Utah Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Utah LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Utah.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Utah LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Utah, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Utah Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Utah.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Utah Business Name Search or the Utah Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Utah Business Entity Search page
Utah Secretary of State: Business Name Availability Search
Enter your desired LLC name in the "Search by Entity Name" field.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Utah LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
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Utah Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Utah Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Utah representatives can guide you through the process of using the Utah Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the LLC Department at 801-530-4849, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Mountain Time.
Utah LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 48-3a-108 of the Utah LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Utah business entity.
English Language or English Alphabet
Utah requires that business names be in English. If your desired LLC name is in another language, it must be either:
- Translated into English
- Or written using letters of the English alphabet.
For example: If your desired Utah business name is 美味餐馆 LLC, you must file it as Meiwei Restaurant LLC.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Great Basin Outfitters LLC
- Great Basin Outfitters, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LC
- L.C.
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Ltd. Co.
- Limited Co.
- Ltd. Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Limited Company
- Limited Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- LP
- Corporation
- Incorporated
- Association
- Limited Partnership
- Cooperative (unless your LLC will register as a nonprofit agricultural cooperative)
Restricted Words in Utah LLC Names
Your Utah LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Ensuring Your Utah Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Utah Secretary of State Business Records Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Zion Crafts LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Utah Business Name Search:
- Zion Crafts, Inc.
- Zion Crafts Corp.
- Zion Crafts, Limited Liability Co.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Wasatch Peaks LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Wasatch Peaks LLC
- A Wasatch Peak Inc.
- Wasatch and Peaks L.L.C.
- Wasatch & Peaks Corp
Capitalization
Differences in capitalization don't create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Alpine Adventures LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- ALPINE ADVENTURES Inc.
- alpine adventures LP
- aLpInE aDvEnTuReS LLC
In other words, you're allowed to use any capitalization you want. It just doesn't make your name distinguishable from an existing company with the same name.
Plural or Singular Words
Plural or singular words don't make a business name distinguishable.
If your desired LLC name is "Desert Oasis Tours LLC", it's not available to use if you find any of the following in the business name search results:
- Desert Oasis Tour LLC
- Desert Oases Tours LLC
- Desert Oases Tour LLC
Punctuation and Special Characters
Adding punctuation and special characters won't create distinguishability. The Division of Corporations has a full list of punctuation and special characters on the Business Name Policies page, including: ' [ ] : , – – ! ( ) . * \ { } ^ @ ¢ $ = < > # % + _ ~
If your desired LLC name is "Great Salt Bakery LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Great Salt Bakery LC
- Great $ Salt Bakery L.L.C.
- Great Salt-Bakery Inc.
- Great Salt <Bakery> LLC
Abbreviations and Spaces Between Words
Differences in the spaces between words or using abbreviations don't create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "High Desert Expeditions LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found in the database search results:
- HighDesertExpeditions, Inc.
- High Desert Exp. LLC
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Utah Certificate of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Does my Utah LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your LLC in Utah.
A DBA (known as a Business Name Registration in Utah) allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its official name (the name on your Certificate of Organization).
If you wish for your LLC to use a different name, you must file a Business Name Registration with the Utah Division of Corporations. This can be done online or by mail with an $18 fee.
There is no limit to the number of DBAs an LLC can have, and each DBA must be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For instance, if you form an LLC called Brandi's Hair Salon LLC, but you want a more approachable name like Brandi's Braids, you'd need to file a DBA for the name Brandi's Braids.
Similarly, if you want to do business under the name Brandi's Hair Salon without the "LLC" suffix, you will need to file a DBA for Brandi's Hair Salon.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you have a business name you like, check the availability of the corresponding domain name before forming your LLC.
You can search for available domain names through GoDaddy:
Is my business name taken in Utah?
If another business entity has the same name or if the name is trademarked, then it is taken, and you cannot use it.
You also cannot use the name of a business even if it is in “delinquent” status. However, if a business has been dissolved, you may use the name for your new LLC.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
For example, if you want to form an LLC named Brandi’s Hair Salon LLC, but there is already a business named Brandi’s Hair Salon, Inc., you cannot use that name as it is not distinguishable.
How do I change my business name in Utah?
To change your LLC’s name, file an Amendment to the Certificate of Organization with the Utah Division of Corporations. Detailed, step-by-step instructions are available from the Division of Corporations.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a good business name is crucial for branding. Here are some tips:
- Write down the features and qualities you want associated with your company.
- Generate a list of possible names without editing them immediately.
- Review the list, noting any variations or new ideas.
- Take a break and return to the list later to assess new ideas and variations.
- Read the list out loud and get feedback from others.
- Repeat the process, refining and reviewing the names until one stands out.
- Use a decision-making trick, such as closing your eyes and choosing a name after counting to 10, to help finalize your choice.
Do I need a business name reservation in Utah?
No, a name reservation is not required to form an LLC in Utah. You can directly file your LLC's Certificate of Organization with your chosen name.
Note: If you file using OneStop, a name reservation is included in the process. However, it's recommended to use the Shopping Cart instead, as outlined in our Utah Certificate of Organization instructions.
Can I use the name of another Utah entity?
No, you cannot use a name that is already taken by another Utah business, regardless of entity type.
The name cannot be the same as any existing business name, even if the entity is in “delinquent” status. If the business has been dissolved, however, the name may become available for your new LLC.
How to start an LLC in Utah?
To start an LLC in Utah, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and verify its availability.
- Select a Utah Registered Agent.
- File the Utah LLC Certificate of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open a business bank account.
- Determine if you need a business or sales tax license in Utah.