Key Takeaways

  • A Utah business entity search helps verify if a business name is available, confirm legal status, and view key details like filing history and registered agent.
  • Searches can be performed by entity name, entity number, or executive name, each giving access to different levels of detail.
  • The database helps business owners check name availability, avoid duplicate names, and secure domain names.
  • Investors and consumers can use the search to verify if a company is active, dissolved, or in bad standing before engaging in contracts.
  • Search results may include information such as address, status, type of entity, registration date, and Certificate of Existence availability.

What is the Utah Business Corporation Registry Search?

A Utah business entity search will enable you to easily see whether a given business name is registered and in use in Utah, so you can determine if your desired business name is available.

The Utah Secretary of State’s (SOS) division of business service maintains a registry of business corporations.  The registry includes information on those entities registered with the Utah SOS, including specifics on filing, authorization, type of entity and status.

The Utah SOS division usually receives registration from the following entities that are on record in the registry as:

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
  • Limited Company (LC)
  • Limited Partnership (LP)
  • Corporation

The Lieutenant Governor of Utah has made available a tool for online business searches, which provides individuals the ability to research registered entity business details before registrations to determine if an operating name remains available for use. In addition, representatives of the prospective business may use this tool to purchase annual reports, Certificates of Existence, or to perform certain administrative activities for the business. The tool also allows those searching to check the following information:

  • Recorded Business Entity Name
  • Utah Business Number
  • Address of Contact
  • Utah Agent of Service
  • Registered Agent Address
  • Contact Phone Number
  • Was the entity formed legally?
  • Is the business in good standing?
  • Official Standing

The results of the search allow for filtering by executive name, business name or number.

Benefits of Using the Utah Business Entity Search

Beyond simply checking whether a name is available, the Utah business entity search provides critical insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and consumers. Using this tool, you can:

  • Verify legal existence – Ensure the company is officially registered with the state.
  • Check standing – Determine whether the entity is active, delinquent, or dissolved.
  • Review filing history – Confirm important dates such as registration, renewals, and amendments.
  • Identify ownership and agents – See who manages or represents the business through executive names and registered agent details.
  • Reduce risk – Confirm legitimacy before entering contracts, making investments, or extending credit.

This makes the Utah business entity search useful not just for new business owners, but also for those conducting due diligence.

Name Availability Search

A method that is commonly used to research the specific details of a business entity is conducting a search by name of business. The following 11 steps should be followed when conducting a search by business name:

1. You must choose the appropriate name: certain guidelines are to be followed when an LLC is deciding its name;

2. Conduct the name search: to determine whether the name you desire for your business is available for use you must use the name availability tool;

3. URL check (optional): conduct a search of the name to see if it is available to be used as a URL. URL names can be purchased even though you may not want to use a website, as a means of preventing other businesses from using it;

4. To begin your search, go to the following website (https://secure.utah.gov/bes/index.html) to enter the business name you desire into the field of entry;

5. To proceed you must click the search button;

6. Once you have clicked search, the results of your search will be displayed;

7.  You may scroll through those entity names displayed to locate the desired business name;

8.  The entity’s business location, type and status will be displayed;

9.  For a more detailed business description, you may click on the entity name or the Details link located on the right side of the page;

10.  The page that follows will detail the information that is presently available to the state; and

11.  At this stage of the search, you can amend the detailed business information, review the business details or purchase a Certificate of Existence.

Tips for Choosing a Distinct Business Name in Utah

When using the name availability search, it’s important to know that Utah requires business names to be distinguishable from existing entities. A name will typically be rejected if it is:

  • Too similar to an already registered business.
  • Misleading or implying government affiliation.
  • Missing required identifiers such as “LLC” or “Corp.”
  • Using restricted words like “bank,” “insurance,” or “trust” without approval.

In addition to the Utah Secretary of State’s database, consider running a trademark search and checking domain availability to secure your online presence and avoid legal disputes.

Searching by Entity Number

The Utah Secretary of State will only assign one number to each business entity. As such, the most direct way to search for a business is by an entity number.  

These seven steps should be followed when conducting a search by entity number:

1.  To begin your search, go to the following website (https://secure.utah.gov/bes/index.html) to locate the online search capability;

2.  In the search bar, you should enter the entity number assigned to the business and click the Search by Number button to continue;

3.  The results related to the entity tied to the number supplied are shown;

4.  Details related to the business entity location, type and status are displayed;

5. For a more detailed business description, you may click on the entity name or the Details link located on the right side of the page;

6.  The final page will provide you with a description including the business entity’s filing history, status and location; and

7. At this stage of the search, you can amend the detailed business information or purchase a Certificate of Existence by using the link on the right.

Information Available in Utah Business Records

When you locate a business using its entity number, the Utah registry typically displays detailed information, including:

  • Business name and type (LLC, corporation, LP, etc.)
  • Entity number and registration date
  • Status (active, delinquent, dissolved, etc.)
  • Principal office and mailing address
  • Registered agent details
  • Filing history, such as amendments or annual reports
  • Access to order official documents like a Certificate of Existence

This level of transparency allows users to confirm not only that a company exists, but also whether it complies with state requirements.

Search by Executive Name

The following four steps should be used when conducting a search by executive name:

1. To begin your search, go to the following website (https://secure.utah.gov/bes/index.html) to locate the online search capability;

2. In the search bar, you should enter the executive name and click the Search button to continue;

3. A search conducted by executive name will be assessed a $3.00 fee to complete the order; and

4.  To pay the $3.00 fee, you must select an available method of payment.

Common Uses for Utah Business Entity Search

The Utah business entity search is widely used for different purposes, including:

  • Starting a business – Check if your preferred name is available.
  • Investor research – Confirm that a company is in good standing before providing funding.
  • Consumer protection – Verify whether a business is legitimate before hiring or purchasing.
  • Legal and compliance checks – Attorneys and accountants often use the search when preparing contracts or filings.
  • Maintaining business compliance – Owners can quickly confirm their filing status or locate their entity number for reporting needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the purpose of a Utah business entity search?
    It helps verify if a business name is available, confirm an entity’s legal existence, and view records such as status, filing history, and registered agent details.
  2. Is there a fee to use the Utah business entity search?
    Basic searches are free, but ordering documents like a Certificate of Existence or conducting an executive name search may involve a small fee.
  3. Can I reserve a business name in Utah?
    Yes. If your desired name is available, you can reserve it for a limited period by filing a name reservation application with the Utah Division of Corporations.
  4. What if my chosen business name is already taken?
    You’ll need to modify your proposed name to make it distinguishable. This could include changing words, adding identifiers, or selecting a new name altogether.
  5. How often should I check my entity’s status?
    It’s a good practice to review your entity record at least once a year—especially around annual renewal deadlines—to ensure your company remains in good standing.

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