What is an Utah certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code before doing business in Utah. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Utah certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.
Operating without a certificate of authority may result in penalties or fines. In addition to the state’s requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors will often request a certificate of authority.
When do I need a certificate of authority?
The most common reasons for applying for a certificate of authority include:
- Opening an office or physical location within the foreign state
- Hiring an employee who resides within the state
- Before beginning a contract or a job in a new state
- A vendor or bank’s requirements
- Licensing authority requirements
How do I get an Utah certificate of authority?
To obtain your Utah Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved. Be sure to follow the state’s instructions carefully, as they can reject a document for the smallest error.
For Foreign Corporations:
| Agency: | Utah Department of Commerce - Division of Corporations and Commercial Code |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, in-person, fax or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $54 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Utah Department of Commerce - Division of Corporations and Commercial Code |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, in-person, fax or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $54 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Utah Department of Commerce - Division of Corporations and Commercial Code |
| Form: | Application for Authority to Conduct Affairs for a Foreign Corporation |
| Filing Method: | Mail, in-person, fax and online. |
| Agency Fee: | $30 |
| Law: | |
| Penalties: | Utah does not currently impose monetary penalties on nonprofits that do business in the state prior to foreign qualification. |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days. |
For Foreign Professional LLCs:
| Agency: | Utah Department of Commerce - Division of Corporations and Commercial Code |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, in-person, fax or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $54 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Utah Department of Commerce - Division of Corporations and Commercial Code |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail, in-person, fax or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $70 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
| Agency: | Utah Department of Commerce - Division of Corporations and Commercial Code |
| Form: | Foreign Registration Statement for Limited Liability Partnership |
| Filing Method: | Mail, in-person, fax or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $70 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Utah Department of Commerce - Division of Corporations and Commercial Code |
| Form: | Foreign Registration Statement for Limited Liability Limited Partnership |
| Filing Method: | Mail, in-person or fax. |
| Agency Fee: | $70 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
What do I need from my home state?
In order to obtain an Utah Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- Limited Liability Company: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days.
- Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days.
- Professional Corporation: Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 90 days.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Utah Certificate of Authority application, you must list a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).
Many businesses do not have an individual or physical address in a new state. Listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you get same day document scanning from our local office in all 50 states and DC. Our registered agent service is a flat rate of $99 per year, and you can easily add our service to any certificate of authority order.
What is the contact information for the state?
Utah Department of Commerce - Division of Corporations and Commercial CodePhysical Address:
160 E. 300 S. 2nd Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Mailing Address:
PO Box 146705
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
Phone: 801-530-4849 or 1-877-526-3994
Fax: (801) 530-6438
Website: https://corporations.utah.gov/
Name Search: https://secure.utah.gov/bes/index.html
Forms: https://corporations.utah.gov/business-entities/
Online Filing: https://corporations.utah.gov/online-business-registration/
Email: corpucc@utah.gov
