How to Carry Out an Oregon Business Entity Search

If you’re looking to start a business in Oregon or need to verify an existing entity’s information, the Oregon Secretary of State’s Business Registry Database is your essential resource. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process of conducting a business entity search in Oregon, providing insider tips and step-by-step instructions specifically tailored to Oregon’s unique system.

What is the Oregon Business Registry Database?

The Oregon Secretary of State’s Business Registry Database is the official portal that maintains records of all business entities registered in the state. This powerful tool allows you to:

• Verify business name availability before forming a new entity
• Check the status of existing businesses
• Find registered agent information
• View associated business names
• Access business filing history

Why Conduct an Oregon Business Entity Search?

There are several important reasons to use Oregon’s business entity search:

1. Name Availability: Before registering a business in Oregon, you must ensure your desired name isn’t already taken by another entity.
2. Due Diligence: Research potential business partners, vendors, or acquisition targets.
3. Competitive Analysis: Gather information about competitors in your market.
4. Legal Verification: Confirm a business’s legal status before entering into contracts.
5. Finding Registered Agent Information: Locate the appropriate contact for service of process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Oregon Business Entity Search

Step 1: Access the Oregon Business Registry Database

Visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s Business Name Search application at: https://egov.sos.state.or.us/br/pkg_web_name_srch_inq.login

Pro Tip: If the main database is temporarily unavailable, you can use the alternative business search at: https://data.oregon.gov/business/Active-Businesses-ALL/tckn-sxa6/data. This alternative search only displays active businesses.

Step 2: Select Your Search Method

The Oregon Business Registry offers several search options:

1. Business Name Search: Search by full or partial business name
2. Registry Number Search: Search using the unique registry number
3. Name Availability Check: Determine if a business name is available for registration
4. Associated Business Name Search: Find businesses associated with a particular entity
5. Free Text Search: Search across multiple fields

Step 3: Enter Your Search Criteria

For a Business Name Search:

• Type the business name or keyword in the search field
• Less is more! Use only one or two key words from the name for broader results
• The search is not case-sensitive (all letters are treated as uppercase)

Oregon-Specific Search Tips:

• Avoid using business entity identifiers like “LLC” or “Inc.” in your search
• The system doesn’t differentiate punctuation, spacing, or plural/singular forms
• For best results when searching for a multi-word name, try using just the first word or two

Step 4: Review the Search Results

The results page will display a list of matching business entities with the following information:

• Registry Number: Unique identifier assigned by the Secretary of State
• Entity Name: The registered business name
• Entity Type: The business structure (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
• Status: Current status of the business (Active, Inactive, etc.)
• Registry Date: When the business was originally registered
• Next Renewal Date: When the business must file its next renewal

Screenshot Description: The search results page displays a table with columns for Registry Number, Entity Name, Entity Type, Status, and Registry Date. Each row contains information for a specific business entity. Active entities are typically displayed with an “ACT” status indicator, while inactive entities may show “INA” or “DIS” (dissolved).

Step 5: Access Detailed Business Information

Click on a specific registry number to view detailed information about a business entity:

• Principal place of business
• Registered agent information
• Mailing address
• Filing history
• Associated business names (if any)

Oregon Entity Types and Abbreviations:

• DLLC: Domestic Limited Liability Company
• FLLC: Foreign Limited Liability Company (formed in another state)
• DBC: Domestic Business Corporation
• FBC: Foreign Business Corporation
• ABN: Assumed Business Name (DBA)
• DPC: Domestic Professional Corporation
• DLP: Domestic Limited Partnership

Understanding Oregon Business Entity Statuses

When reviewing search results, you’ll encounter various status designations:

• ACT (Active): The business is in good standing with all necessary reports and filings up to date
• INA (Inactive): The business registration is no longer active
• ADM (Administratively Dissolved): The state has dissolved the entity for failure to comply with requirements
• DEL (Deleted): The business has been permanently removed from records
• DIS (Dissolved): The business has been voluntarily or judicially dissolved
• REV (Revoked): The authority to do business has been revoked

Name Availability in Oregon

Oregon has specific rules about what makes a business name available for registration:

What Makes a Name “Distinguishable”?

In Oregon, your business name must be “distinguishable upon the records” from other registered entities. A name is considered distinguishable if it:

• Contains one or more different letters or numerals
• Has a different sequence of letters or numerals

What Does NOT Make a Name Distinguishable:

• Adding/removing an “s” to make a word plural or singular
• Adding/removing punctuation or special characters
• Spacing differences
• Capitalization differences
• Adding/removing articles like “a,” “an,” or “the”
• Adding/removing entity designators like “LLC” or “Inc.”

