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Utah licensing

Do I need a debt collection license in Utah?

No. Utah does not require a state-level debt collection license.

State Laws

Utah licensing laws

9 verticals covered for Utah

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Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified August 3, 2026

This guide covers 9 regulated activities in Utah: Utah Debt Collection Laws & Regulations, Utah Contractor License Bond Requirements, Utah Charitable Registration Requirements, Utah Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements, Utah Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements, Utah Notary Bond Requirements, Utah Subdivision Bond Requirements, Utah Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing, and Utah Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements. For each one, the summary below names the state agency in charge. It shows whether a license or registration is required. It also shows whether Utah calls for a surety bond before you can operate.

Oversight in Utah runs through Utah Attorney General (consumer protection), Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Utah Division of Consumer Protection (professional fundraisers only), Utah Division of Consumer Protection, Utah Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division, Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Utah, Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in Utah, and Utah DFI. 7 of the 9 need a surety bond before you can operate. The bond protects the state and your customers if you break the rules tied to your license.

States change their statutes and fee schedules often. Treat the details below as a starting point. Confirm the current rule with the regulator before you file. When you are ready, Cornerstone Licensing can prepare and submit the Utah filings for you. We track every renewal date and keep your license in good standing year after year.

debt collection

Utah Debt Collection Laws & Regulations

Utah does not require a state-level license for third-party debt collection. Collectors in Utah must still follow the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). They must also follow any consumer-protection statutes the state Attorney General enforces.

Application process

No state-level debt collection license is required in Utah. Check for any local or municipal registration rules. Review your obligations under the federal FDCPA.

Renewals

No state license means no renewal cycle applies. Keep your practices FDCPA-compliant. Watch for any future state licensing legislation.

Utah relies on the federal FDCPA and the state Attorney General's consumer-protection authority. It has no stand-alone licensing regime. Confirm this exemption before you rely on it.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692) . Federal framework governing third-party debt collection nationwide.

contractor license

Utah Contractor License Bond Requirements

The contractor license bond Utah requires as a condition of holding a contractor license or registration: the required amount, the statute behind it, and how the bond is filed with Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).

Application process

The bond is filed with Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) as part of the contractor license or registration application (or renewal). The surety issues the bond on the state's required form naming the state as obligee; most contractors qualify on the owners' personal credit and the bond is often issued the same day. Note this is the license bond only, project bid, performance, and payment bonds are separate obligations posted per job.

Renewals

The bond must stay continuously in force for the license to remain active. Sureties renew the bond on its own term and file continuation certificates; a lapse or cancellation is reported to Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) and can suspend the license.

Local jurisdictions in Utah may layer their own permit or license bond requirements on top of the statewide bond. Confirm the current required amount with Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) before filing.

Key statutes

  • Conditional contractor bond rule (Utah Admin. Code R156-55a-602) . Utah's contractor rule sets bond amounts only for licensees the division orders to file one; most Utah contractors are licensed without a bond.

charitable registration

Utah Charitable Registration Requirements

Does Utah require charitable solicitation registration? Utah eliminated its charitable organization registration requirement effective 2024; rules for professional fundraisers and certain commercial co-ventures remain with the Division of Consumer Protection. What that means for nonprofits fundraising in Utah, and the professional fundraiser and charitable gaming rules that still apply.

Application process

There is no charitable solicitation registration to file in Utah. Utah eliminated its charitable organization registration requirement effective 2024; rules for professional fundraisers and certain commercial co-ventures remain with the Division of Consumer Protection. Nonprofits soliciting in Utah still need their corporate registration (and a registered agent if formed out of state), and fundraising into other states can trigger those states' registration requirements. Professional fundraisers working Utah donors should confirm whether separate contractor or solicitor filings apply.

Renewals

With no charitable solicitation registration, there is nothing to renew in Utah. Keep the organization's corporate annual report and registered agent current, and track registrations in every other state where the nonprofit solicits.

Deceptive solicitation remains enforceable by Utah Division of Consumer Protection under consumer protection law even without a registration regime. Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo) is regulated separately in Utah and usually requires its own license or permit from the state or local jurisdiction.

Key statutes

  • Utah charitable solicitation regime (No general registration statute) . Utah eliminated its charitable organization registration requirement effective 2024; rules for professional fundraisers and certain commercial co-ventures remain with the Division of Consumer Protection.

credit services

Utah Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements

Utah requires a $100,000 credit services organization bond under Utah Code § 13-21-3, filed with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection.

Application process

Apply for or renew your credit services organization registration with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection and file a $100,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the credit services organization registration term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Key statutes

  • Utah Credit Services Organizations Act (Utah Code § 13-21-3) . Statutory basis for the Utah credit services organization bond requirement.

auto dealer

Utah Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements

Utah requires a $75,000 motor vehicle dealer bond under Utah Code § 41-3-205, filed with the Utah Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division. Motorcycle and small trailer dealers post $10,000.

Application process

Apply for or renew your motor vehicle dealer license with the Utah Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division and file a $75,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the motor vehicle dealer license term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Motorcycle and small trailer dealers post $10,000.

Key statutes

  • Utah dealer bond statute (Utah Code § 41-3-205) . Statutory basis for the Utah motor vehicle dealer bond requirement.

notary

Utah Notary Bond Requirements

Utah requires a $5,000 notary bond under Utah Code § 46-1-4, filed with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Utah. Remote notaries carry $10,000 of total bond coverage.

Application process

Apply for or renew your notary public commission with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Utah and file a $5,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the notary public commission term and renews on the same cycle (about every 4 years).

Remote notaries carry $10,000 of total bond coverage.

