Learning how to name your business in Oregon involves choosing a business structure, conducting a business name search, and selecting a unique name.
Choosing a Business Structure and Name
When naming your Oregon business, first choose your business structure as naming rules differ for each structure. The Oregon Secretary of State website has a business name search tool to check availability. Ensure your business name is unique, easy to remember, and descriptive.
Registering a "doing business as" (DBA) name is required for partnerships unless the name includes all partners’ last names. For instance, a partnership between Jessica Davis, Michael Wilson, and Emily Stevens can use "Davis, Wilson & Stevens Landscapes" without a DBA filing.
It is advised to reserve your business name with the state if you want to hold it but aren’t ready to formally register your business yet. This reserves the name for 120 days with a $100 fee.
Additionally, check Oregon zoning regulations which affect business operations and acquire any necessary insurance coverage for your business type. Ongoing compliance with state laws is required to maintain registration.
Registration Costs and Duration
How much does it cost to register a business name in Oregon?
- Choose a business structure first as naming rules differ for each.
- Use the Oregon Secretary of State website’s business name search tool to check availability.
- Ensure your business name is unique, easy to remember, and descriptive.
- Registering a "doing business as" (DBA) name is required for partnerships unless the name includes all partners’ last names.
- Reserve your business name with the state if you aren’t ready to formally register yet. This reserves the name for 120 days with a $100 fee.
- Check Oregon zoning regulations affecting business operations.
- Acquire necessary insurance coverage for your business type.
- Maintain state law compliance to preserve registration.
How long does it take to register a business name in Oregon?
- Choose a business structure first as naming rules differ for each.
- Use the Oregon Secretary of State website’s business name search tool to check availability.
- Ensure your business name is unique, easy to remember, and descriptive.
- Registering a "doing business as" (DBA) name is required for partnerships unless the name includes all partners’ last names.
- Reserve your business name with the state if you aren’t ready to formally register yet. This reserves the name for 120 days with a $100 fee.
- Check Oregon zoning regulations affecting business operations.
- Acquire necessary insurance coverage for your business type.
- Maintain state law compliance to preserve registration.