Top Oregon Registered Agents – Comprehensive Guide (March 2024)


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Oregon Registered Agent: If you wish to start an Oregon LLC, you have to appoint a registered agent. According to Oregon State Law, it is mandatory to have an Oregon Registered Agent if you are conducting business in the state. A registered agent receives all the official and legal documents from the State. They also receive the service of process if there’s any lawsuit in concern.

In the following guide, we have shared all the required information regarding hiring a registered agent, why you need a registered agent in Oregon, and who can be a registered agent for your LLC. Read this guide carefully before you hire an Oregon Registered Agent.

What is an Oregon Registered Agent

A registered agent (or a statutory agent or a resident agent) in Oregon is an individual or a business that represents your business in receiving official documents. These official papers include formation documents, business renewal documents, tax filing, and any legal document if the LLC gets sued by other companies. All these documents go straight to the registered agent’s official address in the state. While forming an LLC, it is mandatory to appoint a registered agent.

When you file the Oregon LLC formation papers with the Secretary of State, LLCs have to mention their registered agent’s name and address. When you choose a registered agent in Oregon, you can go for two options, hiring an in-house registered agent or outsourcing the service.

Hiring a Registered Agent in Oregon

You may have several options for hiring a registered agent in Oregon. To become a registered agent, one has to meet the basic eligibility criteria. If the minimum requirements are fulfilled, anyone residing in Oregon can represent your LLC as your registered agent.

registered agent service

Who Can Be a Registered Agent

  • The person must be above 18 years old.
  • The person must have a legal and physical address in the state where the LLC will operate.
  • The person must be physically present during normal working hours.
  • Anyone who fulfills the above requirements can act as a registered agent.
  • Recommended – You should use a professional registered agent in Oregon always.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent

Yes, you can be your own registered agent. In fact, any member of the LLC, managers, and the owner can be a registered agent. Besides, someone from the owners’ family, such as a spouse, relatives, or other family members, can also act as a registered agent. As mentioned above, anyone who is representing the business as an agent should fulfill the basic criteria.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Own Registered Agent

Many small businesses do not hire a registered agent to save a chunk of money. However, it is not recommended to be your own registered agent. There are a bunch of problems one has to face while being a registered agent of his own LLC. Following are some of the issues you face,

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  • If you are operating your business from home or you are into web business, then your home address will be shared on the public portal. This address will be used for mailing and other official purposes. This will hamper your privacy.
  • A registered agent has to be physically available at the official address during working hours on working days for 52 weeks. Being your own registered agent might restrict your other work due to this.
  • The registered agent’s address must be up to date in the Secretary of State portal.

It is recommended to outsource the registered agent service to ease your work as it protects your privacy, especially if you conduct your business from home. It is always wise to outsource the RA service than be your own registered agent.

Recommended: You can get the best registered agent service at a reasonable price with online LLC service providers. We recommend using –

#1 TOP PICK

LegalZoom – $299 Per Year

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Oregon

You can choose an Oregon Registered Agent in two ways, either you can employ an in-house RA or outsource the service. Another option is to be your own registered agent. However, it is recommended to outsource the service as it is less worrisome and hassle-free.

In-house Registered Agent

As far as the in-house registered agent is concerned, it can be anyone from the LLC, including you, or you can employ an individual for this position. In that case, your office or home address will be the Registered Agent’s office address. Every LLC has to share its principal office address, mailing address, and registered agent’s office address to the state public portal. Hiring a registered agent service will make it easier as you can use the RA’s address as a mailing address.

Outsourcing Registered Agent Service

You may also avail yourself of professional registered agent services. Doing so ensures that you will have the best service provider to represent your business. Following are the best Registered Agent services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

LLC Service

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$99 Per Year

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$125 Per Year

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  • Flat Rate

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Note that availing of the services of professional registered agents would be your best option since you are guaranteed that whoever is handling your legal affairs knows their stuff well. If you are forming your LLC from scratch, then with LegalZoom Registered Agent, you will get the full formation package.

