Utah Registered Agent
LLC owners are required to appoint a Utah registered agent in order to receive legal documents like service of process.
Many small business owners choose to hire a registered agent service. This is because a third-party service:
- Protects owners’ privacy
- Offers improved flexibility and time-efficiency
- Scans and uploads important legal documents online in PDF form
- Offers very affordable pricing, on average
We’ll help you make the best choice for your business.
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent offers free registered agent services with LLC formation ($29 plus state fees).
Choosing a Registered Agent in Utah
A Utah registered agent serves as your business’s primary point of contact with the state, as well as with all private entities that might serve it with a lawsuit (i.e., deliver service of process).
In Utah, appointing a registered agent is a legal requirement for an LLC and/or corporation. This can be a registered agent service, yourself, or another individual, so long as they:
- Are at least 18 years old.
- Have a physical address in Utah.
- Are always available during normal business hours at their address.
Registered Agent Services
- Convenience: Hiring a third-party service will mean that you will not need to be physically present at your business address during normal business hours. This is because you will not be solely responsible for receiving all important legal documents on behalf of your business.
- Privacy: Since all Utah registered agents’ addresses, and names become publicly available, you can use a third-party service as an affordable way of protecting your privacy.
- Compliance and Online Storage: Most reputable third-party services scan all files and upload them online via a portal. This means that you will not have to worry about accidentally losing an important document.
Let’s Find the Right Registered Agent for Your Business
We’ve tested and reviewed the most popular registered agent services.
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can, although this is generally only recommended if you are a very small business that is operating on an extremely tight budget.
This is because hiring a professional registered agent service is relatively inexpensive (i.e., around $10 a month) and provides a plethora of benefits.
These include improved privacy and online storage capabilities, as well as more flexibility on a day-to-day basis.
If you are forming a new LLC, we recommend using an LLC formation service that includes one year of free registered agent services. Eminent services can charge as little as $29 per formation (plus state fees).
If you are forming an LLC but prefer to file the paperwork yourself and act as your own registered agent, take a look at our How to Start an LLC in Utah guide.
Best Utah Registered Agent Service
Northwest is our highest-rated registered agent service based on overall quality and transparent pricing. Northwest offers a seamless user experience and best-in-industry customer service and privacy protection.
When you choose Northwest, you'll get an online account to access essential documents, mail forwarding, and business address services.
Northwest’s virtual mailbox service will scan your mail and forward it to you electronically. This means that you can keep track of your mail no matter where you are in the world.
LLC Formation + 1 yr Free Registered Agent Service
One Year Free Registered Agent with LLC Formation $29 (Plus State Fees)
Benefits of Using a Registered Agent Service
Many businesses choose to use a registered agent service when they form an LLC. This is because it can offer a number of benefits, including:
- Legal compliance: A commercial registered agent service will ensure that you do not miss an important legal document or notification (e.g., service of process, etc.) as a result of not being in your office (or as a result of a human error).
- Improved privacy: If you act as your own agent, your name and address will become public record on the Utah Business Name Search. Using a registered agent service will help keep your information private.
- Discretion: When it comes to legal disputes, you will want to avoid receiving lawsuit-related documents in front of your clients and/or some employees.
- Better storage: Your service will generally scan all documents received and upload them online in PDF form. This means that you will always be able to access them online, and won’t have to worry about an employee accidentally losing an important document.
A registered agent service can also be beneficial if you plan to expand into other states as a foreign LLC. This is because, otherwise, you would need to find an individual or business entity that is a resident — or is allowed to transact business — in each state that you want to register in.
How to Elect a Registered Agent in Utah
For your LLC in Utah, you will be required to elect your registered agent when you complete your LLC’s Certificate of Organization.
This is also known as the Articles of Organization and is the main formation document that you will need to file with the Utah Department of Commerce in order to form your LLC.
Electing a Registered Agent Online
To form your LLC online, create an account through Utah OneStop ($54 filing fee required). You’ll gain access to all the resources you need to appoint a registered agent and form your LLC online.
Electing a Registered Agent by Mail
To form your LLC by mail, download the Certificate of Organization form ($54 filing fee required), fill out the required fields, and submit a physical copy to the Department of Commerce. Your registered agent’s name and contact information will be requested in Section 3.
How to Change Your Registered Agent in Utah
This will depend on your business entity.
If you own an LLC, you will need to complete a Limited Liability Company Registration Information Change Form and submit it to the Utah Department of Commerce alongside a $13 processing fee.
Corporations will need to fill out a Corporation Registration Information Change Form instead.
You can submit your completed form online or by mail:
Mail:
Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code
P.O. Box 146705
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6705
Overnight Mail:
Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code
160 East 300 South, 2nd Floor (or 160 East Broadway)
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
For more information read our how to change registered agents in Utah guide.
Utah Registered Agent FAQs
Can I be my own registered agent in Utah?
Yes, you can, although this isn’t really recommended.
This is because using a third-party service is relatively inexpensive for most small business owners (i.e., around $10 per month) and offers a plethora of important benefits.
See our Utah Registered Agent article for more information.
How much does a registered agent cost in Utah?
This will depend on who your registered agent is. If you use a third-party service, these are usually between $99 and $300 per year.
Having said that, you can be your own registered agent instead at no cost.
Have a look at our How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost article for more information.
Does Utah require a registered agent for LLC?
Yes. All Utah LLCs are required to appoint a registered agent (also known as a resident agent) in order to be officially formed.
This information will need to be included within each LLC’s Certificate of Organization, which is the official formation document that is filed with the Utah Department of Commerce.
This is also known as the Articles of Organization outside of Utah.
What does a Utah registered agent do?
Your registered agent is responsible for receiving all business documents and notifications that are sent to your business.
This includes those that are sent from government agencies (e.g., Department of Commerce, etc.) as well as those that relate to private entities (e.g., service of process, etc.).