How to Get a DBA Name For an LLC in Oregon – An Easy Guide


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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Get a DBA Name in Oregon

Are you looking to establish a business in Oregon and need to get a DBA (Doing Business As) name for your venture? You’re in the right place! A DBA, also known as a Trade Name, Fictitious Name, or Assumed Name, allows you to conduct business under a name that’s different from your legal business name. This can be advantageous for branding, marketing, and overall business operations.

In Oregon, if you’re willing to use a different name other than the legal name for your business, you must file the DBA (Doing Business As). The public (specifically your potential customers) knows your business by its registered legal name. Instead of using your formal business name, you may use the trade name or DBA in marketing and sales to reach a wider audience.

Oregon, popularly known as The Beaver State, has some regulations when it comes to filing your DBA name. However, the regulations can vary depending on the type of business structure you have. In this article, I will share the basic steps to get a DBA Name in Oregon.

What is DBA Name in Oregon?

Whenever you form an LLC or any business structure, you must get a name for it. Every company has a legitimate name. For instance, a partnership or sole proprietorship might function under the legal name of the company’s owner or owners. The name specified in the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization may be used by any business entity, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and others.

However, there are situations when you may decide against using your company’s registered legal name in Oregon. This is due to a variety of factors. For instance, the legal name of your company can be unrelated to it or no longer accurately describe it. Or perhaps you want a new name without altering your documentation for incorporation or registration.

If you intend to run your business in Oregon under a name other than your personal name or an existing corporate name, you must submit a DBA name with Oregon state regardless of the type of business entity you have incorporated as (single proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC).

No restrictions exist on how many DBA names you can use to do business. However, each DBA name must be filed with the state where you conduct business. This is necessary because the general public has a legal right to know whether a specific individual or company is operating under a name other than their legal name.

In Oregon, changing your business name is a risky factor. It can bring positive and negative effects on your business. Hence, before you file and change your legal business name, analyze all the risks and advantages.

–LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to Get a DBA in Oregon

To get a DBA in Oregon, you must first check if any other business is already using the name before filing a DBA in Oregon. You can then submit the Oregon business name reservation form after it has been confirmed that no other company is already using the chosen name. You can search the Oregon Government Records Inquiry System and confirm that the name you chose is not already in use. However, getting a DBA is not mandatory in many states. If you open an LLC in Oregon, you must check with Oregon Secretary of State whether you need to file DBA or not.

Guideline for choosing a DBA name

You must choose a name to register, which is the crucial step. There are a few straightforward LLC name guidelines to follow (if you’re forming an LLC) while choosing a name in Oregon.

  • In Oregon, fictional names cannot be the same or similar to one another. A DBA cannot deceive the public by appearing to be confusingly similar to any other business name.
  • Unless the company has been incorporated as an LLC or corporation, a DBA name cannot contain a corporate indication, such as Corp or LLC, or any other words that imply an entity type. This will stop a lone proprietor from passing for a legitimate corporation.
  • Any banking-related words without a letter from the Oregon Banking Commissioner’s Office, or any insurance-related words without a letter from the Oregon Oregon Insurance Division.
  • Any words that could confuse your corporation with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • A professional designation in the name (i.e., engineering, attorney) without a copy of the license of one officer/member or a letter from the governing agency allowing the use of the name without licensing.
  • Any words that indicate or imply that the corporation is engaged in a business that is not authorized by law to pursue.

How Can You Tell if a DBA Name in Oregon is available?

Once you have selected a name that complies with the requirements mentioned above, there are a number of methods you can use to find out if the name is open for registration. One simple strategy is to look up other companies in Oregon with the same name on Google.

It is a simple technique to clear out any already taken names, even though it may not guarantee that the name you want to register is accessible. As it is likely that you will require a website domain that matches your business name, you may also check to see whether the web domain for that name is accessible. For example, you can check Oregon LLC name search guide to see how you can find the availability of your desired LLC name in Oregon.

Before you may register your Trade Name in Oregon, you must have used it for business purposes. Therefore, you must use a Trade Name as soon as possible if you want to register and protect it in Oregon.

