Oregon (OR) Secretary of State (SOS) LLC & Business Search

Business searches can be conducted on the Oregon Secretary of State website using the Business Registry Database from their Corporation Division. Their business search facility allows users to find publicly available information about businesses.

You can search their registry by:

• Business name
• Registry number

Search by business name

The Oregon Business Registry Database can be searched by business name with a choice of search methods to help restrict results which include name check, exact words in exact order with no more words or more words, exact words in any order, sounds-alike words in exact order or any order, and extended search in any word order. You can also filter the search by active and inactive businesses, active only or inactive only businesses.

The results are displayed in a list which includes entity type, registry number, name status, name and associated search.

You can view more information about any of the businesses listed by clicking on either the registry number or business name which are highlighted in blue. This displays publicly available information including:

• Entity name
• Foreign name
• Registry number
• Entity type
• Entity status
• Jurisdiction
• Registry date
• Next renewal date
• Associated names
• Principal address
• Mailing address
• Registered agent details
• Key people details such as members or managers
• Name history
• Filing history

You can view images of documents filed and copies can be ordered.

Search by registry number

If you know a business’ registry number then you can search the Oregon Business Registry Database by this number.

There should be a single record displayed as a result of the search as the registry number is unique. The record will detail information including foreign name, entity type, addresses, registered agent details and more as listed above in search by business name.

Contact details

Website: https://sos.oregon.gov

Phone: (503) 986-2200

Address: Public Service Building, 255 Capitol Street NE, Suite 151, Salem, OR 97310

Hours: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.00pm

How to register a business in Oregon?

If you are setting up a business in Oregon you will need to register it but there are a few steps you’ll need to complete to do this:

1. First, you need to choose your business name and check that the name is available on the Oregon Business Registry Database using the business name availability check option.
2. Second, you need to decide which business structure your business will be set up in as this will impact which forms you complete to register your business as well as how you operate.
3. You can then complete the Oregon business registration forms which you can either complete online or download the forms. The forms you will need to complete will be different depending on your business type:
   • Corporations complete Articles of Incorporation
   • Limited liability companies complete Articles of Organization
   • Limited partnerships complete Certificate of Limited Partnership
   • Limited liability partnerships complete Application for Registration
   • Other businesses can complete a Name Registration

How much does an Oregon business entity search cost?

The Oregon Secretary of State does not charge for doing a search on their Business Registry Database.

How can I get a business license in Oregon?

There are no general statewide business licenses in Oregon, but you must register your business. Many businesses will need occupation or activity based licenses, permits or certificates which you can search for in the License Directory.

Local licenses, permits or zoning requirements may also be needed, and you should check with your city or county to see what is required for your business. The fees for licenses and permits vary depending on the license and location.