Utah LLC Name Search & Lookup (Complete Guide)

Starting an LLC in Utah begins with choosing the right name—one that represents your brand and meets the state requirements.

Conducting a Utah LLC name search and lookup is crucial to ensure your chosen name is unique, compliant, and available for registration. This process prevents issues like application rejections and potential trademark disputes.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about conducting a Utah LLC name search, navigating state naming rules, and reserving your LLC name.

Should You Conduct a Utah Entity Search or an LLC Lookup?

Conducting a name search or lookup is key when starting an LLC in Utah. Here’s why it’s important to take the time for this process:

• Verify Name Availability: Utah law requires LLC names to be unique, meaning your chosen name cannot be identical to or closely resemble any existing business names. A thorough name search prevents delays or rejections during the registration process.
• Avoid Legal Conflicts and Trademark Issues: A Utah name search helps uncover any businesses with names or trademarks that could potentially conflict with yours.
• Ensure Compliance with Naming Rules: Utah has specific guidelines for LLC names, such as the need to include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” at the end. By performing a lookup, you can verify that your name complies with these rules, saving time and avoiding possible application rejections.
• Reserve Your Name for Future Use: If you’re not yet ready to file your LLC but want to secure a great name, Utah allows you to reserve a business name for 120 days. This ensures that no other business can register the name while you finalize your business plans.
• Confirm Online Domain Availability: Many business owners also use the entity search as a starting point for securing a matching domain name.

Utah LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

Here are the steps to successfully search for an LLC name in Utah:

Step 1: Visit the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code website

Begin by accessing the official website of the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code at corporations.utah.gov. This site is your hub for all things related to business entity registration in Utah.

Step 2: Navigate to “Searches” and click on “Business Name Availability”

Once you are on the homepage, find the “Searches” section. Locate and click on the “Business Name Availability” link. This tool is designed to help you check if your desired LLC name is currently in use.

Step 3: Enter the desired LLC name in the search field

Input the name you’ve chosen for your LLC in the search tool. It should be concise and reflective of your business.

Be aware of variations in spelling, as common mistakes can affect your search results. Enter the name carefully and double-check for accuracy.

After entering your desired name, click the “Search” button to initiate the search. This action will trigger the system to pull up any existing name that matches your input.

Step 4: Review the search results for name availability

Examine the search results to confirm whether your LLC name is available or taken by another entity. If the search result returns “The Name is Available,” you can proceed with your chosen LLC name for registration.

However, if your desired name appears in the results and you see “The Name is Unavailable,” it means your name is taken.

The search results will show the following information:

• Record Number
• Name
• Record Type
• Status
• Status Detail
• Date Name Registered

Clicking any record number in the “Name Conflicts” section will take you to a more detailed entity information page.

Here’s the extra information you will find:

• Formation Date
• Formation Effective Date
• FEI/EIN Number
• EIN Status
• Registered Agent Information
• Principal Information
• Address Information
• Service of Process Information
• Filing History
• Name History
• Mergers/Conversions

Crucial LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in Utah

Here are the specific guidelines and requirements you must follow when naming your LLC in Utah:

1. Required LLC Name Structure

Your LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company,” or one of the abbreviations: “L.L.C.,” “LLC,” “L.C.,” or “LC.” This helps others identify your business structure and ensures transparency in your legal status.

2. Uniqueness and Distinction

Utah requires that your LLC name is distinguishable from existing registered business names.

Small changes like adjusting punctuation or capitalization, or substituting “&” for “and,” do not make a name unique enough if it closely resembles an existing business name.

3. Prohibited Special Characters and Symbols

Special characters such as “@,” “#,” “%,” and symbols like “$” or “!” are restricted to avoid confusion. Names should generally avoid these characters, as they can cause technical issues in databases and may mislead the public.

4. Restricted and Prohibited Words

Utah restricts certain words in LLC names that suggest government affiliation or regulated services. Terms like “Bank,” “Insurance,” “Attorney,” “Trust,” and “University” are only allowed for businesses that hold specific licenses or meet certain regulatory standards.

Words implying government affiliation, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are not permitted to prevent misleading associations.

5. Industry-Specific Terms

Words related to specialized fields, such as “Engineer” or “Doctor,” may require proof of licensing to ensure compliance with Utah’s professional regulations. Only LLCs with proper credentials and approvals may include these terms in their names.

6. Avoid Generic or Common Terms

Using generic terms or common words (e.g., “Utah Solutions” or “Mountain Services”) may result in difficulty obtaining a unique name.

Aim for specific, distinctive terms highlighting your brand’s industry, products, or services for greater uniqueness and legal clarity.

What Words are not allowed in my Utah LLC name?

