Filing an Oregon DBA (doing business as), also known as an assumed business name, is a simple process that you complete with the Oregon Secretary of State.
Learn How to Get a DBA in Oregon yourself in two simple steps:
You can hire a professional service such as LegalZoom to file your DBA for you. Their packages start at $99 (plus state fees).
How to Set up a DBA in Oregon
Step 1: Start With an Oregon DBA Name Search
If you haven't already, head over to Oregon's Secretary of State website to make sure your assumed name isn't taken by another registered Oregon business. Your name can be similar to other business names, but it’s still a good practice to create a unique name.
TIP: Our business name generator tool is a great resource for entrepreneurs who are still working to create the perfect business name or website address. You can also use our free logo generator tool to make a logo yourself! No design experience necessary!
In Oregon, your fictitious name should not include:
- Any business entity suffix, such as LLC, Incorporated, Corp., etc unless the business is actually an LLC, corporation, or etc.
- Any word that implies banking or related financial activity without written authorization from the Division of Finance and Corporate Securities.
Next, a quick search on the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your name.
Now would be the perfect time to make sure there’s a web domain available for your DBA as well.
After registering a domain name for your DBA, consider using a business phone service to improve customer satisfaction and further establish credibility. Our top pick is Nextiva because of its affordable pricing and useful features. Start calling with Nextiva.
Step 2: Register Your Oregon DBA
In Oregon, you register your DBA with the Secretary of State. You can file online at Oregon's Secretary of State website or you can complete the application for registration of an assumed business name form.
The application will ask for your new DBA name and information about your business, such as:
- Section 2: Description of business
- Section 4: Authorized business representative
- Section 6: Names and addresses of business owners
- Section 7: Counties where you want to register the name
A DBA does not offer any protection for your personal assets in the event that your business issued. For more information on setting up a limited liability company, visit our How to Form an LLC page and select your state.
Submit Your Application Form
Secretary of State
Corporation Division
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310-1327
Fees
$50 Processing Fee
Manage Your Oregon DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Oregon Corporation Division: (503) 986-2200
Renew Your DBA with the State
Your Oregon DBA should be renewed every two years. You can renew online.
Change Your DBA
To make changes to your certificate of assumed name, complete this form. If changing the assumed name, the fee is $50. There is no fee for other changes. Mail the completed form to:
Secretary of State
Corporation Division
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310-1327
Withdraw Your DBA
To cancel your fictitious name, complete this form. There is a $50 processing fee. Mail the completed form to:
Secretary of State
Corporation Division
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310-1327
Need Help Filing Your Oregon Assumed Business Name?
Have a Professional Service File Your Oregon DBA For You
A professional service will handle filing your DBA on your behalf, allowing you to focus on the other needs of your new business.
We recommend using LegalZoom ($99 + state fee) for a personalized DBA service.
Oregon DBA FAQ
Can I file a DBA online in Oregon?
You can file your DBA online here.
How do I change my DBA in Oregon?
To make changes to your assumed name, you must complete this form. Mail the completed form to:
Secretary of State
Corporation Division
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310-1327
How can I insure my Oregon DBA?
DBAs don’t require insurance because DBAs aren't a business entity. However, the business entity that the DBA is under will need protection from losses that can happen naturally in the course of business, such as property damage or lawsuits.
We recommend Tivly because they provide coverage for a large variety of businesses. Get a free quote from Tivly or call 855-965-3168 to learn more.
How can I withdraw my DBA?
To cancel your fictitious name, complete this form. There is a $50 processing fee. Mail the completed form to:
Secretary of State
Corporation Division
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310-1327
How often should I renew my Oregon DBA?
Your Oregon DBA should be renewed every two years. You can renew online.
When is a DBA required in Oregon?
An assumed business name is required for entities that are conducting business under a name other than their personal name or the registered name for the entity.
How do I transfer my DBA in Oregon?
To transfer your assumed name, you must complete this form. Mail the completed form to:
Secretary of State
Corporation Division
255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97310-1327
Is my Oregon DBA protected from being used in other places?
No. The authority to use the name comes only through asserting those rights through use and legal action. It is possible to create a federal trademark for a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.
How many DBAs can I have?
You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. However, more isn’t necessarily better. Each one will come with additional incremental expense and paperwork, so you will want to make sure you have a good reason for each one you have.
Can a DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?
DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN if an EIN is required.
To learn more about EINs and when you would need one for your business, read What is An EIN from our friends at TRUiC.
Can a DBA become an LLC?
Your DBA is just a name. A DBA is often confused with a sole proprietorship. If you mean “can my sole proprietorship become an LLC?” then the answer is “Yes. Absolutely.”
To learn how to form an LLC, visit our Form an LLC state guides.
Can a DBA have "Inc." in the name?
A DBA can only have "Inc." in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.
How do I set up a DBA for a Rental Property?
It’s always best to consult an attorney. Usually, the best option is to form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. Holding the rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection.