Key Takeaways

  • The Oregon SOS business search allows you to check name availability, verify entity status, and access public company records.
  • You can use both standard and advanced search options to locate businesses by name, registry number, or keyword.
  • The search results provide detailed information such as entity type, registration date, status (active/inactive), registered agent, and filing history.
  • Oregon requires unique and distinguishable business names, with restrictions on certain terms that imply government affiliation or professional licensing.
  • The search tool is also useful for due diligence, helping you verify competitors, potential partners, or existing business obligations.
  • If your chosen name is available, you can reserve it for 120 days with the Oregon Secretary of State before officially registering your business.

Oregon Secretary of State Business Search

An Oregon Secretary of State Business Search must be performed by anyone establishing a business in Oregon. The Secretary of State is responsible for maintaining essential state records, so any entity wishing to operate a business in Oregon must first register with this office.

Performing an entity search on the Secretary of State's website will help you narrow down your business name and access important details for other businesses. The owner of a pre-existing company may use the business search function to access their own company details.

Aspiring business owners should use the Oregon Secretary of State business search to see if their preferred business name is available for use. This is a critical step since business names in Oregon must be unique and distinguishable. Even if you perform the search and conclude that a name is available, the Secretary of State has the final say in your business name. The Oregon Secretary of State is also responsible for managing a corporation's dissolution.

Benefits of Using the Oregon SOS Business Search

The Oregon SOS business search is more than just a tool for choosing a business name. It also provides public transparency and legal compliance benefits. Entrepreneurs, attorneys, lenders, and potential partners can use the search to:

  • Confirm legal existence – Verify that a company is properly registered and authorized to operate in Oregon.
  • Check business status – Learn whether an entity is active, inactive, dissolved, or delinquent.
  • Access public records – Review articles of organization, amendments, and annual reports.
  • Identify registered agents – Find the official point of contact for service of process.
  • Research competitors and opportunities – Discover if similar businesses already exist in your industry.

This makes the Oregon SOS business search a valuable step not just at the formation stage, but also for ongoing due diligence and compliance monitoring.

Name Availability Search

To see if your desired business name is available in Oregon, simply search the database on the Secretary of State's website. Choose the “Business Name Availability Check” under “Search Methods” and enter the name in the search box. After you hit “Search,” the resulting page will let you know whether that name is available. If the name is already in use or too similar to existing businesses, you will get a notice that includes a list of companies in conflict with your chosen name.

Advanced Search Options and Filters

While the basic name search is the most common starting point, the Oregon Secretary of State also offers advanced filters to refine your search results. You can search by:

  • Registry number – A unique identifier assigned to each registered entity.
  • Business type – Narrow your results to LLCs, corporations, partnerships, or assumed business names.
  • Status – Select active, inactive, or dissolved entities to ensure you’re working with current records.
  • Keyword variations – The “extended search” option allows broader matches, helpful when names contain multiple words.

These filters reduce the chance of missing conflicts and help you conduct more accurate searches before filing your business registration.

Business Details Search

To check the details of a company in Oregon, use the same Business Registry Database, choose your preferred search method, and specify other options for your search. You can search for inactive or active businesses by choosing your preferred option on the right side of the screen.

Enter the business name you wish to search for in the box and press “Search for Business Name.” The resulting page will include all businesses that match your search. Just click on the business name or registry number you're looking for to view the business details. You can also view the business's registered agent and their address, plus a summary of the business's history.

Information Provided in Oregon Business Records

When you click into a business profile from the search results, you gain access to detailed information, including:

  • Official business name and registry number
  • Entity type (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.)
  • Date of registration and renewal deadlines
  • Current status (active, inactive, administratively dissolved)
  • Registered agent’s name and address
  • Principal office location
  • List of officers, directors, or members (when applicable)
  • Filing history, including amendments and annual reports

Having this information at your fingertips helps confirm legitimacy, assess compliance, and avoid potential legal issues when working with other businesses.

Important Oregon LLC Name Search Tips

When performing a search for Oregon LLC names, keep these tips in mind:

  • Search with the default “Exact words in any order” first.
  • Choose the “Extended search” option to expand the search to include any word order.
  • For more details, only enter the first one or two words of your LLC.
  • Don't search for a name using LLC, L.L.C., or punctuation marks such as commas, hyphens, apostrophes, periods, etc.
  • Capitalization doesn't matter when searching the database.
  • The LLC name you wish to use will be available if its results aren't too similar to your LLC name.
  • If the search result yields a page that says, “Your search returned no business entity names,” then your Oregon LLC name is distinct and free to use.
  • If the name you want to use shows up in the registry, then it is not available and you will have to come up with a new one.
  • A name that is deceptively similar to another listed in the registry isn't available for use.
  • Oregon can be quite strict with LLC name availability, so the more distinguished yours is, the better.
  • If the state rejects your name, you will have 45 days to file your application again under a different name before you lose your fee.

After performing an initial search using the database on the Secretary of State's website, call the Oregon Corporation Division at 503-986-2200 to request a preliminary LLC name check. This can help you avoid rejection.

Reserving a Business Name in Oregon

If you find that your desired business name is available, Oregon allows you to reserve it before formally registering your LLC or corporation. Key points include:

  • Reservation period: You can reserve a name for 120 days.
  • Filing method: Submit an Application for Name Reservation online through the Oregon Business Registry.
  • Fee: A small filing fee applies.
  • Non-renewable: Once the 120 days expire, you must either register the business or risk losing the name to another filer.

This option is helpful for entrepreneurs who are still finalizing their business plans but want to secure their preferred name.

LLC Name Restrictions and Requirements in Oregon

Before deciding on your LLC name, you must adhere to certain state requirements. These include:

  • Using a designator (LLC) at the end of your business name.
  • Deciding whether or not to include a comma prior to the LLC designator.
  • Making your LLC sound like a corporation is not allowed.
  • Your LLC name cannot be confused with a current company in the state.
  • Certain words require special approval before you can use them in your LLC name.

By Oregon law, you must include the designator LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company at the end of your business name. For example, if the name you wish to use is John's Print Service, you must file the name as John's Print Service LLC.

Common Reasons for Name Rejection

Even after a successful search, the Oregon SOS may reject your chosen name if it fails to meet state requirements. Common reasons for rejection include:

  • The name is too similar to an existing registered entity.
  • It implies government affiliation (e.g., “FBI Consulting” or “Oregon Treasury Services”).
  • It uses restricted professional terms (e.g., “Bank,” “Engineer,” “Attorney”) without proper authorization or licensing.
  • It is deemed deceptively misleading about the nature of the business.

To avoid delays and wasted fees, always review your search results carefully, follow Oregon’s naming guidelines, and consider reserving your name as an extra precaution.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is the Oregon SOS business search free to use?
    Yes. The Oregon Secretary of State provides free access to its online business registry database.
  2. Can I find inactive or dissolved businesses in the Oregon business search?
    Yes. The search tool includes both active and inactive entities, allowing you to see historical records.
  3. How long does a name reservation last in Oregon?
    A reserved business name is held for 120 days and cannot be renewed.
  4. What if my desired name is rejected by the Oregon SOS?
    You will need to modify your name to meet state requirements or choose a new one. If rejected, you have 45 days to refile without losing your filing fee.
  5. Do I need to include “LLC” or “Inc.” in my Oregon business name?
    Yes. Oregon requires designators such as LLC, L.L.C., or Inc. to identify the type of entity.

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