Oregon LLC Name Search & Entity Lookup (Guide)

You can easily perform an Oregon LLC name search to ensure your desired name is available and meets the state’s requirements.

This process helps you avoid legal issues and establishes a strong brand identity.

This guide covers everything from naming requirements to searching and reserving your desired LLC name in Oregon.

Should You Conduct an Oregon Name Search or an LLC Lookup?

Here are some reasons why conducting an Oregon LLC name search is a good idea:

• Ensure Name Availability: A name search confirms if your desired LLC name is unique in Oregon, helping you avoid legal issues with existing businesses.
• Verify Compliance with State Requirements: An LLC lookup ensures your chosen name meets Oregon’s guidelines, like including “LLC” and avoiding restricted terms.
• Protect Your Brand: Searching for similar names protects your brand by reducing the chance of confusion or trademark conflicts with other businesses.
• Streamline the Filing Process: Conducting an Oregon LLC name search ahead of filing makes the registration process smoother, reducing the likelihood of delays from rejected filings.
• Gain Competitive Insight: An LLC lookup can reveal insights into similar businesses, helping you refine your brand or avoid overlapping industries.

Oregon LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

The first step in forming an LLC in Oregon is picking a unique name. You don’t want to choose a name during registration and discover that it’s already in use.

The solution? Perform an Oregon LLC name search. Here’s how.

Step 1: Visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s website

Start by going to the Oregon Secretary of State’s website at sos.oregon.gov. This site is the primary resource for business registrations in Oregon.

Step 2: Click on “Oregon Business Name Search”

Once on the homepage, look for the “Oregon Business Name Search” option. This option allows you to search for any business entity registered in Oregon.

Step 3: Enter the desired LLC name in the search field

In the search field that appears, type in your desired LLC name. Be precise with your spelling, as this affects the search results.

After entering the name, choose your search criteria. You can pick one from various search methods (more restrictive to less restrictive) and active and/or inactive businesses.

Here are the search methods:

• Very restrictive. Positional. Only (As keyed).
• Exact words in exact word order. (Only. As keyed)
• Exact words in exact word order. (Followed by anything else)
• Exact words in any word order.
• Sound-alike words in exact word order.
• Sound-alike words in any word order.
• Extended Search in any word order.

Click the “Search” button to initiate the query. This action prompts the system to check the Oregon business registry for existing entities.

Step 4: Review the search results for name availability

Once the search results appear, review them carefully. If you get “Your search returned no business entity names,” it means your desired LLC name is available.

However, if the search returns any business entity name for your search term, it means your desired LLC is unavailable.

Are you performing an LLC lookup in Oregon? The business name search tool will provide the following information:

• Entity Type
• Entity Status
• Registry Number
• Name Status
• Business Name

Clicking on either the Registry Number or BusinessName takes you to a detailed profile page containing the following data:

• Registry Date
• Next Renewal Date
• Registered Agent Information
• Principal Place of Business
• Mailing Address
• Filing History
• Name History

If your name is available, you can proceed with the registration process but if the name is already taken, you will need to revise it.

Important LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in Oregon

Follow specific guidelines when naming your limited liability company (LLC) in Oregon.

1. Required Terms

Your LLC name must include the phrase “Limited Liability Company” or abbreviations like “LLC” or “L.L.C.” This requirement clarifies the legal structure of your business for the public, emphasizing that it is distinct from other business entities.

2. Distinguishability

Your chosen name must be unique within Oregon. It cannot be the same as or too similar to any existing registered business name, preventing confusion and legal disputes.

For example, “Green Tree LLC” and “Green Trees LLC” might be considered too similar.

3. Character Restrictions

In Oregon, your LLC name can only include the standard English alphabet (A-Z), Arabic and Roman numerals (0-9), and certain punctuation.

Special characters, such as #, @, or %, are generally prohibited, keeping business names professional and easy to read.

4. Restricted Words

Certain words are restricted to protect the public and may require additional approval from specific state departments.

Examples include:

• Bank: Restricted due to its association with financial services; may require approval from Oregon’s financial regulatory authority.
• Insurance: This term may require approval from the state’s insurance division.
• Trust: Reserved for entities offering fiduciary services and may need additional documentation.

5. Assumed Names (DBAs)

If you plan to operate under a name different from your LLC’s registered name—such as a brand name or a simplified version—you’ll need to file for an “Assumed Business Name,” also known as a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name.

This allows you to conduct business under an alternative name while maintaining the legal protection of your LLC.

6. Name Reservation

Once you’ve chosen a name, you can reserve it for up to 120 days by submitting a name reservation application and paying a fee.

This can help secure your name while you complete other steps in the LLC formation process, ensuring that no other business claims it in the meantime.

