How do I register a business name?

How to Register a Business Name in Oregon

Registering your business name in Oregon is a key step to legally operate and protect your brand. Follow these practical steps to complete the process efficiently.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Name

Ensure your desired business name is unique and complies with Oregon naming rules. It should not be deceptively similar to existing registered names or trademarks.

Step 2: Search Name Availability

• Use the Oregon Secretary of State’s Business Name Search tool to check if your name is available.
• Confirm the name is not trademarked by searching the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database.

Step 3: Register the Business Name

Depending on your business structure, registration steps differ:

• Sole Proprietorship or Partnership: Register a Trade Name (also called a "Doing Business As" or DBA) with the Oregon Secretary of State.
• Corporation, LLC, or Limited Partnership: Register the business name when you file your formation documents with the Secretary of State.

Step 4: File the Registration

• File online or by mail through the Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry.
• Pay the applicable filing fee. As of 2026, fees vary based on business type and filing method.

Additional Operational Considerations

• Licensing: After registering your name, obtain any required local business licenses.
• Taxes: Register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for state tax accounts, including payroll and sales tax if applicable.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain copies of your registration documents and keep your business information updated with the state.
• Compliance: Renew your business registration or trade name periodically as required by Oregon regulations.