In this article we're covering the steps required to set up a DBA in Utah, and frequently asked questions.

Setting up a DBA, or 'Doing Business As' is actually very quick and easy with only three steps!
Although it's very easy to set up, you need a few things before you submit your DBA.

Here's What You Need Before Submitting a DBA in Utah:

1. The proposed name of your business. - This system will perform a lookup against existing business names and will allow you to request the name you have in mind, if it is available. If the name is unavailable, you will need to select another name before you can complete your registration.

2. Names and addresses of the applicants and registered agent.

3. The business location.

4. Brief description of the business activity.

5. Forms of payment (Cost is Currently $22.) (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Utah.gov subscriber account)

Here are the steps required to submit a DBA in Utah:

Step 1. Create An Account with Utah ID HERE.

Step 2. Navigate to https://secure.utah.gov/dba/index.html

Step 3. Start your DBA application

Once your DBA is Approved/Rejected you will receive an email with the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About DBA's

Why Would I Register A DBA?

You’re looking to expand or rebrand your business. A DBA can be beneficial if you hope to rebrand or expand your business and don’t want to create a new company from scratch. For example, If you own a clothing rental business and want to expand into creating custom clothing, you can get a DBA to use a new name for you custom clothing business.

With this new DBA, you can market your custom clothing business business to a new demographic. Essentially, you can now operate two businesses with two distinct names, just by registering a DBA. If your clothing rental busienss is a formal entity like an LLC or corporation, your custom clothing business, which is really just a DBA and not a separate business, will receive liability protection under the umbrella of the state-registered entity.

You want a different name for your business. In many cases sole proprietors are their business, and typically usually use their first and last name, but if you don’t want to do business using your name, a Utah DBA is the most affordable option (just $22) to get a new name for your business. You’ll be able to use your DBA on all sorts of marketing materials like social media accounts, business cards, and even a dedicated business bank account.

You use your website domain name as your business name. Imagine you have a registered business name in Utah, “Banjos By Brandon, LLC.” However, your domain name, “custombanjos.com,” is the name you use as your customer-facing business name (business cards, letterhead, checks, advertisements, social media, etc…), you’ll need to register a DBA.

What is a DBA?

A DBA (Doing Business As) is a business's trade, assumed, or fictitious name, which is also known as an alias.

How long does a DBA last?

It lasts for three years before you'll need to renew.

Why do I need a DBA?

A DBA can help customers find your business and make a first impression. It can also be useful if you want to start a new line of business under a different name than your existing business.

What are the benefits of a DBA?

A DBA gives you the right to use a name, but it doesn't usually offer exclusive protection. You can combine DBAs with trademarks to get better marketing and legal protection.

What are the disadvantages of a DBA?

A DBA doesn't protect your personal assets from financial or legal liability incurred by your business. Also, registering a DBA doesn't give you exclusive rights to the name, so others may be able to use it.

What are the requirements for registering a DBA in Utah?

Requirements vary by location. For example, in Broome County, you can download DBA forms for free or buy them for $1 at the county clerk's office. The filing fee is $30.20, and you can file in person or by mail.

Can you have Multiple DBAs in Utah?

Yes, you can have multiple DBAs (Doing Business As) under a single LLC in Utah. This allows you to operate various business projects under different names while maintaining the simplicity of a single legal entity. You will need to register each DBA with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.

Does every DBA need a different address in Utah?

No, you do not need a different address for each DBA in Utah.

You can use the same address for multiple businesses you control, including a DBA, LLC, or corporation. However, you should verify the DBA filing requirements for your state, as some states have different filing requirements for different types of businesses.

For example, in most states, you must have a registered office and agent with a physical address in the state where the business is formed. You can use a variety of addresses to meet these requirements, including a registered agent's address, a USPS street address, a virtual office, or a coworking space.