Register the Oregon DBA Name

Once you have established that the name is available for registration, you must finish the file using the forms your county has provided. You must register your DBA name in the county where you intend to conduct business. In most Oregon counties, the following fundamental information is needed-

  • Name of the company, its phone number, city, state, and street address
  • The organization type under which the business is incorporated
  • List the partners’ names and addresses (if applicable)
  • Describe the items, services, or business that will be delivered under the Fictitious Name in the registration form
  • Use of the Fictitious Name in the marketplace
  • Both the classification type and number
  • Make a mark (pick Trade Name)
  • Date and state of the first use of the trade name
  • When the Trade Name first appeared in Oregon
  • Application’s name, title, signature, and date Email address

Submitting the Oregon DBA Name Application

To file the Oregon DBA Name, you must apply to the Oregon Secretary of State. In Oregon, you can file the DBA name in three methods, online, by mail, and in person filing.. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Oregon is $50.

  • Online filing: For online filing, check the Oregon Secretary of State Secure Access System website
  • Offline filing: For filing offline, you must send the accomplished DBA filing form to the Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation Division, 255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151, Salem, OR 97310 or drop it off in person at the same address.

Using the Oregon Trade Name

Three “specimens” demonstrating the Trade Name used must be submitted to Oregon Secretary of State. The following are some instances of acceptable specimens:

  • Business cards
  • Booklets,
  • Flyers,
  • Labels, and
  • Stickers

How to Renew a Trade Name in Oregon

You can renew your DBA name after a stipulated time. In most states, the renewal of the DBA name follows the same process as filing a fresh DBA name. You need to get the DBA renewal form, fill it up with the correct information, and submit it to the state online or offline. The renew time for DBA name filing is two years in Oregon.

How to Change a Trade Name

You can change your Trade Name (DBA or Fictitious Name) by applying to the Oregon SOS. The process is similar. You can search for the name you want to have after changing the old Trade Name. If the name is available, make sure it follows other guidelines. You can reserve your DBA name for two years; after then, you can change or renew your DBA if needed through the Oregon SOS.

FAQs

How do I file a DBA name in Oregon?
To file a DBA name in Oregon, you must complete and submit a Statement of Trade Name form to the Oregon Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to file a DBA name in Oregon?
The filing fee to file a DBA name in Oregon is $50.
Where do I file a DBA name in Oregon?
DBA names must be filed with the Secretary of State in the state of Oregon.
How long does it take to file a DBA name in Oregon?
It typically takes about 1-2 weeks for the Oregon Secretary of State to process a DBA filing.
Is a DBA name filing required in Oregon?
Yes, it is required by law to register a DBA name in the state of Oregon.
How do I renew my DBA name in Oregon?
You must file a new Statement of Trade Name form with the Oregon Secretary of State in order to renew your DBA name in Oregon.
Is there a limit to the length of the DBA name in Oregon?
Yes, DBA names in Oregon must be 30 characters or less.
Is there a minimum time requirement for a DBA name in Oregon?
No, there is no minimum time requirement for a DBA name in Oregon.
Can I use a DBA name in Oregon if I’m not a resident of the state?
Yes, you can use a DBA name in Oregon regardless of your residence status.
Is a DBA name the same as an LLC in Oregon?
No, a DBA name and an LLC are two different legal entities in Oregon.
What is the purpose of filing a DBA name in Oregon?
The purpose of filing a DBA name in Oregon is to create a separate legal identity for a business or entity that is distinct from its owners.
Can I use a DBA name in Oregon for a sole proprietorship?
Yes, you can use a DBA name in Oregon for a sole proprietorship.
Is a DBA name filing required for a partnership in Oregon?
Yes, a DBA name filing is required for a partnership in Oregon.
Are there any restrictions on using a DBA name in Oregon?
Yes, the DBA name must not be the same or similar to any existing DBA names that have been registered with the Oregon Secretary of State.
Do I need to register my DBA name with the Oregon Secretary of State?
Yes, you must register your DBA with the Oregon Secretary of State in order to use it in the state of Oregon.
Is there a deadline to file a DBA name in Oregon?
No, there is no deadline to file a DBA name in Oregon.
Is a DBA name filing required for a corporation in Oregon?
Yes, a DBA name filing is required for a corporation in Oregon.
Is there a limit to the number of DBA names I can register in Oregon?
No, there is no limit to the number of DBA names you can register in Oregon.
Do I need to register my DBA name with the county clerk in Oregon?
No, you only need to register your DBA name with the Oregon Secretary of State.
Are there any restrictions on the type of business I can use a DBA name for in Oregon?
No, you can use a DBA name in Oregon for any type of business.
Can I use a DBA name in Oregon for a foreign business entity?
Yes, you can use a DBA name in Oregon for a foreign business entity.
Do I need to renew my DBA name in Oregon?
Yes, you must renew your DBA name every five years in Oregon.
Do I need to publish my DBA name in Oregon?
No, you do not need to publish your DBA name in Oregon.
Is a DBA name the same as a trademark in Oregon?
No, a DBA name and a trademark are two different legal entities in Oregon.
Is there a fee to renew my DBA name in Oregon?
Yes, the fee to renew a DBA name in Oregon is $50.
How do I check if a DBA name has already been registered in Oregon?
You can check the Oregon Secretary of State’s online database to see if a DBA name has already been registered in Oregon.
Is there a fee to register a DBA name in Oregon?
Yes, the fee to register a DBA name in Oregon is $50.
Is a DBA name filing a one-time process in Oregon?
No, a DBA name filing must be renewed every five years in Oregon.
Is there a fee to change my DBA name in Oregon?
Yes, the fee to change a DBA name in Oregon is $50.
How long is a DBA name valid in Oregon?
A DBA name is valid for five years in Oregon and must be renewed after that period.
Do I need to register a DBA name in Oregon if I’m using a fictitious business name?
Yes, you must register a DBA name in Oregon if you are using a fictitious business name.
What type of information do I need to provide to register a DBA name in Oregon?
You must provide the name of the business, the name of the owner, a statement of purpose, and the address of the business in order to register a DBA name in Oregon.