When choosing a name for your LLC in Utah, there are specific words you cannot use. Here’s a list of those prohibited terms:

• Bank: Restricted to licensed financial institutions; only permitted with proper regulatory approval.
• Trust: Generally limited to entities operating as legal trusts or trust companies with required authorization.
• Insurance: Allowed only for licensed insurance companies to avoid confusion with non-insurance businesses.
• University: Reserved for certified educational institutions; typically requires approval and meets specific legal criteria.
• Attorney or Lawyer: Restricted to professional entities in the legal field that meet state licensing requirements.
• Engineer: Requires proof of licensing if used, as it implies professional services in engineering.
• Architect: Similarly restricted to licensed architectural professionals or firms to ensure compliance with Utah regulations.
• CPA or Certified Public Accountant: Reserved for licensed accounting professionals or firms.
• Governmental or Agency Terms: Words implying a connection to federal or state government agencies, such as “FBI,” “CIA,” “Treasury,” or “State Department,” are prohibited to prevent misleading affiliations.
• Corporation-related terms: Words like “association,” “corporation,” “incorporated,” or “limited partnership” are not allowed.
• Abbreviations: You cannot use abbreviations such as “Corp.,” “Inc.,” or “L.P.”

How do I File a Utah LLC Name Reservation? (In steps)

Filing a name reservation for your LLC in Utah involves several specific steps:

1. Choose a Unique Business Name

Select a name that complies with Utah’s naming rules. Your LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” or abbreviations like “L.L.C.,” “LLC,” “L.C.,” or “LC.”

The name should be distinguishable from other registered names in Utah to avoid rejection.

2. Fill Out the Name Reservation Application

Obtain the “Application for Reservation of Business Name” form from the Utah Division of Corporations. You’ll need to provide the desired LLC name, the applicant’s name and address, and any additional required details.

3. Submit the Application

Reserving your Utah LLC name is easy and costs $22, payable by check, money order, cash, or card, depending on how you submit your documents.

Here’s how:

• By Fax: To pay by card, include a “Fax Cover Letter” with your documents and fax them to (801) 530-6438.
• By Mail: Send a check or money order payable to the “State of Utah” along with your documents to the Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code, P.O. Box 146705, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6705.
• In-Person: Pay by check, money order, cash, or card. Deliver your materials to the Heber M. Wells Building, 160 E 300 S, 1st Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111.

Once submitted, your Utah LLC name will be reserved for 120 days, allowing you time to finalize your LLC formation while protecting your chosen name.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When starting a business in Utah, consider various factors related to naming your company. Here are some key aspects to remember as you choose your name.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in Utah

If you want to operate your business under a name different from your legal business name, you must file for a Doing Business As (DBA) in Utah. This process allows you to register your trade name with the state.

To file for a DBA, visit the Utah Division of Corporations website. You can submit your application online or by mail. Provide the desired trade name and business details, and pay the required fee.

Remember, your chosen name must be unique and not similar to existing businesses in Utah.

Check Domain Name Availability

In today’s digital age, having an online presence is essential. Ensure that the web domain for your business name is available. This can help strengthen your brand identity and improve customer reach.

You can check domain availability through various online registrars. If your ideal domain is taken, consider alternative extensions like .net or .co.

Securing the domain early can prevent others from using it and allows for consistency across your marketing efforts.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

Before finalizing your business name, conduct a trade name and trademark search. This helps you avoid legal issues and ensure your name does not infringe on existing trademarks.

You can search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database for registered trademarks.

In Utah, check the Division of Corporations’ database for trade name registrations. If you find similar names, think about modifying yours to stand out. Always consider consulting a legal professional for guidance on trademark issues.

Final Thoughts – Is it Worth it to Search and Reserve My Business in Utah?

Yes, taking the time to search and reserve your business name in Utah can be invaluable.

Conducting a name search ensures that your LLC name is unique, legally compliant, and free from potential conflicts with other businesses, reducing the chance of future rebranding costs or legal issues.

Reserving the name, especially if you’re not yet ready to file your LLC, protects it from being claimed by someone else, giving you peace of mind as you prepare other business essentials.

For a small fee ($22), you secure your name early, streamline the registration process, and strengthen your brand’s foundation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if an LLC name is already in use in Utah?

You can check if a name is available by using the free business entity search on the Utah Division of Corporations’ website. This allows you to see if your desired LLC name is already registered.

What is the official website for conducting a business entity search in Utah?

The official website for conducting a business entity search in Utah is the Division of Corporations within the Utah Department of Commerce. You can access it at corporations.utah.gov.

Where can I find a business license in Utah?

You can find information about obtaining a business license through your local city or county government. Each jurisdiction may have different requirements and processes.

What is the process for locating my EIN for a Utah business?

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) can often be found on the original documents from the IRS or your tax filings. If you cannot locate it, you may need to contact the IRS directly.

How does one file an annual report for an LLC in Utah?

To file an annual report, log in to the Utah Division of Corporations’ online portal. You will need to provide information about your LLC and pay the required fee.