What Words are not allowed in my Oregon LLC name?

When choosing a name for your LLC in Oregon, some words are restricted or prohibited. Here’s a list of those words:

• Bank: Reserved for licensed financial institutions to avoid misleading the public.
• Insurance: Restricted to entities authorized by the state insurance regulatory authority.
• Trust: Often associated with fiduciary services and may mislead customers if the LLC does not provide these.
• Corporation or Incorporated: Implies a different business structure; LLCs cannot use terms indicating corporate status.
• University or College: Restricted to prevent unauthorized institutions from implying educational accreditation.
• Lawyer or Attorney: Requires specific licensing and approval from the Oregon State Bar, as these professions are regulated.
• Municipal or Government: This could imply affiliation with governmental bodies, which is not allowed.
• FBI, Treasury, Police: Names that imply government agency association are restricted to avoid public confusion.

How do I File an Oregon LLC Name Reservation? (In steps)

Reserving your LLC name in Oregon is simple, and doing so helps secure your business name while you prepare for full registration.

Follow these steps to reserve your LLC name:

1. Choose a Unique Name Complying with Oregon’s Naming Requirements

The name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.” Ensure it is distinct from other businesses registered with the Oregon Secretary of State to avoid conflicts.

2. Complete the Name Reservation Form

Download and fill out the “Application for Name Reservation” form from the Oregon Secretary of State website.

You’ll need to provide basic details, including the applicant’s full name, mailing address, and the desired LLC name.

3. Submit the Form and Pay the Reservation Fee

You can submit the form by mail or in person to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporation Division 255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151, Salem, OR 97310-1327.

The filing fee is $100. Ensure you make the check payable to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporation Division.

4. Duration of Reservation

Once approved, your reserved LLC name is held for 120 days. This secures the name while you finalize the details of your LLC formation.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When starting your LLC in Oregon, it is important to consider several factors beyond just the name availability. These factors include domain name availability, trademark implications, and the use of a DBA.

Check Domain Name Availability

Before finalizing your LLC name, check for domain name availability. Having a matching domain name strengthens your brand’s online presence, making it easier for customers to find you.

Start by visiting trusted domain registration sites like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains to see if your business name is available as a domain.

To maximize your options, try using keywords from your business name to check for variations. Aim for the widely recognized and trusted .com extension, but .net, .biz, or even location-specific extensions (.co, .us) can be good alternatives.

Securing your domain early in the planning process helps protect your brand, ensuring no one else claims it before you establish your business online.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

A trade name, often known as a “doing business as” (DBA) name, is the name you use publicly for your business, and it may differ from your registered LLC name.

Before settling on a trade name, verify it doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks. Conducting a trademark search through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database is a key step in this process.

Checking for similar names helps ensure your trade name is unique and avoids unintentional similarities with established brands.

Trademarking your trade name can provide legal protection, preventing others in the same industry from using a similar name and reinforcing your brand’s identity.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in Oregon

If you plan to operate your business under a name that differs from your registered LLC name in Oregon, file for a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name.

A DBA allows you to legally conduct business under an alternative name without forming a separate legal entity. This can be particularly useful for businesses with multiple product lines or services.

To file a DBA in Oregon, start by choosing a name that meets Oregon’s naming requirements. Ensure it is distinguishable from other businesses on record to avoid potential conflicts.

Final Thoughts – Is it Worth it to Search and Reserve My Business in Oregon?

Conducting an Oregon LLC name search and reserving your business name can be valuable, especially in the planning phases.

An Oregon LLC name search ensures that your business name is unique and meets all state guidelines, helping you avoid conflicts with existing businesses and ensuring compliance from the start.

Though reserving a name isn’t mandatory, it can offer peace of mind. With a reservation, your chosen name is secured for 120 days, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business without worrying about the name being taken.

An Oregon LLC name search and reservation streamline registration, protect your brand, and help you focus on building a successful LLC.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for searching business names through the Oregon Secretary of State?

Go to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporation Division website. Enter the business entity name in the search box and choose the necessary search options.

Is it possible for two LLCs to operate under the same name in Oregon?

No, two LLCs cannot operate under the same name in Oregon. Each name must be unique and distinguishable from others already registered.

How can I determine if a business name in Oregon is inactive, and can I claim it?

You can check the status of a business name through the Oregon Secretary of State’s database. If a name is inactive, it may be available for you to register.

Where can I look up the business identification number (BIN) for an Oregon LLC?

You can find the BIN for an Oregon LLC by searching the business name in the Oregon Secretary of State’s online database. The BIN will be listed in the entity details.

What are the steps to perform an EIN search for an Oregon business?

To search for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), you can check your business documents or contact the IRS directly. The EIN is not publicly searchable through state databases.