Finding information on Utah businesses is easier than you think, thanks to the Utah Lieutenant Governor's office, which houses the Division of Corporations & Commercial Code. This guide will walk you through navigating the Utah Secretary of State business search, covering various aspects and answering frequently asked questions.
What Information Can I Find Using the Utah Secretary of State Business Search?
The Utah Secretary of State business search provides access to a wealth of information on registered businesses within the state. This includes details like:
- Business Name: The official registered name of the business.
- Business Type: Whether it's a corporation, LLC, partnership, or other business entity.
- Registration Date: The date the business was registered with the state.
- Registered Agent: The individual or entity designated to receive legal and official documents on behalf of the business.
- Registered Agent Address: The physical address where official documents are sent.
- Principal Place of Business: The main location of the business's operations.
- Status: Whether the business is active, inactive, dissolved, or in any other status.
- Officers and Directors (for Corporations): Names and addresses of key personnel.
- Members (for LLCs): Names and addresses of members.
How Do I Conduct a Business Search in Utah?
The process is straightforward:
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Visit the Website: Go to the official website of the Utah Lieutenant Governor's office, specifically the Division of Corporations & Commercial Code. You will find a search function prominently displayed on the homepage.
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Enter Search Criteria: You can search by business name, entity number, or registered agent name. The more specific your search terms, the more precise your results will be.
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Review Results: The search results will display relevant information matching your criteria. Carefully review the information presented to ensure it corresponds to your needs.
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Access Detailed Information (if needed): Clicking on a specific business listing will generally provide access to more detailed information about that entity. Keep in mind that some details might require payment of a small fee.
What is the Cost of a Utah Business Search?
Many basic searches are free. However, some detailed reports or specific filings might involve a fee. The exact cost depends on the type of information requested and the volume of documents required. You'll see any applicable fees before you're required to submit any payment.
How Do I Find a Business's Fictitious Name Registration in Utah?
Fictitious names (also known as "doing business as" or "DBA" names) are separate from the formal business entity registration. You may need to perform a separate search for fictitious names; the specific method will be outlined on the Utah Lieutenant Governor's website's division of corporations page.
Can I Search for Businesses by Address in Utah?
While a direct address search might not be available through the main business search interface, it's possible to find businesses based on their registered agent's address or their principal place of business address. This requires entering those addresses into the search parameters. Keep in mind this search might pull up multiple businesses sharing the same address.
What if I Can't Find a Business Using the Online Search Tool?
If you are unable to locate a business using the online search tool, there are a few reasons why:
- Incorrect Information: Double-check your spelling and ensure you're using the correct business name or entity number.
- Business is Not Registered: The business may not be registered with the state of Utah.
- Recently Registered: There may be a delay between a business registering and information appearing in the database. Try searching again after a few days.
- Business has been dissolved: The business may have been dissolved or its registration revoked.
If you're still unable to find what you need, consider contacting the Division of Corporations & Commercial Code directly for assistance. They can offer further guidance or help resolve any search-related issues.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of conducting a Secretary of State business search in Utah. Remember to always refer to the official Utah Lieutenant Governor's website for the most up-to-date information and procedures.
