How to Register a DBA in Utah


Registering a Utah DBA (doing business as), also known as an assumed name, is a simple process that you complete with the Utah Department of Commerce.

Learn How to Register a DBA in Utah yourself in two simple steps:

You can hire a professional service such as LegalZoom to file your DBA for you. Their packages start at $99 (plus state fees).

Image of a man searching how to file a D B A online.

DBA Utah - Learn How to File a Utah DBA in Two Easy Steps

Step 1: Start With a Utah DBA Name Search

If you haven't already, head over to Utah's business search website to make sure your assumed name isn't taken by another registered Utah business. Your name can be similar to other business names, but it’s still a good practice to create a unique name.

TIP: Our business name generator tool is a great resource for entrepreneurs who are still working to create the perfect business name or website address. You can also use our free logo generator tool to make a logo yourself! No design experience necessary!

In Utah, your assumed name should not include:

  • Any terms given to financial institutions, including: "bank," "banc," "banco," 'banque," "banker, ''trust company," "savings and loan association," "savings bank," "credit union" or other similar words.

You can find more information about naming restrictions on the Utah Department of Financial Institutions website.

Next, a quick search on the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your name.

Now would be the perfect time to make sure there’s a web domain available for your DBA as well.

Find a Domain Now

After registering a domain name for your DBA, consider using a business phone service to improve customer satisfaction and further establish credibility. Our top pick is Nextiva because of its affordable pricing and useful features. Start calling with Nextiva.

Step 2: Register Your Utah DBA with the State

In Utah, you register your DBA with the Department of Commerce. You can file online at Utah's Department of Commerce website or you can complete the DBA application form and file it by mail, fax, or in person.

The application will ask for your new DBA name and information about your business, such as:

  • Business purpose
  • Registered agent’s name and address
  • Owner’s name and address
  • Owner’s entity number (if a registered business)

Utah also provides a PDF for DBA Application instructions.

A DBA does not offer any protection for your personal assets in the event that your business is sued. For more information on setting up a limited liability company, visit our How to Form an LLC page and select your state.

Submit Your Registration Form

Walk-In

Heber M. Wells Building
160 E 300 S, 1st Floor
Salt Lake City Utah 84111

Mail

Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code
PO Box 146705
Salt Lake City Utah 84114-6705

Fax

(801) 530-6438

Fees

$22 Filing Fee

Payment

Means of payment are cash, check, credit card, or money order made payable to the State of Utah. If faxing, you must include, on a cover sheet, the number of a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express with the expiration date.

Manage Your Utah DBA

DBA Questions

Call the Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Corporations and Commercial Code: (801) 530-4849 or (877) 526-3994

Renew Your DBA with the State

Your Utah DBA should be renewed every three years. It can be done online. The renewal fee for a DBA is $27.

Change Your DBA

You can make changes to your DBA online. The filing fee is $15.

Withdraw Your DBA

To cancel your assumed name, complete the Letter of Cancellation form. Mail the completed form to:

Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code
PO Box 146705
Salt Lake City Utah 84114-6705

Need Help Filing Your Utah Assumed Name?

Have a Professional Service File Your Utah DBA For You

A professional service will handle filing your DBA on your behalf, allowing you to focus on the other needs of your new business.

We recommend using LegalZoom ($99 + state fee) for a personalized DBA service.

FAQ DBA Utah

Can I file a DBA online in Utah?

You can file your DBA online here.

How do I change my DBA in Utah?

You can make changes to your DBA online. The filing fee is $15.

How can I insure my Utah DBA?

DBAs don’t require insurance because DBAs aren't a business entity. However, the business entity that the DBA is under will need protection from losses that can happen naturally in the course of business, such as property damage or lawsuits.

We recommend Tivly because they provide coverage for a large variety of businesses. Get a free quote from Tivly or call 855-965-3168 to learn more.

How can I withdraw my DBA?

To cancel your assumed name, complete the Letter of Cancellation form. Mail the completed form to:

Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code
P.O. Box 146705
Salt Lake City Utah 84114-6705

How often should I renew my Utah DBA?

Your Utah DBA expires after three years. It can be done online. The renewal fee for a DBA is $27.

When is a DBA required in Utah?

A DBA is required whenever a business is operating under a name other than its legal name. In the case of a sole proprietorship, you will need a DBA if you are operating under a name other than your own personal name.

How do I transfer my DBA in Utah?

You can transfer ownership of your DBA by filling out this form. Mail the completed form to:

Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code
P.O. Box 146705
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6705

Is my Utah DBA protected from being used in other places?

According to the state of Utah, “Registration allows the business owner to have the name on file so the owner's business name should not be used by another business. This registration provides you with use of your exact business name. The more you use it and become known to the public by name, the more legal protection your name earns against "predatory encroachment" by other businesses.”

It is possible to create a federal trademark for a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.

How many DBAs can I have?

You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. However, more isn’t necessarily better. Each one will come with additional incremental expense and paperwork, so you will want to make sure you have a good reason for each one you have.

Can a DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?

DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN if an EIN is required.

To learn more about EINs and when you would need one for your business, read What is An EIN from our friends at TRUiC.

Can a DBA become an LLC?

Your DBA is just a name. A DBA is often confused with a sole proprietorship. If you mean “can my sole proprietorship become an LLC?” then the answer is “Yes. Absolutely.”

To learn how to form an LLC, visit our Form an LLC state guides.

Can a DBA have "Inc." in the name?

A DBA can only have "Inc." in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.

How do I set up a DBA for a rental property?

It’s always best to consult an attorney. Usually, the best option is to form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. Holding the rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection.