Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Oregon provides flexibility, personal liability protection, and tax advantages for small business owners. The process is simple when you understand the state’s specific filing and compliance steps. Below is a detailed guide to help you register your LLC correctly in Oregon.
Your business name represents your brand identity, so it must comply with Oregon’s naming rules.
Requirements:
Must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
Must be distinguishable from other registered businesses in Oregon.
Cannot imply government affiliation or contain restricted words without approval (e.g., “Bank,” “Insurance,” etc.).
You can check availability using the Oregon Secretary of State’s Business Name Search tool.
If you want to secure the name before filing, you may reserve it for 120 days by submitting a Name Reservation application (optional, $100 fee applies).
Every Oregon LLC must appoint a registered agent responsible for receiving official legal and tax correspondence.
Requirements:
Must have a physical street address in Oregon (no P.O. boxes allowed).
Can be an individual Oregon resident or a registered business entity authorized to operate in Oregon.
Must be available during normal business hours.
Choosing a reliable agent ensures that your LLC receives important notices promptly and remains compliant with state requirements.
The Articles of Organization is the official formation document that legally creates your LLC in Oregon.
Filing options:
Online: through the Oregon Secretary of State’s Business Registry portal.
By mail: submit printed documents to the Secretary of State’s office.
Filing fee: $100.
The Articles of Organization must include:
LLC name and principal business address
Registered agent’s name and address
Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
Organizer’s name and signature
Processing time: Approximately 1–3 business days for online filings.
Once approved, your LLC is officially recognized under Oregon law.
After the Articles of Organization are approved, you will receive an official Certificate of Formation (sometimes referred to as an Acknowledgment Letter).
This document confirms your LLC’s legal status and is essential when:
Opening business bank accounts
Applying for business licenses or permits
Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Keep a copy of this certificate for your records—it proves that your LLC is active and legally established in Oregon.
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Although Oregon law does not require an Operating Agreement, having one is strongly recommended.
This internal document helps define your LLC’s ownership and management structure.
An Operating Agreement typically includes:
Member names, ownership percentages, and capital contributions
Voting rights and profit distribution
Rules for meetings, decision-making, and dispute resolution
Steps for adding or removing members
Dissolution procedures
Having a written agreement can prevent internal conflicts and strengthen your LLC’s liability protection.
An EIN is a federal tax ID number issued by the IRS. You can apply for free through the IRS website.
Your LLC needs an EIN for:
Filing taxes and payroll reports
Opening a business bank account
Hiring employees
Single-member LLCs with no employees can sometimes use the owner’s Social Security Number, but obtaining an EIN is still recommended for financial separation and privacy.
Oregon does not have a statewide general business license. However, some cities and counties require local business registration or professional permits.
Common local licensing requirements may include:
City business licenses (e.g., Portland or Eugene)
Industry-specific permits (food service, construction, childcare, etc.)
State tax registrations if selling taxable goods or services
Always verify requirements with your local city or county clerk’s office and the Oregon Department of Revenue.
| Step | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation | Optional | Check name availability; reservation valid for 120 days |
| Registered Agent | Varies | Must have Oregon physical address |
| Articles of Organization | $100 | One-time filing fee |
| Operating Agreement | N/A | Internal, recommended document |
| EIN | Free (IRS) | Required for tax and banking |
| Certificate of Formation | N/A | Issued upon LLC approval |
Registering an LLC in Oregon is a practical choice for small business owners who want liability protection, operational flexibility, and a straightforward compliance process. With just a $100 filing fee and minimal paperwork, you can form an LLC in a few days.
Make sure to choose a compliant name, appoint a reliable registered agent, file accurate formation documents, and maintain local licensing compliance.
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