Oregon Business Name Search
Starting a business in Oregon requires several steps, one of which is conducting an Oregon business entity name search to confirm the availability of your desired business name.
Learn how to look up an LLC in Oregon with a Oregon business name search on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website.
How to Look Up a Business Name’s Availability in Oregon
Here’s how you can do that:
- Choose a Name: Start by deciding on a name that is unique and reflects the nature of your business.
- Visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s Website: The Oregon Secretary of State’s office manages a database of business entity names that are registered in the state.
- Use the Business Name Search Tool: On the website, navigate to the “Business Name Search” page, which allows you to search for your desired name. You can also search on the Oregon Business Registry Database page.
- Perform the Search: Enter your chosen business name into the search bar and click on ‘search’. This tool will display a list of business names that match or are similar to your search.
- Review the Results: If your desired name appears in the results, it is already in use, and you’ll need to choose a different name. If your name does not appear in the results, it is likely available for use.
- Understand Name Distinction: Please note that Oregon law requires business names to be distinguishable from other names on the record. Minor differences, or simply adding a numeral or preposition, may not be enough to consider the name unique.
- Check Trademarks: After checking with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office, it’s also a good idea to verify if your chosen name is federally trademarked with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). If a business in a similar field is operating under a federally registered trademark, they could potentially take legal action against you.
- Reserve the Name: If the name is available, and you’re not ready to register your business, you might consider reserving the name. Oregon allows name reservations for up to 120 days, giving you some buffer time while you prepare to launch your business.
What is the Oregon Business Registry?
The Oregon Business Registry is a service provided by the Oregon Secretary of State’s office that allows you to perform numerous tasks related to setting up and managing a business in the state of Oregon.
It serves as a one-stop solution for several services that businesses in Oregon need to avail.
Here’s what you can do through the Oregon Business Registry:
- Search for Business Names: Before you set up your business, you can use the Business Registry to search for existing business names and ensure that the name you want is unique and available.
- Register a New Business: You can use the Business Registry to register your new business entity. This includes submitting the necessary forms and paying any required fees.
- File Annual Reports: In Oregon, many types of business entities are required to file annual reports to maintain good standing. You can do this through the Business Registry.
- Change Business Information: If you need to change your registered business information, such as your address or registered agent, you can do this through the Business Registry.
- Register Assumed Business Names: If your business operates under a name different from its legal name, you’ll need to register this assumed business name. This can be done through the Business Registry.
- Reinstate a Business: If your business has been administratively dissolved, you can apply to have it reinstated through the Business Registry.
The Oregon Business Registry is a key resource for Oregon business owners. It centralizes many of the essential processes and information related to starting and maintaining a business in Oregon.
How Do I Find My Oregon Business Registration Number?
Your Oregon business registration number, also known as the entity’s Registry Number, is a unique identifier for your business in the state of Oregon. If you’ve misplaced this number or simply need to find it, here are the steps you can follow:
- Visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s website: Navigate to the Business Registry section.
- Access the Business Name Search Tool: This tool allows you to search for registered businesses in the state of Oregon.
- Perform the Search: Enter the name of your business and click ‘search’.
- View the Business Record: Click on the name of your business in the search results to view its public record.
- Find the Registration Number: Your Oregon business registration number, also known as the entity’s Registry Number, should be listed in this record.
It’s essential to keep this number in a secure and accessible place as you will need it for various business activities such as filing annual reports, changing registered agents, or making changes to your business name or address.
Remember, if you’re having difficulty locating your Oregon business registration number, you can also contact the Oregon Secretary of State’s office directly for assistance.
Does A Sole Proprietor Have To Register With The State Of Oregon?
In the state of Oregon, a sole proprietorship does not have to register with the state in the same way that LLCs or corporations do.
However, there are still some steps that a sole proprietor may need to take:
- Assumed Business Name: If a sole proprietor plans to operate under a name different from their own personal name, they need to register an Assumed Business Name (ABN) with the Oregon Secretary of State.
- Business Licenses and Permits: Depending on the nature of the business, the sole proprietor may need to obtain certain local or state business licenses or permits.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN): While sole proprietorships without employees can use the owner’s Social Security number for tax purposes, those with employees will need to obtain an EIN from the IRS.
- Business Taxes: Even though a sole proprietorship isn’t a separate legal entity, and income and losses are reported on the owner’s personal tax return, the business may still be responsible for other taxes. These could include transient lodging tax, tobacco tax, or others, depending on the nature of the business.
Oregon Secretary of State
Mailing Address
Oregon Secretary of State
Corporations Division
Public Service Building
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Phone: (503) 986-2200
Email: corporationdivision.sos@sos.oregon.gov or submit a question online
