Home Business Entities UCC/CFS Searches Other Services  

HOME > Business Entities > DBA

Doing Business As (DBA)

A DBA can be either a sole proprietorship or general partnership. It can also be owned by another business entity that wishes to transact business under a assumed name.

A Sole Proprietorship is one individual in business alone. Sole proprietorships are the most common form of business structure. This type of business is simple to form and operate, and may enjoy greater flexibility of management and fewer legal controls. However, the business owner is personally liable for all debts incurred by the business.

A General Partnership is composed of two or more persons who agree to contribute money, labor, and/or skill to a business. Each partner shares the profits, losses, and management of the business, and each partner is personally and equally liable for debts of the partnership. Formal terms of the partnership are usually contained in a written partnership agreement.

You are always encouraged to consult an attorney to ensure appropriate consideration of all the legal implications of your choice of entity and filing. We stress that this filing website is not intended to substitute nor replace the advice of legal counsel.

All forms, guide sheets, and packets require Adobe Acrobat reader (4.0 or higher). If you do not currently have the free Adobe Acrobat reader software, it is available here:

Get Adobe Reader

Frequently Asked Questions

How to register a DBA  (Click for Details)
    You can register a DBA online or within our office via in person, the mail or fax. The online process is quick and easy and the business entity will be registered within 24 hours.

    If you wish to register your DBA inhouse, you can use the application. This process can take up to 7 business days before it is processed.
How to renew a DBA?  (Click for Details)
    You can renew a DBA online. You will need to have the entity number and Renewal ID in order to renew online. If you do not have those items, you may contact our office.
How to make changes to or update a DBA?  (Click for Details)
    You can make changes to or update a DBA. The changes that you make here will be updated within 1 business day. You will need your Applicant ID and entity number. If you do not have those items, you may contact our office. You may also obtain the Applicant ID on the website, you will just need to provide a valid email address.
How to amend/merge/convert a DBA?  (Click for Details)
    You can not amend or merge a DBA, however, you can amend or merge the business entity that owns the DBA.

    If you wish to convert the DBA to another entity type, you would need to create Articles of Conversion and file that along with the application or articles for the new entity type.
How to cancel/dissolve a DBA?  (Click for Details)
How to obtain copies/certificates of a DBA?  (Click for Details)
    You can obtain copies/certificates of a DBA by doing a Business Entity Search, then finding the entity you are looking for, then you click on the details of that entity.

    While you are looking at the details of that entity, at the bottom of the screen you have 3 options: Search for Images is the 1st option. You will need to click that button in order to search for any scanned images of that entity. The images will be emailed to an email account.

    While you are in the details page of the business entity, you have the 2nd option of ordering a certificate of existence by clicking on the Purchase Certificate of Existence Button.

    If you don't wish to order the images online, then you will need to order them inhouse which can be done in person, in writing or by fax or email. If you make a written request you may use our order form. Written requests for copies/certificates may take up to 7 business days. You may view more information concerning ordering certificates/documents.
How to find out who the principals are of a DBA?  (Click for Details)
    You can find out who the principals are of a DBA by doing a Business Entity Search, then finding the entity you are looking for, then you click on the details of that entity. While you are looking at the details of that entity, at the bottom of the screen you have 3 options: Access Principal Information is the 3rd option. You will need to click that button in order to view the principals of that entity.

    You may also do a Registered Principal Search. If you don't want to view the principals via the website, then you may contact our office for that information.
How to know if the name is available for a DBA?  (Click for Details)
    You can find out if the name you want to use for a DBA is available by doing a business name availability search. You may also contact our office to verify that the name you want to use is available.

    You may also conduct a business entity search to see if there are other business entities that are already registered that may have a name similar to the name that you wish to use.

    Please note that although a name may appear to be available nothing is final until the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code approves the business filing.
How to I reinstate an expired DBA?  (Click for Details)
    You can not reinstate an expired DBA, however, you may refile a new DBA application.
How to I fix the delinquent/expired status on a DBA?  (Click for Details)
    DBAs do not have a delinquent status.

    If a DBA is expired, you will need to refile a new DBA application.

Forms
• DBA Application
• Cancel a DBA
• Transfer Ownership of a DBA
• Articles of Conversion
   Guide Sheets
• DBA Application Instructions
• How to Cancel a DBA
• How To Prepare a Letter of Transfer for a DBA
Online Services
• Register a new DBA
• Renew a DBA
• Make Changes to a DBA
• Order Copies for a DBA
• Purchase a Certificate of Existence for a DBA

Laws
• Title 42, Conducting Business Under Assumed Name

Misc. Information & Websites
• What Constitutes "Doing Business" in Utah?
• Who Must Register with the Utah Department of Commerce?
• Why Register Your Business?
• Utah Business Licensing & Registration Guide
• How to Start a Business in Utah
• Business Name Information
• Tips for New Business Registrations
• Business Information Website
• Service of Process Information
• Links to other websites
• International Association of Corporation Administrators (IACA)
• Workers Compensation Information

 
160 E. 300 S. 2nd Floor   Salt Lake City, UT 84111   •   Phone: 801-530-4849   •   Toll-Free: 1-877-526-3994   •   Fax: 801-530-6438   •   E-mail: corpucc@utah.gov