Get a Utah Registered Agent

Before you can form a limited liability company (LLC) in the state of Utah (or a business corporation or another registered business), you need to designate an official point of contact so that the state and those with legal notices can get in touch with your business. That person (or company) is called a registered agent. We’ll tell you below what a registered agent is, their duties, and the requirements to be one.

What is a Utah registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or business that is designated by the business owners to receive important legal documents on behalf of the company. This position is essential for ensuring that the correct people within a company are notified in person when there are time-sensitive events, such as service of process for lawsuits. The agent also receives important notices from the state, such as notices of annual reports and tax notifications.

What does a registered agent do in Utah?

Utah Statutes define the duties and requirements of the registered agent. These laws require state-registered businesses to have and continuously maintain a registered agent and registered office within the state. The agent must be available during all normal business hours at the registered office to accept any service of process, notice, or demand pertaining to the company and forward it to the appropriate individuals.

Who can be a registered agent in Utah?

Under Utah’s registered agent laws, every Utah registered business must submit a filing designating both a registered office (actual physical street address or rural route box number in the state, not a P.O. box or something similar) and a registered agent. For an LLC, the filing is part of the Certificate of Organization; for a corporation, it’s the Articles of Incorporation. The filing must state:

• The name of the commercial registered agent of the represented entity, or
• If the entity does not have a commercial registered agent, then the name and address of the noncommercial registered agent of the entity.

If the registered agent is an individual, they must be a Utah resident with a street address in the state that serves as the registered office. A registered agent must be available to accept service of process in person at this registered office during all normal business hours. If the registered agent is a business, they must be legally authorized to conduct business in Utah.

Benefits of Using Utah Registered Agent Services

Having a registered agent service offers some worthwhile benefits. These services specialize in receiving and relaying official paperwork, helping ensure nothing slips through the cracks. They give you peace of mind to go work around town and travel without worrying about your legal mail. Many services also offer extra perks like digital access to your critical documents, compliance reminders, and more.

In addition, a professional registered agent company can help protect you from potential embarrassment. If you’re acting as your own agent, you’ll have to accept service of process yourself, which means whomever you’re with at the time — maybe a client or business associate — will know you’re facing a lawsuit. But if you use an agent service, the process server will go to the registered agent’s address. Your agent will handle these notifications privately, discreetly, and promptly.

How is a Utah registered agent appointed?

You must name your registered agent when you complete the official paperwork with the state to form your Utah LLC, corporation, or other state-registered business, so you need to decide who your registered agent or registered agent service will be before then. Of course, you need to be sure to inform whomever you’re appointing and get their permission first.

How much does it cost for a registered agent in Utah?

The cost of a registered agent in Utah varies depending on whether you choose an individual or a professional service. If you opt to be your own registered agent or designate someone you know, the costs can be minimal, primarily associated with the potential need to maintain a physical street address or office space during business hours. For many small business owners, being their own agent requires no out-of-pocket cost but requires time and attention instead. 

On the other hand, professional registered agent services usually come with a fee. These fees can range from $100 to a few hundred dollars annually, depending largely on the level of services offered. While using a professional service might seem like an added expense, the benefits they provide — like helping ensure compliance with the registered agent requirements, protecting your professional image, and offering added peace of mind — often justify the cost for many businesses.

Cost of Changing Registered Agents

To change your Utah registered agent, you’ll need to file a Business Registration Information Change online or with a paper form. This change form costs $13 to file.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Utah

Changing your registered agent in Utah requires some administrative effort to ensure the state records are up to date and your business remains compliant. To begin, it’s vital to first determine who your new registered agent will be. If you’re considering transitioning to a professional service or selecting another individual, ensure you obtain their consent and verify that they meet Utah’s requirements for registered agents.

Once you have your agent lined up, it’s time to file your change paperwork. Utah recommends filing online through the state’s Business Renewal portal. To do this, you’ll need your entity number and access ID. That way, you’ll be able to log in, head to the Business Registration Information Changes section, and update your agent’s information. You can also download a paper version of the form (make sure you get the right version for your business type) and file it by mail.

No matter how you file, you’ll need to provide information about your business, your former registered agent, and the new agent. Submitting this change costs $13.

Change of Registered Agent Requirements

When changing a registered agent, the new agent must meet the same requirements: be a Utah resident or a business authorized to conduct business in Utah, have a physical street address in the state, and be available during business hours.

Utah Department of Commerce
Division of Corporations and Commercial Code Information

Resignation of a Utah Registered Agent

If a registered agent needs to resign, they must notify the business and file a “Registered Agent Resignation” form with the Utah Department of Commerce. The agent remains on file until the 31st day after their resignation unless a replacement is appointed sooner.

Steps to Remove a Registered Agent

1. Notify your business: Inform your business that you’ll be resigning and the date you’re doing so. Under state law, it’s technically not required to send this notice until immediately after you file your resignation paperwork, but it’s recommended to do so earlier if possible. Not only is the notice a professional courtesy, but it also helps streamline the resignation process since it lets the business know it’s time to appoint a replacement.
2. Submit your resignation: Complete the “Registered Agent Resignation” form and submit it to the Department of Commerce. There’s no filing fee for this resignation form. You submit it by mail, fax, or in person.
3. Hand off your responsibilities: Help your business transition to a new registered agent to avoid penalties. A valid registered agent is crucial to maintaining the company’s good standing.