation Documents for LLCs & Corporations
LLC vs Corporation Filing Basics
Before you file, it’s best practice to run a Utah Business Entity Search to verify name availability and avoid rejections.
LLC Filing (Utah):
- File a Certificate of Organization with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.
- The state filing fee is $59. This fee applies whether the LLC is domestic or foreign.
- Annual reports cost $18 to keep the LLC in good standing.
Corporation Filing (Utah):
- File Articles of Incorporation with the same division.
- Profit corporation filing fees start at $70; nonprofit corporation filing fees are $30.
- Like LLCs, corporations must file annual reports ($18).
Name reservations, DBA registrations, and other filings often have separate fees (e.g., name reservation is $22).
Best Practices for Using Utah Business Entity Search
Actionable Search Tips
- Search early and broadly. Run name searches with partial words if your primary query returns too many results.
- Avoid exact construction errors. Remove designators like “LLC” or “Inc.” during initial name queries.
- Check multiple criteria. Use entity name, number, and principal name searches for thorough due diligence.
- Review entity status and public records before signing contracts or engaging in mergers.
When to Use Additional Official Resources
External Authority Links
- Visit the Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code official page for authoritative search tools and filings at corporations.utah.gov.
- For specifics on annual report filings and deadlines, the updated information is at LegalZoom’s Utah business compliance guide.
These sites deliver direct access to forms, current fee schedules, and official compliance requirements updated for 2025.
Bottom Line
Utah Business Entity Search is a foundational step for entrepreneurs, lawyers, and investors working with Utah companies. It provides accurate public records for LLCs, corporations, DBAs, and other entities. Using the official search before filing your formation documents avoids name conflicts, speeds approvals, and cuts compliance risks. With clear fees like $59 for entity formation and $18 annual reports, and free basic search functionality, the system keeps business information transparent and accessible. Pairing structured searches with on-time filings ensures your company remains compliant and positioned for growth.
Disclaimer:
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice.
