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Do I need a registered agent in Utah and how do I choose one

UTAH LAW

Registered Agents in Utah Do You Need One & How to Choose

Plain-English guide to Utah’s registered agent rules, options, filings, fees, and pitfalls

Utah Law Explained breaks down whether you must keep a registered agent in Utah (you do) and how to select the right one. If you run a Utah LLC, corporation, nonprofit, or similar entity, the registered agent is your official point of contact for lawsuits and state notices. Utah requires a real Utah street address not a P.O. Box so process servers and state mail can reliably reach someone.

This guide gives you the Utah-specific steps, options, and pitfalls so you can decide whether to serve as your own agent or hire a commercial service, and how to appoint, change, or replace an agent without risking administrative dissolution.

01

Utah Registered Agent Basics

Your registered agent acts as your legal inbox for the State of Utah and the courts. Missed notices can lead to default judgments or state penalties.

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Role

Receives service of process and official state mail, then forwards it promptly so you can meet deadlines.

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Utah Address

Must be a physical Utah street address (no P.O. Boxes). Someone must be available during business hours.

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Who Can Serve

A Utah resident or a business authorized in Utah. You may serve as your own agent if you meet availability and privacy needs.

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Risk of Gaps

If you lose your agent for 60+ days, the Division can start administrative dissolution for an LLC.

02

Requirements & Filings

Confirm the core Utah rules before you appoint or change an agent, and know how filings work with the Division of Corporations.

agent_eligibility Utah resident or business authorized in Utah; reliable weekday availability required
office_address Must be a Utah street address; P.O. Box not acceptable
filing_actions Appoint at formation; file to change an agent online via UtahID or by paper
risks Missed notices; potential default judgments; possible administrative dissolution after prolonged gap

Quick Utah checklist: Do you have a staffed Utah street address? Are you okay with your address being public? Who will forward legal mail the same day? Do you have UtahID and your entity number? Did you verify the current state filing fee?

03

Options, Changes & Pitfalls

Be Your Own Agent vs. Hire One

Option A (Self): Pros: No annual fee; simple if you have a staffed Utah office. Cons: Address becomes public; must be available during business hours.
Option B (Commercial): Pros: Privacy, weekday coverage, fast forwarding, reminders, multi-state support. Cons: Annual fee, possible upsells.

How to Choose a Service

Compare: Real Utah street address, reliable weekday availability, fast email alerts, transparent pricing, online dashboard, compliance reminders, easy cancellation, multi-state coverage if needed.

Appointing at Formation

When Filing: List the agent’s name and Utah street address in your Certificate of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation).

Changing or Replacing an Agent

How: File a change online with UtahID or submit the paper form. The change is effective when filed; a filing fee applies.
If Agent Resigns: A commercial agent can file a resignation; it typically takes effect in 31 days. Appoint a new agent promptly to avoid a coverage gap.
04

Step-by-Step

1

Know the Role

Your agent receives lawsuits and state notices and forwards them so you can meet deadlines.

2

Confirm Utah Requirements

Physical Utah street address only; Utah resident or authorized business; filings made with the Division of Corporations.

3

Decide Who Should Serve

Self (no fee, public address, must be available) or commercial service (privacy, coverage, annual fee).

4

Choose a Provider

Compare real Utah address, weekday coverage, forwarding speed, pricing transparency, dashboard, reminders, cancellation terms, and multi-state options.

5

Appoint at Formation

List the agent’s name and Utah street address on your formation filing (LLC/corporation).

6

Change Later if Needed

File the change online with UtahID or by paper; effective upon filing. A state fee applies.

7

If Your Agent Resigns

Resignations typically take effect after 31 days. Appoint a new agent immediately to avoid a gap.

8

Mind Privacy & Availability

Agent name and address are public; ensure weekday coverage at a physical Utah location that accepts hand delivery.

Need Help Applying This to Your Situation?

Every Utah business is different. If you’re unsure about using your home address, switching agents during renewal, or what to do after a resignation, a short consult with a Utah business attorney can help you avoid mistakes.

Talk to a Utah Attorney
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Key Takeaways

Utah entities must maintain a registered agent with a physical Utah street address (no P.O. Boxes).

Choose between serving as your own agent (free but public and time-bound) or hiring a commercial service (privacy and coverage for a fee).

You can change agents online with UtahID; don’t allow coverage gaps—resignations typically take effect after 31 days.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. When in doubt, get counsel before you file.

Next Step

Check your privacy needs, weekday availability, and forwarding speed. Then appoint or change your agent the right way to avoid missed notices.

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Utah Law Explained exists to turn complex rules into plain-English steps with links to state forms, current fees, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Utah Law Explained helps Utahns act with confidence. This page is legal information, not legal advice. Laws change, and your facts matter. If you’re unsure how these rules apply to you, speak with a Utah attorney.

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