What to Consider While Choosing an Oregon Registered Agent

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a registered agent.

  • Service Fee: Since most states require formal businesses to have registered agents, selecting the best-registered agent is critical. Hiring a registered agent typically costs between $99 and $300 annually. When you consider how much time it will save you, this is a small price to pay.
  • Tenure in Business of Registered Agent: You want the registered agent to have established and time-tested procedures for handling documents. We recommend Registered Agent Services that have been in business for a long time. They are experienced and well capable of handling all your documentation.
  • State Jurisdiction Limitation: If your company expands to another state, you should use the same registered agent in all states to reduce the administrative burden of dealing with multiple registered agent service providers. Check out the best Registered Agent Services to consider for this job.
  • Offer Monitoring and Follow-up Services: You want to receive up-to-date information and alerts from your registered agent as soon as possible so that you are aware of the various statutes, rules, and regulations that apply to your company. Some of the service providers offer this service. Make sure to choose an RA service that includes this service.

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Oregon

At the time of submitting the Oregon Articles of Organization, the registered agent can be appointed by the LLC. It can be done online or by mail. No additional fee is charged for appointing a Registered Agent. Only the state filing fee should be paid.

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Appoint Registered Agent Online

To appoint a registered agent online, you have to go to the Oregon LLC Online Filing page and provide the information of your Registered Agent accordingly.

Appoint Registered Agent By Mail

To appoint a registered agent in Oregon by mail, you need to download the Oregon LLC filing form (PDF). Fill up the “Registered Agent” section with appropriate details of the agent and submit it to the SOS office. For more information, read on Oregon Articles of Organization.

Cost of an Oregon Registered Agent

The cost of having a registered agent can be variable. It depends on whether you are employing an in-house registered agent, being your own agent, or outsourcing the service. The cost of having a registered agent can start from $99 and go up to $300 per year. It will be cost-effective if you outsource the registered agent service in Oregon.

Registered Agent services that also provide LLC formation packages can provide the same service at a lower price. For example, LegalZoom Registered Agent offers standalone registered agent service at $299 per year, but if you buy their LLC formation package at $0 + state fees, you might get a registered agent at a low cost.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Oregon

To change the Oregon registered agent, you must file a Change of registered agent or office by entity form. This form can be submitted to the Oregon Secretary of State via mail or online.

File Online

For online filing, you need to get an online form which is available on the Oregon Secretary of State portal. Fill in all the necessary information of LLC as well as current and old registered agents. This form must be completed and signed by the newly appointed registered agent and any authorized member of the LLC. The signature of the new registered agent acts like the consent to be appointed as one. Submit it online.

Fee: No fees

File By Mail

You can also choose to file the form through the mail. You need to download the Change of registered agent or office by entity form from the Oregon Secretary of State’s portal. Fill in all the details on your computer. The completed form is to be signed by the newly appointed registered agent. The duly signed form must be sent to the following address,

Mail to: Secretary of State
Corporation Division
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310-1327

How to Pay: The filing amount is payable to the Oregon secretary of state through a credit card when filing online/by email. For paper filing, you can choose to pay through money order or check.

Why Do LLCs in Oregon Need a Registered Agent Service

There are several reasons why a business should appoint a registered agent in Oregon. Some of the most important reasons are listed below,

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  • Confidentiality: Having a registered agent service in Oregon ensures the complete privacy of your business and related documentation. Appointing a registered agent company instead of an individual gets you privacy and confidentiality contracts beforehand.
  • Up-to-date Compliance: LLCs and corporates have plenty of paperwork and compliances that are to be updated on time. With a registered agent service, you don’t have to worry about those compliances as your registered agent will maintain a compliance calendar.
  • Privacy: It is mandatory for businesses in Oregon to publicly upload their address to the Oregon Secretary of State. If you are using the home address for your business, then it would not be safe to make your private address public. On the other side, appointing a registered agent service will cover you up here as they have to provide their address to the Oregon SOS and not yours.
  • Availability: Every registered agent has to be available during office hours of work on business days. If you hire a registered agent service, then they can be available at the required time without harming other tasks at the company.
  • Online Safe Backup: Every registered agent in Oregon or any other state usually takes an online backup of all the documents and paperwork. This ensures the LLC papers are securely saved in a central system.
  • Lawsuits or Summons: Getting summoned or involved in a lawsuit does not leave a good impression on the employees. With a registered agent, all the related papers will be delivered to the Registered Agent’s official address. Hence, owners do not have to receive any such papers in their office in front of their employees.

