How to Change a Utah DBA
Short answer: "Changing" a Utah DBA means different things depending on what's actually changing. Updating non-name details — like your business address — is a straightforward Registration Information Change filing, generally around $15. But there's an important limit: Utah does not allow you to amend the name itself on an existing DBA. If you want a different or additional name, that requires a brand-new DBA filing, not an edit to your existing one.
Who this guide is for
Utah business owners whose DBA information has changed — an address, ownership, or the name itself — and want to know the right process for each.
Changing basic information (address, contact details)
For changes that don't involve the name or ownership itself, Utah offers a Registration Information Change process, filed with the Division of Corporations either online or by submitting the change form — generally for a modest fee around $15.
Changing the name — you can't amend it
This is the detail that trips people up: Utah's DBA system does not let you amend an existing registration's name. If your business's assumed name is changing — even a minor rebrand — you need to file a completely new DBA registration for the new name, generally as its own filing with its own fee. Your old DBA registration doesn't automatically transfer or update; if you're not continuing to use the old name, you may also want to formally cancel it — see How to Cancel a Utah DBA.
Changing ownership
Transferring a DBA to a new owner is its own distinct process — a Letter of Transfer, generally paired with a fresh DBA application reflecting the new owner. If you're adding or removing an owner in a way that changes the underlying business structure (for example, going from a sole proprietorship to a general partnership), that generally requires the Registration Information Change process too, since it affects the DBA's underlying legal status.
Why this distinction matters
Treating a name change like a simple information update is a common, costly mistake — submitting the wrong form, or assuming an information-change filing covers a name change, can leave you thinking you've updated your registration when you actually haven't. Confirm which specific process applies to your situation before filing anything.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a second DBA name to my existing registration instead of changing the first one? Generally, each name requires its own separate registration — if you want to operate under an additional name alongside your existing one, that's typically a new filing, not an addition to the old one.
Does changing my DBA's address also update my LLC or corporation's registered agent address? No — these are separate records with the Division; updating one doesn't automatically update the other. See Utah Registered Agent Requirements Explained if your registered agent information also needs updating.
What happens to my old DBA if I file a new one and never cancel the old one? It generally continues to exist on record (and continues accruing renewal deadlines) until it either expires on its own 3-year cycle or you formally cancel it — leaving it unattended isn't harmless, since it can create confusion or an unnecessary future renewal obligation.