Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert and Francine A. Giani, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, announced today that Commerce has upgraded online services across several Divisions to provide better customer service for Utah consumers and businesses.

“The Department of Commerce is one of the State’s workhorse websites, making sure consumers and businesses find the information they need,” said Governor Gary  R. Herbert,” These upgrades represent the best win-win for our state, saving the public’s valuable time and Utah money by putting more records and services online.  We will continue to make sure utah.gov responds to the needs of our citizens by giving them the tools and information they seek at their fingertips 24-7.”

The Department of Commerce and its Divisions receive over 2.6 million annual visits to their websites.  Today, 60% of all businesses register online and with approximately 2,600 new registrations a month, Utah businesses save around 208,000 hours per year versus filing paperwork in person. 

“Our Divisions are constantly looking for new ways to help the public find what they need online so they can get back to business and back to their day, without making several phone calls,” said Francine A. Giani.

Below is a detailed list of online enhancements by Commerce Division;

Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

- thousands of disciplinary actions against licensees and non-licensees now online dating back to 2007 at www.dopl.utah.gov

Utah Division of Consumer Protection

- upgraded searchable charity database where consumers can enter names of an entity and quickly find out if they are registered with the State and how much of any donation goes to the charity’s end user at www.consumerprotection.utah.gov

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code

- One Stop Online Business Registration Program (OSBR) has added the following updated and enhanced services at www.corporations.utah.gov

1 .User navigation and interface improvement

2. Improved glossary and frequently asked questions page

3. “Live Help”

4. Allows non-profits to register

5. Allows out of state and foreign registration

6. Enhanced receipt system

7. Ability to preview articles

8. Improved ownership (principals) section

9. Registration for additional tax types

10. “Doing Business As” upgrades to support fast, accurate small business creation

Utah Division of Real Estate

 -  launched a new online customer chat service to further assist Utah citizens with questions pertaining to the Division’s services.  The new Live Help Online service will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at www.realestate.utah.gov