In Oregon, a “Doing Business As” (DBA) is officially referred to as an “Assumed Business Name.” Registering an Assumed Business Name allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal name. This can be beneficial for branding purposes or when expanding into new business areas.
For example, if you have an LLC called “Beaver State Enterprises LLC” that you use for your general contracting business, but you want to start a separate home renovation service, you could register an Assumed Business Name like “Portland Home Makeovers” without forming a new LLC.
Filing for an Assumed Business Name provides business owners with flexibility in branding without the need to create separate legal entities for each business venture.
Note that while an Assumed Business Name allows you to do business under a different name, it doesn’t provide the legal protections that come with forming an LLC or corporation.
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Do You Need an Oregon DBA for Your Business Entity?
Before proceeding with the steps to get a DBA in Oregon, determine if it’s necessary for your business type:
Sole Proprietors and Partnerships: If you’re operating under a name other than your legal name, you need to register an Assumed Business Name. For example, if John Smith wants to operate as “Eugene Auto Repair,” he needs to register this as an Assumed Business Name.
LLCs and Corporations: If these entities want to do business under a name different from their registered name, they need an Assumed Business Name. For instance, if “Beaver State Enterprises LLC” wants to operate as “Portland Home Makeovers,” they would need to register this Assumed Business Name.
How to Get a DBA in Oregon
Follow these steps to get a DBA in Oregon:
- Search the Oregon Secretary of State’s database to ensure your desired name is available.
- Check if your DBA is available as a domain name (optional).
- File your Assumed Business Name registration.
- Pay the filing fee.
Step 1: Do a DBA Search in Oregon
Your Assumed Business Name must be unique and comply with Oregon’s business name requirements. To check availability, use the Oregon Secretary of State’s Business Name Search:
https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/research-business-name.aspx
Ensure your chosen name isn’t already in use and meets state requirements.
Step 2: Check if your name is available as a web domain
While not legally required, it’s wise to check if your Assumed Business Name is available as a domain name for your future website. You can check domain availability at: godaddy.com/domains
Tips for choosing a domain:
- Aim for a .com domain if possible
- Avoid using hyphens between words
- Sometimes a quirky word (“guru”, “school” or “base”) makes for a good brand/domain.
Step 3: Register your Oregon DBA
In Oregon, you need to file an Assumed Business Name Registration with the Secretary of State. This can be done online or by mail:
https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/assumed-business-name-forms.aspx
You’ll need to provide the following information:
- Your desired Assumed Business Name
- Your business’s legal name and address
- A brief description of the nature of your business
- The names and addresses of the business owners
Step 4: Pay the filing fee
The filing fee for registering an Assumed Business Name in Oregon is $50. This fee is paid to the Secretary of State when you file your Assumed Business Name Registration.
Oregon Assumed Business Name registrations are valid for two years. You must file a renewal before the expiration date to maintain your registration.
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After You Get a DBA For Your Limited Liability Company or Other Entity
Once you’ve secured your Assumed Business Name, consider these next steps:
• Create a website: Establish an online presence for your business to reach more customers.
• Set up a business bank account: Keep your personal and business finances separate. We recommend Mercury Bank for online banking, but traditional banks are also an option.
• Obtain necessary licenses and permits: Ensure you have all required licenses and permits to operate legally in Oregon.
• Consider business insurance: Protect your business with appropriate insurance coverage.
By following these steps, you’ll have successfully registered your Assumed Business Name (DBA) in Oregon and be well on your way to operating your business under your chosen name.