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Why Oregon DBA Filing is So Important

One of the primary reasons why Oregon DBA filing is so important is branding and marketing. By registering a DBA name, businesses can create a separate and distinct identity for their products and services. A unique name can help differentiate a business from competitors and attract customers who are looking for specific offerings. Additionally, a DBA name can make it easier for customers to recognize and remember a business, leading to increased brand awareness and customer loyalty.

In addition to branding benefits, Oregon DBA filing can also provide legal protection for businesses. Registering a DBA name can prevent others from using the same name for their business, helping to avoid potential trademark issues and confusion in the marketplace. By securing a DBA name, businesses can establish their ownership and exclusive rights to their brand, reducing the risk of legal disputes down the road.

Furthermore, Oregon DBA filing can help businesses establish credibility and professionalism in the eyes of customers and partners. Having a registered DBA name can signal to the public that a business is legitimate and serious about its operations. This can be especially important for small businesses looking to build trust and credibility in a competitive market.

For solo entrepreneurs and freelancers, Oregon DBA filing can also be a valuable tool for personal branding. By registering a DBA name, individuals can create a professional and marketable persona for their services. A distinct brand identity can help freelancers stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract more clients.

From a logistical standpoint, Oregon DBA filing simplifies the process of conducting business under a fictitious name. By registering a DBA name with the state, businesses can easily open bank accounts, apply for business licenses, and enter into contracts using their chosen name. This can streamline operations and make it easier for businesses to manage their day-to-day activities.

Overall, while Oregon DBA filing may not be a legal requirement, it offers numerous benefits and protections for businesses of all sizes. From branding and marketing advantages to legal protection and credibility, registering a DBA name can help businesses establish their identity, protect their brand, and grow their operations. Whether you are a small business owner, freelancer, or entrepreneur, investing in Oregon DBA filing is a wise decision that can pay off in the long run.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Oregon is the best way to update your business name. Unlike the registered legal business name, you can have as many as DBA names. You can use your new assumed name as soon as the state has processed your filing, and getting one is a rather simple process. Whether you have an LLC or any other business structure, filing a DBA name is helpful for your business upgradation anytime.

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