Oregon Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Oregon LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Oregon.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Oregon LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Oregon, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Oregon Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Oregon.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Oregon Business Name Search or the Oregon Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Oregon Business Entity Search page
Oregon Secretary of State: Business Name Search
To check if your desired LLC name is available in Oregon, follow these steps:
- Enter your desired LLC name into the search bar.
- First, select "Exact words in any word order" and run the search. This is the default setting.
- Then, switch to "Extended search" and run the search again.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Oregon LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
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Oregon Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Oregon Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Oregon representatives can guide you through the process of using the Oregon Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the Secretary of State at 503-986-2200, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 5 pm Pacific time.
Oregon LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 63.094 of the Oregon LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming an Oregon business entity.
Allowed Characters for Business Names
In Oregon, business names can only include:
- English alphabet letters
- Arabic numerals (e.g., 1, 5, 200)
- Roman numerals (e.g., I, IX, MMVII)
Allowed punctuation and symbols as listed in Oregon Secretary of State Rule 160-010-0011.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- River Trail Coffee LLC
- River Trail Coffee, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Cooperative
- Incorporated
- Corporation
Restricted Words in Oregon LLC Names
Your Oregon LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
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Ensuring Your Oregon Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Oregon Secretary of State Business Name Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
How to Make Your Oregon Business Name Distinguishable
In Oregon, there are specific ways to ensure your LLC name stands out from other businesses.
Creative or Unusual Spelling
Employing a different spelling or phonetic variation of a name can create distinguishability. Creative spellings, such as substituting letters with symbols, also help.
For example, if "Girls Goals LLC" is taken in Oregon, you might try:
- Girlz Goalz LLC
- Girl$ Goal$ LLC
- G1rls G0als LLC
Numerals or Spelled-Out Numbers
Using numerals (such as 5 or 101) instead of spelling out the number (like "five" or "one hundred and one") can create distinguishability. Roman numerals (like "V" for 5 or "MMXIX" for 2019) also offer distinctiveness.
For instance, if your desired LLC name is "25 Stars LLC" but 25 Stars Corp is already registered in Oregon, you might consider:
- Twenty-Five Stars LLC
- Twenty 5 Stars LLC
- XXV Stars LLC
Homophones
In Oregon, the Secretary of State focuses on spelling rather than pronunciation. Therefore, names with homophones (words that sound the same but are spelled differently) are distinguishable, while names with homographs (words that are spelled the same but pronounced differently) are not.
Examples of distinguishable names:
- Sole Studios, LLC (shoe design) vs. Soul Studios, LLC (music recording)
- Point Break LLC (pencil sharpeners) vs. Point Brake LLC (car repair)
Examples of non-distinguishable names:
- Lead On LLC (coaching) vs. Lead On LLC (plumbing)
Designators
Variations in designators (endings) do not make names distinguishable in Oregon.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Cascade Adventures LLC", it is not distinguishable from the following names in the Oregon Business Name Search results:
- Cascade Adventures, Inc.
- Cascade Adventures, Corp.
- Cascade Adventures, L.L.C.
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Adding or removing punctuation, symbols, and spaces does not create distinguishability in Oregon.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Riverbend Café LLC", it is not distinguishable from the following names in the Oregon Business Name Search results:
- Riverbend-Café Inc.
- Riverbend/Café, Limited Liability Co.
- Riverbend Café, L.L.C.
- Riverbend "Café" LLC
Capitalization
Variations in capitalization do not make a name distinguishable in Oregon.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Lakeside Retreat LLC", it is not distinguishable from the following names in the Oregon Business Name Search results:
- LAKESIDE RETREAT Inc.
- lakeside retreat LP
- LaKeSidE ReTrEaT LLC
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Pinewood Estates LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Pinewood Estates LLC
- By Pinewood Estates Inc.
- Pinewood & Estates L.L.C.
- Pinewood Estates Corp
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Cherries Blossom LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Cherries Blossom LLC
- Cherry Blossoms Inc.
- Cherry Blossom, L.L.C.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Oregon Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in Oregon?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Oregon. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money. You can simply file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name.
Does Oregon require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Oregon LLC name must include one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- L.L.C.
Does my Oregon LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in Oregon. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a name different from its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization), you need to file an Assumed Business Name Registration online or by mail with the Secretary of State. This filing incurs an additional fee of $50. For more details, refer to the Secretary of State Assumed Business Name Guide.
There is no limit to the number of Assumed Business Names (DBAs) an LLC can have, and the name must be distinguishable from existing names in the state.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
If you form an LLC called Crater Lake Park Tours LLC but want to use a catchier name like Crater Tours, you would need to file a Trademark Registration to use the name Crater Tours. Without this filing, you can only use your legal name, Crater Lake Park Tours LLC.
Similarly, if you want to operate under the name Crater Lake Park Tours without the "LLC" suffix, you will need to file a Trademark Registration for that name.
How do I get a business domain name?
After choosing a business name, it's wise to check if the domain name is available before forming your LLC. You can search for available domain names using services like GoDaddy.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
"Distinguishability" means that each business name must be unique in the records of the Secretary of State. No two businesses can operate with the same name. For example, if you want to form an LLC named Meadowlark Landscapers LLC but there is already a business named Meadowlark Landscapers, Inc. in Oregon, your desired LLC name cannot be used as it is not distinguishable from the existing name.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is critical for branding and recognition. Here are some tips for coming up with a name:
- Write down features and values you want associated with your company.
- List as many name ideas as you can without judging them.
- Review the list and note any variations or new ideas that come to mind.
- Take a break from the list and return later to refine your ideas.
- Read the list out loud and seek feedback from others if desired.
- Repeat the process of refining and evaluating names.
- If you're still unsure, try closing your eyes, counting to 10, and choosing a name when you open your eyes. This technique can help you make a decision based on subconscious preferences.
Can I use the name of another Oregon entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Oregon business, regardless of the entity type—whether it's a corporation, LLC, or any other entity. This rule applies even if the business is listed as “inactive” on the Secretary of State’s website. However, if a business has been dissolved, the name may become available for use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in Oregon are available from the Secretary of State.
How to start an LLC in Oregon?
To start an LLC in Oregon, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure its availability.
- Select an Oregon Registered Agent.
- File the Oregon LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Determine if you need a business or sales tax license in Oregon.