Key statutes

  • Utah notary bond statute (Utah Code § 46-1-4) . Statutory basis for the Utah notary bond requirement.

subdivision

Utah Subdivision Bond Requirements

How subdivision (site improvement / plat) bonds work in Utah: the enabling statute local governments rely on, how the bond amount is sized from the engineer's estimate, and what developers post to get a plat approved.

Application process

The bond is posted with the city or county that approves the plat, not a state agency. The local government (the obligee) sizes the security from the project engineer's estimate of the improvements still to be built (streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, water and sewer), and the developer files the executed bond with the development or subdivision improvement agreement. Many Utah jurisdictions reduce the required amount as phases are inspected and accepted.

Renewals

The bond stays in force until the local government inspects and accepts the improvements and releases the security; it is not renewed on a fixed license cycle.

Amounts are set locally under Utah Code § 10-9a-604.5, so two projects in different Utah jurisdictions can face different security terms for the same scope of work. Confirm the exact security form and amount with the approving city or county before ordering the bond.

Key statutes

  • Improvement completion assurance (Utah Code § 10-9a-604.5) . Requires municipalities to accept an improvement completion assurance, such as a bond, for landscaping and infrastructure improvements before plat recording; § 17-27a-604.5 is the county parallel.

money transmitter

Utah Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing

Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Utah. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Utah.

Utah money transmitter requirements at a glance

Utah money transmitter licensing requirements
Surety bond $25,000
Minimum net worth $100,000
Renewal cadence Annual
FinCEN MSB registration Required

Application process

To obtain a money transmitter license in Utah, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Utah DFI, provide a surety bond of $25,000-$500,000, demonstrate minimum net worth of $100,000, provide audited financial statements, implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program, and pass background checks for all control persons. Many states now accept applications through NMLS. The application process typically takes 3-12 months depending on the state and complexity of the applicant's business model.

Renewals

Money transmitter licenses in Utah generally require annual renewal. Renewal typically requires submission of audited financial statements, updated surety bond, quarterly or annual transaction reports, BSA/AML filing documentation, and payment of renewal fees. Some states require call report filings on a quarterly basis throughout the year.

Money transmitters operating in Utah are also generally expected to register with FinCEN as a money services business (MSB) and implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program. This includes appointing a filings officer, developing written policies and procedures, conducting employee training, filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Utah may have specific requirements for cryptocurrency and virtual currency businesses.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5311) . Federal BSA/AML requirements for money services businesses

mortgage

Utah Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements

Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Utah. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Utah.

Application process

Mortgage companies generally apply through the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) for Utah mortgage licensing. Requirements include a completed MU1 form, surety bond, audited financial statements, business plan, background checks (FBI criminal and credit) for all control persons, and net worth requirements. Individual MLOs are generally required to complete pre-licensing education (20 hours minimum including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, plus Utah-specific hours), pass the SAFE MLO test, and submit an MU4 form through NMLS.

Renewals

Mortgage licenses in Utah are renewed annually through NMLS. Company renewals require updated financial statements, bond confirmation, and payment of renewal fees. MLOs are generally required to complete continuing education (8 hours minimum annually, including Utah-specific requirements) and pay renewal fees through NMLS. The renewal period typically runs November 1 through December 31.

All mortgage companies and MLOs operating in Utah are generally required to be registered through NMLS. Utah participates in the CSBS multi-state licensing process. Additional requirements may include maintaining a physical office, appointing a qualified individual, and filings with both state and federal regulations including TILA, RESPA, and the Dodd-Frank Act.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • SAFE Act (12 U.S.C. § 5101) . Federal framework for MLO licensing through NMLS

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State Laws

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Licenses in Utah

Utah licenses by industry

Every regulated vertical we track in Utah, with the full law summary and the direct application path for each license type.

debt collection licensing

Regulated by Utah Attorney General (consumer protection)

charitable registration licensing

Regulated by Utah Division of Consumer Protection (professional fundraisers only)

Bonds and insurance in Utah

Where Utah conditions a license on a posted surety bond, these pages carry the statutory bond amount and filing steps.

Utah regulator contacts

The state agencies that issue and oversee the licenses above.

Planning tools and data

Scope a Utah expansion before you file.

Registered agent coverage in Utah

Every registered entity in Utah needs an agent of record. Requirements, live pricing, and same-day ordering.

Ready to apply in Utah?

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Ready to apply in Utah?

Start your money transmitter application with Utah-specific requirements pre-loaded. Most filings open in under three minutes.

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Regulatory Watch

Stay Ahead of the Rules

Recent rule changes, deadline announcements, and state agency updates we are tracking for you.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS MTMA Adoption Tracker Updated, 31 States Enacted in Full or Part

    CSBS updated its Money Transmission Modernization Act tracker in August 2026 and reported that 31 states had enacted the law in full or in part. The update is not a single state rule, but it is a meaningful cross-state licensing development for money transmitters.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS Comment Letter on Federal Reserve Payment System Risk and Account Access Proposal

    On July 24, 2026, CSBS posted a comment letter on proposed revisions to the Federal Reserve Policy on Payment System Risk and the guidelines for account and services requests. This is a policy advocacy item rather than a binding regulatory change.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Remote Work Status Details Due for 2027 Renewal Readiness

    NMLS directed companies to complete MLO remote work status details by August 31, 2026 to prepare for the 2027 renewal cycle. This was an active operational requirement during the review period.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS 2026 Disclosure Question Updates Require Completion Before 2027 Renewal Activity

    NMLS implemented revised MU4 and MU2 disclosure questions earlier in 2026, and the system urged affected users to complete updates by August 31, 2026. The change remained active during the July 21 to August 4 period and could affect filing workflows.

  • Watch CSBS / NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Modernization Phase Three Scheduled for August 2026

    CSBS indicated that NMLS Modernization Phase Three is scheduled for August 2026. The planned changes include state agency task management for the individual licensing process and improved two-way communication for review items.