For example, “Riverwalk Studio LLC” and “Riverwalk Studios Inc.” would NOT be considered distinguishable from each other under Oregon law.

How to Reserve a Business Name in Oregon

If you find an available name but aren’t ready to form your business, you can reserve it:

1. Download the Application for Name Reservation form from the Oregon Secretary of State website
2. Complete the form with your information and desired business name
3. Submit the form with the $100 filing fee
4. The name reservation is valid for 120 days and can be renewed

Important: Name reservation is optional in Oregon. If you’re ready to form your business, you can skip this step and directly file your business formation documents, which will secure your name.

After Your Business Name Search: Next Steps

If Your Desired Name is Available:

1. Reserve the name (optional, $100 fee for 120 days)
2. Form your business entity:
   • LLC: File Articles of Organization ($100 fee)
   • Corporation: File Articles of Incorporation ($100 fee)
   • Partnership: File Certificate of Limited Partnership ($100 fee)
3. Register an Assumed Business Name (DBA) if needed ($50 fee)

If Your Desired Name is Not Available:

1. Modify your business name to make it distinguishable
2. Consider using an Assumed Business Name (DBA)
3. Search again with your new name choice

Frequently Asked Questions about Oregon Business Entity Search

1. What do the different status labels mean in Oregon’s business registry?

• ACT: Business is active and in good standing
• INA: Business is inactive (could be dissolved, withdrawn, or merged)
• ADM: Business has been administratively dissolved
• DIS: Business has been voluntarily dissolved
• REV: Authority to do business has been revoked

2. How long does a name reservation last in Oregon?

A business name reservation in Oregon lasts for 120 days from the date of filing and can be renewed for additional 120-day periods if needed. The filing fee is $100 per reservation period.

3. What are the filing fees for business registration in Oregon?

• Name Reservation: $100 (valid for 120 days)
• Articles of Organization (LLC): $100
• Articles of Incorporation (Corporation): $100
• Assumed Business Name Registration: $50 (valid for 2 years)
• Annual Renewal (LLC/Corporation): $100
• Certificate of Good Standing: $10

4. Can I register or reserve a business name online in Oregon?

Yes, Oregon allows online registration for most business filings, including name reservations, through the Oregon Business Registry portal. You can also file by mail or in person at the Secretary of State’s office in Salem.

5. What should I do if my desired business name is taken in Oregon?

If your desired name is already taken, you have several options:

• Choose a different name that’s distinguishable
• Use a DBA (Assumed Business Name) for your marketing while registering under a different legal name
• Contact the existing business to see if they’re willing to sell or transfer the name
• Form your business in another state (though you’ll need a registered agent in that state)

Beyond the Business Name Search: Complete Oregon Business Registration

After securing your business name, follow these steps to complete your Oregon business registration:

1. Choose a registered agent with a physical address in Oregon
2. File formation documents with the Oregon Secretary of State
3. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
4. Open a business bank account to separate personal and business finances
5. Register for state taxes with the Oregon Department of Revenue
6. Apply for necessary licenses and permits for your industry and location

Resources for Oregon Business Owners

Official State Resources:

• Oregon Secretary of State Business Homepage
• Business Oregon – State’s Economic Development Agency
• Oregon Small Business Development Center Network
• Oregon Department of Revenue

BusinessAnywhere.io Resources:

• How to Carry Out an Oregon Business Entity Search
• Business Anywhere – Home Page
• Our Story – About Business Anywhere
• Business Anywhere Blog
• Blog Ideas: 6 Topics to Write About

Business Entity Search Guides for Other States:

• How to Do a California Business Entity Search
• How to Do a Texas Business Entity Search
• How to Do a New York Business Entity Search
• How to Do an Ohio Business Entity Search
• How to Do a Michigan Business Entity Search
• How to Do an Indiana Business Entity Search
• How to Do an Idaho Business Entity Search
• How to Perform an Iowa Business Entity Search
• How to Carry Out a South Dakota Business Entity Search

Conclusion

Conducting a thorough business entity search in Oregon is a crucial first step in your business formation journey. The Oregon Secretary of State’s Business Registry Database provides comprehensive information that helps you verify name availability, research existing businesses, and ensure compliance with state regulations.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate Oregon’s business search process effectively and move forward with confidence in establishing your business presence in the Beaver State.

While you can certainly handle the business entity search process yourself using the steps outlined in this guide, many entrepreneurs prefer to save time and ensure accuracy by working with professional business formation services. Business Anywhere offers comprehensive support for Oregon business entity searches and formation, helping you navigate the entire process with ease.

For more information about starting and maintaining a business in Oregon, visit BusinessAnywhere.io for comprehensive guides and resources.