An Oregon LLC search is a good starting point if you're interested in forming a limited liability company (LLC) in this state. If you wish to form an Oregon LLC, there are a variety of requirements you will need to fulfill. For example, you will need to submit forms to the Oregon Secretary of State, cover any required fees, and follow the rules for naming and forming your LLC.

Performing a business entity search can help you to find information about an active business and can also help you discover if the name you want for your LLC is unique enough to be used. It's important to remember that the Secretary of State gives the final approval for your LLC. This means your LLC name may not be approved even if your search reveals it is available. Once your LLC has been formed, you can use this search tool to gather information about your company.

How to Search for Name Availability

When starting an LLC, choosing a strong, distinguishable name should be your first step. Researching potential LLC names will help you make sure the name you choose matches your business and will be memorable for your customers. You can check the availability of your LLC name by searching the Oregon Business Registry and completing the following steps:

  1. Visit the search website. 
  2. Choose the option for Business Name Availability Check. 
  3. Submit the name of your LLC. 

You can use the “Search Methods” tool to search for business names. You should run two searches. An “Exact words in any order” search should be first, and then you should search a second time using the “Extended search” option. Searching one part of the name of your LLC instead of the entire name should show you all Oregon business entities with similar names. Do not include designators when performing your business name search. You should also refrain from including:

  • Apostrophes
  • Commas
  • Periods
  • Other punctuation marks.

When you're reading search results, it's important to keep the following factors in mind:

  • If you see business names that are similar, but not too similar to your desired name, then you can freely use your LLC name.
  • A message that reads, “Your search returned no business entity names” means the name you have chosen is completely unique and can be used in Oregon.
  • Seeing a business name that is identical to your preferred LLC name means you will need to choose a new name for your company.

If you attempt to register an LLC name that is confusingly similar to the name of an existing business, the State of Oregon will reject your application. Fortunately, you should receive a notification if the name you've chosen conflicts with the name of another business entity. Oregon, like many states, has strict rules related to the availability of LLC names.

When your application is rejected, your fee will be reserved, and you will be given a 45-day period to create a new LLC name and resubmit your application. If you want to decrease the likelihood that your application will be rejected, you should contact the Oregon Corporation Division by phone to request a preliminary check of your LLC name.

You are able to reserve your LLC name for a 120-day period by filing an application for name reservation. When reserving a name for your LLC, you can file by mail or online and will need to pay a $100 fee. This fee is nonrefundable.

After picking your LLC name, you should research to see if your name can be used for a URL. Many companies will purchase a domain name so others cannot acquire it. Securing your domain name in advance is a good idea, even if you never use a website for your company.

It's also a good idea to pick an LLC name that will make for a strong email address. You should use Google apps to register a professional email for your company. You will also need business-level security, cloud storage, and other business tools.

How to Search for Business Details

If you want information about a business in Oregon, you should perform a business entity search, which can show you:

  • If a business has been formed legally.
  • If the business is considered in good standing.
  • Where the business can be located.
  • Where you can find the registered agent of a business.

If you need help performing an Oregon LLC search, you can post your legal needs on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.