Oregon LLC Name Search – How to Name Your LLC


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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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.

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

Check Name Availability
Download Reservation form

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.
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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.

F.A.Qs

What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.

Is having a domain name necessary?

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.

What if my name is unavailable?

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.

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.

For those unfamiliar with the term, an LLC, or limited liability company, is a popular business structure that combines the liability protection of a corporation with the flexibility and tax advantages of a partnership. As with any business, choosing the right name is key to establishing your brand identity and setting yourself apart from competitors. Fortunately, the state of Oregon allows individuals to reserve an LLC name for a period of up to 120 days.

To reserve an LLC name in Oregon, the first step is to check the availability of your desired name. A quick search on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website will reveal whether or not your chosen name is already in use by another business in the state. If your desired name is available, you can then submit a Name Reservation Request with the required fee. It’s important to note that reserving a name does not automatically register your LLC – it simply prevents another business from using the same name while you complete the necessary paperwork to officially form your LLC.

When submitting your Name Reservation Request, it’s important to follow the guidelines set forth by the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. Make sure to fill out the form completely and accurately, as any errors or omissions could result in delays or even rejection of your request. Additionally, be prepared to pay the necessary fee, which is typically around $50 at the time of writing.

Once your LLC name has been reserved, you will have 120 days to complete the necessary steps to officially form your business. This includes filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, creating an Operating Agreement to govern your business operations, and obtaining any necessary licenses or permits. Keep in mind that reserving a name does not guarantee that your LLC will be approved – you will still need to meet all of the legal requirements for forming a business in Oregon.

In conclusion, reserving an LLC name is a crucial first step in establishing your business in Oregon. By taking the time to check the availability of your desired name, submitting the necessary paperwork, and following all guidelines and regulations, you can protect your brand, avoid potential legal issues, and lay the foundation for a successful business venture. If you’re unsure of the process or need assistance, consider consulting with a legal professional or business formation service to ensure that your LLC name is properly reserved and your business is on the right track to success.

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

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