Oregon Business Laws for Registered Agents to Note

The state of Oregon has historically been a terrific home for entrepreneurs, startups, and large corporations. An Oregon registered agent should be familiar with state legislation that governs what businesses can and cannot do, ranging from rules governing the formation and structure of new firms to prohibitions against price-fixing, monopolies, and deceptive advertising. Knowing the rules on business and commerce, for both firms and consumers, will keep you on the correct route, from formation to stock sales, whether you’re just getting your Oregon company off the ground or constantly expanding a growing organization.

Oregon Antitrust Laws

As consumers, we can clearly see how artificially increasing or fixing prices to prevent new firms from forming or charging exorbitant sums for essential items during a crisis (price gouging) is incredibly unjust. It’s also prohibited. Businesses are protected from antitrust violations by federal and state legislation. Oregon law prohibits a variety of business practices that stifle free markets, including but not limited to:

  • Monopolies or collusion to control any aspect of a market
  • Trade restraint contracts or conspiracies
Oregon Civil Statute of Limitations Laws

Personal injury, harassment, forgery, and medical malpractice are among the civil lawsuits that must be initiated within two years under Oregon law. Injury to private possessions, burglary, contracts, and debt collection all have a six-year statute of limitations. The time restriction for claims involving minors is not tolled until the minor becomes 18, and no medical malpractice claim can be filed over five years after the incident.

Oregon Deceptive Trade Practices Laws

The deceptive trade practices statute in Oregon is substantially similar to those in other states, with specific conduct prohibited. The following commercial practices are illegally deceptive under Oregon law (this is not an exhaustive list):

  • Passing off one’s goods or services as one’s own (i.e. selling counterfeit goods)
  • Creating intentional ambiguity about the source, sponsorship, or accreditation of goods or services.
  • Representing items and/or services as having sponsorship, approval, certification, contents, benefits, or other attributes that they do not.
  • Selling recovered, altered, degraded, or used items as if they were brand new and immaculate.
Oregon Interest Rates Laws

Lenders in Oregon are allowed to charge up to 9% interest unless otherwise negotiated, which includes interest rates on judgments. These restrictions do not apply to lenders who make business loans of less than $50,000 or to certain financial institutions.

FAQ

How To Change Registered Agent In Oregon?

You must submit the RA change application form to the Oregon Secretary of State in order to modify the registered agent there. Depending on whichever option is most convenient for you, you may submit this online, by mail to the Secretary of State, Corporation Division, 255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151, Salem, OR 97310-1327, or by fax. In Oregon, changing a registered agent is free of charge.

How To Become A Registered Agent In Oregon?

In Oregon, being a registered agent is simple. You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the state to serve as a registered agent. A certain educational background is not necessary to work as a registered agent in Oregon.

Who Can Be A Registered Agent In Oregon?

Anyone may serve as a registered agent in Oregon. Anyone who meets the requirements, including your spouse, family members, LLC members, and you yourself, may serve as a registered agent. The applicant must be an adult who is a resident of Oregon.

How To Change Registered Agent Address In Oregon?

In Oregon, you must submit the RA Change Form with the new address listed in order to change a registered agent’s address. Depending on whichever option is most convenient for you, you may submit the form online, by mail to the Secretary of State, Corporation Division, 255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151, Salem, OR 97310-1327, or by fax. The Oregon SOS should get this form.

