Name availability · UT
Utah business name search
Utah's Business Registration system has two tools: Search Business Entity Records and a separate Name Availability check. The Division says the availability check is basic, and a name isn't final until the Division approves your filing. Utah publishes a detailed list of differences it ignores, so check your name against it before you file.
How to check if a name is available in Utah
- 01
Use "Name Availability" first
On businessregistration.utah.gov, open Name Availability and enter your proposed name. Treat a "looks available" result as preliminary.
- 02
Then search entity records
Open Search Business Entity Records and search the same words to see existing registrations and their status.
- 03
Apply Utah's conventions
Utah ignores entity endings, the words the, and, a and plus (and the ampersand), punctuation, special characters, capitalization, singular versus plural, spacing, and abbreviations like Mtn. for Mountain.
- 04
Check restricted words
Bank, credit union, trust, escrow, thrift and similar terms need written consent from the Department of Financial Institutions. Olympic and Olympiad need U.S. Olympic Committee consent.
- 05
Search the USPTO
Utah compares names against its own records and state trademarks. Check federal registrations at tmsearch.uspto.gov.
- 06
Domain, handles and backups
Lock down the domain and social names. Our free generator at /business-name-generator/ can help if Utah's conventions rule out your first idea.
Utah business naming rules
- A name must be distinguishable from other names and trademarks on the Division's records.
- Entity endings, the words the, and, a or plus, punctuation, special characters, capitalization, singular versus plural, spacing and abbreviations don't make a name distinguishable.
- LLC names need "limited liability company," "limited company," L.C. or L.L.C., and can't include association, corporation, incorporated or L.P.
- Corporations need corporation, incorporated, company or an abbreviation, and a professional corporation needs "professional corporation" or P.C.
- Banking and trust words need written consent from the Department of Financial Institutions, and names can't suggest a state agency or a purpose other than the one in the filing.
Reserving a name
Utah name reservations hold a name for 120 days until you're ready to file. They aren't business registrations. Check the current fee on the Division's site.
DBAs and trade names
DBAs are registered with the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code through businessregistration.utah.gov. A DBA can belong to a sole proprietor, a general partnership, or an entity doing business under an assumed name.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Utah search above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a business name is available in Utah?
Use Name Availability on businessregistration.utah.gov, then confirm with Search Business Entity Records. The Division makes the final decision when it approves your filing.
Where do I register a DBA in Utah?
With the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code through businessregistration.utah.gov. Sole proprietors, partnerships and entities can all own DBAs.
Is "Big Mtn LLC" different from "Big Mountain Inc." in Utah?
No. Utah ignores abbreviations and entity endings when it compares names.
How long does a Utah name reservation last?
120 days. Check the current fee on the Division's site.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.