Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Oregon’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting an Oregon LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in Oregon
Time needed: 5 minutes.
There are guidelines to follow in doing an Oregon LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Oregon’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $100 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Oregon. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State – Corporation Division – 255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151 – Salem, OR 97310-1327.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
How to Do Oregon LLC Online Name Search
Business names are absolutely crucial. Because any business’ values are depicted through the name. It might be hard at times to choose a perfect name, and it should also adhere to the guidelines. You can take help from the Oregon LLC name search option to make sure that the name is still available or not. Here are the steps you can follow to search for the available entity names:
- Step 1: To search for the available names, visit the Oregon Secretary of State,
- Step 2: Type the business name or Registry number in the field provided and click enter. You will get the details of businesses available with your name entered. This will help you in selecting the desired name for your business.
Trademark Search
There is one more option to search for the business entity name, i.e., a Trademark search. This option has a full database of business entities available with the trademarks. You will get the full list and search for some specific name from the entire list.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Oregon
To reserve an LLC name in Oregon you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Oregon Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $100.
If you are planning to start a business in Oregon and want to keep your preferred name ready, it’s a good idea to reserve it. A reserved name helps you secure the name of your future LLC until you are ready to register it with the Oregon Secretary of State. Reserving a name is relatively easy and straightforward, provided you file the right paperwork and meet all the required criteria.
To reserve an LLC name in Oregon, you need to follow certain steps. First, conduct a name availability search using Oregon’s Business Registry Database to ensure that your preferred name is unique and available. Keep in mind that you cannot use a name that is similar to another business entity’s name or that is already registered as a trademark or service mark.
Next, fill out the Application for Reservation of Name form (form CR 121) and mail it to the Oregon Secretary of State with the requisite fee. In 2021, the fee for reserving an LLC name in Oregon is $100. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid by check or money order made payable to the Oregon Secretary of State.
Your name reservation is valid for 120 days, and you can renew it for successive 120-day periods by filing a Statement of Renewal of Reservation of Name form (form CR 124). It is essential to note that reserving a name does not guarantee your preferred name or prevent others from using similar names, nor does it create an ongoing right or ownership interest in the name beyond the reservation period.
It is worthwhile to mention that reserving a name is notably different from filing for an LLC formation. Registering your LLC requires more steps than reserving a name, and you need to comply with specific rules and regulations according to the State of Oregon. For example, organizing documents for LLC formation should include the articles of organization, payment for filing the paperwork, among others.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Oregon is a convenient way to secure a name you want to use for your future LLC, ensuring that it will be available when you are ready to form your company. Following the appropriate steps and filing the right paperwork can ensure that the process is relatively simple and hassle-free. However, choosing a name and developing a business is the first step before you reserve the name, so start planning out your company’s framework before you reserve a name to allow a seamless transition into the application process. Before filing for an LLC formation, we recommend consulting legal advice from an attorney on the legal compliance requirements and making sure that good standing in necessary permits/licenses are obtained, meeting all of the proper measures once the company is submitted.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name