How To Find A Company’s Registered Agent In Oregon?

You must go to the Oregon Secretary of State’s website to locate a company’s registered agent. You will have the option to search for the company by name. To see the data, enter the company name and then choose the registered agent’s name.

What Does A Registered Agent Do In Oregon?

In Oregon, a company’s registered agent is in charge of obtaining permits and legal notifications as well as serving any paperwork on the company’s behalf. In Oregon, having a registered agent is required. In Oregon, you have the option to use a professional or act as your own registered agent.

How To Appoint Someone As The Registered Agent In Oregon?

When a corporation is registered in Oregon, registered agents may be designated by providing their information at that time. You must provide information such as the name, address, and phone number of the designated registered agent in a section of the formation document. Give your personal details if you are acting as a registered agent.

How To Search For Registered Agent Address In Oregon?

You must carry out the following actions in order to look for a registered agent’s address:
1. Visit the webpage for the Oregon Secretary of State
2. Look up the firm using its name
3. Verify the address list and the Registered Agent section.
This will enable you to look up the Oregon address of the registered agent.

How Do I Look For A Business In Oregon By The Registered Agent Name?

Visit the website of the Oregon Secretary of State to look for a company. The “Search” option is present. You may look for a company using both its name and the name of its registered agent. To get the business information, choose “registered agent” and input the name of your registered agent.

What Is Required Of A Registered Agent In Oregon?

Three requirements must be met in order to become an Oregon registered agent. The first is that you need to be older than 18 years old. The second requirement is that you must live in the state. In other words, you must have a real street address in Oregon. Lastly, you need to be able to legally do business in Oregon.

How To Look Up The Registered Agent Of A Corporation In Oregon?

Finding a registered agent for a company in Oregon is simple. You must go to the Oregon Secretary of State’s website to accomplish this. Select Business Search from the menu. You may look for a company by name by choosing the Look up by name option. Once you have the company, you may look up the information on the registered agent.

How Do I Resign As A Registered Agent In Oregon?

In Oregon, a registered agent must deliver a letter of resignation to the business that they are currently working for. After a certain number of days, along with the resignation letter, a resignation notice should be sent to the Oregon Secretary of State to confirm the resignation of the registered agent.

How To Update Registered Agent In Oregon Online?

You must submit the RA Change Form to the Oregon Secretary of State in order to modify an Oregon registered agent online. Not all states provide you the option to update a new registered agent online. If the online approach is offered, check the Oregon SOS website.

How To Get A Free Registered Agent In Oregon?

There are three free registered agent options in Oregon. The first method entails acting as your own registered agent. Second, if any of your friends, family members, or spouses take on the role of registered agent. In Oregon, there are firms that help with company creation that provide free registered agent services.

How To Research For Registered Agent Information In Oregon?

Finding a registered agent in Oregon is simple. You must go to the Oregon Secretary of State’s official website. You may use the “search by name” option if you know the company name. You may investigate a registered agent’s data from the list when you discover the firm information.

Where To Mail Registered Agent Forms In The State Of Oregon?

Send the registered agent form to the Secretary of State, Corporation Division, 255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151, Salem, OR 97310-1327 if you are a resident of the state of Oregon. You must designate the registered agent and provide all of their information on the formation paperwork when registering your firm. Post it to the aforementioned address after that.

If A Company Does Not Have A Registered Agent In Oregon, Who Is Served?

You must have a registered agent for your business in Oregon. If your firm does not have a registered agent, you might face legal issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to work with a registered agent in Oregon (you may alternatively serve as your own registered agent).

How To Serve A Deceased Registered Agent in Oregon?

Your firm will be left without a registered agent if a registered agent passes away. You must have a registered agent for your business in Oregon. The power will all be nullified once he or she passes away. Companies are required to inform the SOS as soon as the registered agent is replaced or changed.

How To Hide Registered Agent Name From SOS Oregon?

