Do I need a registered agent in Utah and how do I choose one?: 10 Quick Questions Answered

A registered agent is a person or company you pick to accept official documents—like lawsuits or government notices—on behalf of your Utah business. Utah law (Utah Code § 16-17-203) requires every business entity (LLC, corporation, partnership, and more) to name one when filing with the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.

All types of Utah businesses—LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, and even limited partnerships—must have a registered agent by law. This rule applies whether your business is based in Ogden, Provo, Logan, or anywhere in Utah. Without a listed agent, your company can’t finish registration with the state and risks falling out of good standing.

A registered agent receives legal notices (like service of process or court documents), tax letters, and state correspondence for your Utah business. They’re required to be available during normal business hours at a physical street address within Utah.

Yes. Any Utah resident over 18 with a physical street address (not a P.O. box) can act as their own registered agent. Many small businesses in Layton or Orem have the business owner serve as agent. However, you must be reliably available on-site during business hours to accept official deliveries.

No. Under Utah Code § 16-17-203, your agent—whether an individual or a company—must have a physical Utah address. Many providers offer Utah-based agent services for a yearly fee if you don’t want to list your home or office location.

Your Utah agent must provide a valid, physical street address located in Utah—not a mailbox or virtual office. This address appears on public state records, so privacy is a common reason businesses hire a commercial registered agent instead of listing a home address.

Yes, many Utah business lawyers offer registered agent services for their clients. The attorney (or their law office) must still maintain a Utah office and agree to take on the responsibilities.

Commercial registered agent services in Utah usually cost $40–$150 per year depending on provider and extras. If you serve as your own agent (or ask a trusted friend or employee who fits Utah’s requirements), there’s no additional cost—but remember, your address goes on public record.

If your registered agent isn’t available, or if you fail to maintain one, your business may lose good standing and could even be dissolved under Utah law (Utah Code § 16-6a-1412). You could also miss important legal notices—damaging your defense if sued in Utah courts.

You can change your registered agent by filing a form with Utah’s Division of Corporations (here). There’s a small fee, and the new agent must accept the appointment. Always keep agent info up-to-date to avoid penalties.

• Is the agent (or company) located at a valid Utah street address?
• Are they reliably available 9am–5pm Monday to Friday?
• Do they forward all important documents quickly to you?
• Will they help you stay current with Utah business filings?
• If hiring a service, does it protect your privacy, and is the annual fee clear?

Think twice before using your home address if you want to keep personal details private or expect lots of legal mail.