Do I need a registered agent in Utah and how do I choose one?: 7 Mistakes to Avoid

Utah law says every business must have a registered agent—an official person or business who receives legal papers (like lawsuits or state notices) on your company’s behalf. This is required under Utah Code § 16-17-203. Your agent must have a real Utah street address (not just a P.O. Box), and be available during normal business hours. The agent’s info is listed publicly when you file or renew your business registration.

Your registered agent can be:

• Yourself (if you live in Utah and are available during business hours)
• Another Utah resident over 18
• A commercial registered agent service, or
• A Utah-based business entity with a physical address

If you use a friend, family member, or yourself—remember, you must keep your address up to date and be reliably available, or risk default judgments against your business.

1. Using a P.O. Box: Utah requires a physical street address—no exceptions.
2. Choosing someone who isn’t consistently available: Missing a court notice? Your business can lose by default.
3. Not updating the agent info when moving: If your agent moves and you don’t update it with the Utah Division of Corporations (Utah Code § 16-17-206), you won’t receive official notices.
4. Thinking registered agent mail is junk: All documents sent to your agent are official. Never ignore them!
5. Picking the cheapest service without checking reputation: Not all agencies are reliable or Utah-focused.
6. Not naming a new agent after someone leaves: If your agent quits or moves, update the state quickly.
7. Failing to understand privacy trade-offs: If you use your home address, it will be made public in state business records.

1. Decide if you want to be your own agent: You must be at your listed address during normal hours and comfortable making it public.
2. If not, research commercial registered agent services: Look for Utah-based providers with good reviews and a track record. Consider those with physical offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, or St. George.
3. Verify physical address requirements: Your agent must have a Utah street address, no P.O. Boxes, per Utah Code § 16-17-203.
4. Make it official with the Division of Corporations: List your agent on your business formation or renewal forms. Update right away any time your agent or their address changes.

Tip: Many Utah business owners use a commercial service to keep their home address private and ensure reliable service even during vacations or illness.

An LLC owner in Logan used his cousin as the registered agent. But when his cousin took a job in Provo and changed addresses, he forgot to update the Utah state records. The business missed an important lawsuit notice and lost the case by default. This is a common outcome if your registered agent information is outdated.

• Update your registered agent info anytime you move or change agents—do it online with the Utah Division of Corporations.
• Don’t ignore official agent mail—open and act on it quickly.
• Research agent services carefully. Look for Utah-specific expertise and a proven track record.
• If you want extra privacy, hire a professional service. Your home address stays off public records.

You can update your registered agent online at the Utah Division of Corporations. For urgent help (like missed court notices), contact a Utah business attorney right away. Libraries and small business development centers in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and St. George can also guide you to local resources.