Whether the name of the registered agent is concealed or not, cannot be answered with certainty. The identities of an LLC member or the owners may be covered up in public records in certain states. If you have an anonymous LLC, it could occur. The name of the registered agent cannot be concealed in certain states. For further information, see the Oregon Secretary of State’s business registration rules.

Who To Call To Identify Registered Agent Information In Oregon?

Call 503-986-2200 if you want information about the registered agent in Oregon. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. is the Oregon Secretary of State’s regular business hours (central time). You may dial this number and follow the prompts to speak with the desired division.

What Is Registered Agent’s Consent In Oregon?

A registered agent’s permission is a declaration in writing that the agent is prepared to represent the business. In Oregon, if you appoint a new registered agent or change the previous person, then the new person appointed must submit their consent to the SOS.

What Is The Difference Between Registered Agent And Resident Agent In Oregon?

A registered agent and a resident agent do not vary in this way. The registered agent in Oregon may also be referred to as a resident agent. A resident agent is also known as a registered agent in most states. The phrase “resident agent” is used in a few states.

What Happens If The Registered Agent Does Not Give A Consent In Oregon?

If a person appointed as a registered agent in Oregon has not given his/her consent, then a legal penalty and liability can be imposed on the person who is appointing a registered agent without their consent. They also have the freedom to refuse any obligations imposed by the procedure.

Can An LLC Be Sued If There Is No Registered Agent In Oregon?

It is still possible to sue a firm even though it has no registered agent in Oregon. Simply put, the corporation is not represented by an agent, making it impossible for them to receive legal notices. However, the lawsuit will proceed, and an alternative method of giving notice will be used.

How To Reject The Registered Agent’s Designation In Oregon?

In Oregon, a registered agent has the option to accept or reject the designation. The individual may sign the declaration of refusal and deliver it to the Secretary of State in order to reject the designation. The SOS website hosts the declaration of refusal.

How to Remove a Registered Agent for LLC in Oregon

A registered agent for LLC in Oregon can be removed by filing an Information Change Form with the Oregon Secretary of State without any filing fee.

Removing a registered agent for an LLC in Oregon may sound like a daunting task, but with proper knowledge and guidance, it can be done efficiently and effectively. Here are some steps to follow when it comes to removing a registered agent for your LLC in Oregon:

1. Locate your Articles of Organization: The first step in removing a registered agent is to locate the Articles of Organization that you filed with the Oregon Secretary of State. This document will contain details of your current registered agent and any changes that need to be made.

2. Choose a new registered agent: Before removing your current registered agent, you should ensure that you have a replacement lined up. This could be an individual, a company, or even yourself if you meet the requirements set by the state of Oregon.

3. Submit a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office: To officially remove your current registered agent, you will need to submit a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office with the Oregon Secretary of State. This form can usually be found on the Secretary of State’s website and will require information such as the LLC’s name, the current registered agent, the new registered agent, and any other necessary details.

4. Notify your current registered agent: Once you have filed the necessary paperwork with the Oregon Secretary of State, it is essential to notify your current registered agent of the change. This can help ensure a smooth transition and minimize any potential issues that may arise.

5. Update your LLC’s records: Finally, it is crucial to update your LLC’s records both internally and externally to reflect the change in registered agent. This may include updating your operating agreement, notifying any relevant stakeholders, and updating any business licenses or permits that may require the registered agent’s information.

Removing a registered agent for your LLC in Oregon is a straightforward process that can be completed with the proper information and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above and ensuring that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly, you can navigate this process smoothly and effectively.

In conclusion, while the process of removing a registered agent for your LLC in Oregon may seem overwhelming at first, it is a necessary step that can be completed with ease by following the proper procedure. Stay organized, communicate effectively, and be prompt in filing the required paperwork to ensure a successful transition to your new registered agent.

In Conclusion

Before you choose a registered agent for your Oregon LLC, compare their price and services from the table. They will be responsible for all your documentation, filings, and other LLC-related tasks. Hence, choose the best one for your business that provides 100% accurate service at a reasonable price.

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