File a DBA in Oregon

What is a DBA (assumed business name) in Oregon?

In Oregon, the term ‘assumed business name’ is used for a DBA. The Oregon Secretary of State — through its Corporations Division — oversees registration of assumed names. When filing, the business must specify which counties in Oregon it plans to operate in under that name; the registration is then effective in only those counties.

Under Oregon law, all businesses that operate under an assumed business name must register the name in every county where the business has an office and/or stations an employee. Although this law mainly exists to ensure transparency in the marketplace, registering a DBA can also benefit your business in several ways.

Here are some things you can do with an Oregon assumed business name:

• Branch out into other markets without registering a separate entity
• Open a business bank account under the assumed name
• Obtain business licenses and permits under the assumed name
• Market your business under the assumed name 

Here are some things you can’t do with an Oregon assumed business name:

• Obtain exclusive rights to use the name
• Change your tax status

If you want to ensure exclusive rights to your assumed business name, consider also registering a trademark.

How to file a DBA in Oregon: Step-by-step 

All Oregon businesses file a trade name with the Secretary of State’s Corporation Division. You can have LegalZoom file for you or complete the application yourself. Here’s what you need to do if you apply on your own. 

Step 1: Confirm that the name is available

By law, the Oregon Secretary of State can only accept an assumed name that’s distinguishable from all other business names on their records. You can check availability by conducting an Oregon business search. The Corporation Division keeps an online database of active business names. If the name you had in mind doesn’t show up on that database, it’s likely available. 

Step 2: Prepare your application

All Oregon businesses use the assumed business name registration form. Here’s what you need to include:

• Assumed business name 
• Business purpose
• Principal business address (must be a physical street address and not a P.O. box)
• Filer’s name and address
• Name and (publicly available) address of each individual or entity that will use the DBA
• Oregon counties where you want to register the DBA (statewide is also an option)
• Signature(s)
• Contact information

The top of the form also asks for a registration number. Just ignore it; the Corporation Division will assign the number. 

Step 3: Submit the application and pay the filing fee

You can submit the application online through the Secretary of State’s filing portal or mail the completed application and $50 filing fee to the following address: