Search Oregon Business Entities
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How To Search Oregon Business Entities

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There are about 400,000 business entities actively operating in Oregon, including limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, general partnerships, and sole proprietorships. The Oregon Secretary of State generally maintains a database of business entities registered in the state, which may be a valuable resource for accessing essential information on these businesses, whether for research, due diligence, or other purposes.

Choose Your Search Criteria

  • Quick Search:
    Quick Search:

    Search using a business name or business registry number.

  • Exact words in exact word order (Only. As keyed):
    Exact words in exact word order (Only. As keyed):

    Returns a list of business names that begin with the exact words entered, in the keyed order.

  • Exact words in exact word order (Followed by anything else):
    Exact words in exact word order (Followed by anything else):

    Returns names that begin with the exact input and may include additional words after.

  • Exact words in any order:
    Exact words in any order:

    Returns names containing all the inputted words in any order.

  • Sound-alike words in exact word order:
    Sound-alike words in exact word order:

    Returns names where the words are spelled similarly or sound alike, in the same order entered.

  • Sound-alike words in any word order:
    Sound-alike words in any word order:

    Returns similar-sounding or similarly spelled names, regardless of word order.

  • Extended search in any word order:
    Extended search in any word order:

    The broadest search option, returning names containing the words or their synonyms.

Review Search Results

After entering your search criteria, click the “search” button to view the results. This is usually in the form of a list containing key information about the businesses that match the search criteria, such as their full name, type, registry number, status, and whether it has any associated businesses. Clicking on a specific entity usually provides access to more detailed records.

Access Detailed Information

Selecting a specific entity from the search results typically displays a detailed record that may include:

  • Business entity data, such as the entity’s registry number, registry date, entity type and status, its full name and foreign name (if any), jurisdiction, and renewal date.
  • The entity’s principal and mailing address
  • Information on the entity’s registered agent and certain other key personnel
  • The entity’s summary (filing) history

Further Assistance

You may contact the Secretary of State’s Corporation Division via email or by calling (503) 986-2200 for additional help accessing business entity information through the Oregon Business Registry Database.

How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Oregon?

While some businesses provide information about their owners or management structure on their official websites, others may not publicly disclose comprehensive ownership details. As such, you may need to utilize other additional resources to determine the ownership or management structure of a business entity in Oregon.

To this end, you may consider utilizing the Oregon Secretary of State’s Business Registry Database to get the required information. This database typically allows interested members of the public to access a broad range of information on registered business entities in the state, including the business’s registered agent and manager(s).

  • The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce
    The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce

    The state chamber of commerce (as well as local chambers across Oregon) typically maintains information on member businesses, which may include details about the business’s owners and/or key personnel.

  • The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
    The Better Business Bureau (BBB)

    The BBB’s Oregon chapter usually provides consumer reports on businesses operating within the state, which may include information on a business’s ownership or executives.

  • Public Records
    Public Records

    Court records, real estate records, business licenses, and other similar public documents about a business typically contain ownership-related information.

Why Conduct an Oregon Entity Search?

An Oregon business entity search may serve several purposes, such as confirming a business’s registration status, getting information on its ownership/managerial structure, and doing due diligence to determine its suitability for contracts or partnerships.

  • To confirm a business’s registration status with state authorities.
  • To get details about a business’s ownership or management.
  • To perform due diligence before entering contracts or agreements.
Consumer Trust + Due Diligence
Consumer Trust + Due Diligence

You may confirm that a business has complied with its filing requirements and is in good standing with state authorities through an entity search. These searches are also a good way to gain insight into the business’s managerial structure, build trust, and ensure informed decision-making when considering business deals and contracts.

Investor Research
Investor Research

Investors typically use business entity searches to evaluate a company’s structure and leadership, and also gain insight into its decision-making structure.

Supplier Verification
Supplier Verification

Business entity searches may also be used to confirm the legitimacy and standing of potential vendors or suppliers during procurement negotiations.

Fraud Prevention
Fraud Prevention

Entity searches are a good way to identify fraudulent businesses, thereby reducing the risk of falling for a scam.

Who Holds Data for Oregon Business Entity Search?

Business entity data is typically held by several governmental bodies in Oregon. These include:

What Entities Can You Register in Oregon?

Oregon Entities

You may register different types of business entities in Oregon.

Sole Proprietorships

Sole proprietorships are generally considered the simplest type of business structure. They usually involve one individual who owns and runs the entity and is also personally liable for all its obligations. Sole proprietorships in Oregon do not typically have to be registered with the Secretary of State’s office unless the entity will be operating under an “Assumed Business Name.” This generally refers to any name that does not include the business owner’s full legal name.

General partnerships

General partnerships generally involve two or more people coming together to form a business entity, with each partner being personally liable for the business’s obligations. Similar to sole proprietorships, a general partnership in Oregon does not have to be registered with the Secretary of State’s office, except it uses an assumed business name. However, for a general partnership to operate without registration, each partner’s name must be included in the entity’s business name.

Corporations

Corporations are legal entities that are generally owned by shareholders and managed by a board of directors. These entities typically exist separately from their owners, meaning that they may continue to exist even if the shareholders change. Corporations may also own property, sue or be sued, and file tax returns separately from their owners. Three types of corporations are typically registered in Oregon:

  1. Business corporations

  2. Non-profit corporations

  3. Professional corporations

Limited Liability Companies

A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of business entity that offers a mix of partnership and corporation characteristics. LLCs are typically owned by one or more individuals, referred to as “members” (similar to the shareholders in a corporation or partners in a partnership), and may be managed by these members or managers (similar to a board of directors). These members typically have limited liability protection from the company’s debts and obligations.

Limited Partnerships

Limited partnerships typically consist of at least one general partner, who controls the business and is liable for its debts and obligations, and one limited partner, whose liability is usually limited to the amount of their contribution to the partnership.

Limited Liability Partnerships

Limited liability partnerships in Oregon generally involve two or more individuals doing business together. However, this structure is typically restricted to partners offering a professional service, such as dentists, accountants, attorneys, real estate appraisers, and other professionals offering services that require a license. Businesses that are affiliated with an existing limited liability partnership and offer services that complement or support the primary business may also register as a limited liability partnership.

How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name Is Taken in Oregon?

When looking to start a business in Oregon, it is generally advisable to confirm that your desired business name is available and compliant with state regulations; doing this helps you avoid issues down the line.

You may use the following resources to check whether a business name has been taken in the state:

How Do I Set up A Business Entity in Oregon?

  1. Create a business plan.
  2. Select a business name and structure.
  3. Register the business with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporate Division (except sole proprietorships and general partnerships unless using an assumed business name).
  4. Comply with tax obligations by obtaining a BIN from the Oregon Department of Revenue and an EIN from the IRS.
  5. Use the license directory to determine applicable licenses, permits, and certifications.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Oregon?

Filing fees for registering a business with the Oregon Secretary of State generally range from $50 - $275, depending on the business structure and whether it’s domestic or foreign.

  • Base Filing Fees:
    Base Filing Fees:

    Range from $50 to $275 depending on the entity type.

  • Additional Fees:
    Additional Fees:

    Trademark, licensing, and professional service fees may apply.

Additional Information Available on the Oregon Secretary of State’s Website

Oregon Entities
  • Service Options:

    Business registry search, online filing portals, and document ordering.

  • Business Information Center:

    Resources for starting, growing, moving, and closing a business.

  • Business Registration Forms and Fees:

    Access to required forms and fee schedules.

  • FAQs:

    Answers to frequently asked business-related questions.

  • Small Business Assistance:

    Support resources tailored to small business owners.

  • Contact Information and Support:

    Help with filings, searches, and support requests.

FAQs about Business Entity Searches in Oregon

  1. Why Would I Need to Search for a Business Entity in Oregon?

    To verify legitimacy, compliance, and conduct due diligence.

  2. What Types of Entities Can I Search for in Oregon?

    Corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and more.

  3. Where Can I Perform a Business Entity Search in Oregon?

    Use the Find a Business webpage or access the Business Registry Database.

  4. What Information Do I Need to Conduct an Entity Search in Oregon?

    A business name or registry number.

  5. How Do I Find the Official Name of an Oregon Business?

    Use partial name searches via the Business Registry Database.

  6. Can I Search for Foreign Entities in Oregon?

    Yes, foreign businesses registered to operate in Oregon can be found.

  7. What Information Can I Find in the Oregon Entity Search?

    Status, name, registry number, registered agent, address, and filing history.

  8. How Do I Verify If an Oregon Business Is in Good Standing?

    Check entity status in the search results on the Business Registry Database.

  9. Can I Search for an Entity in Oregon by Its Owner’s Name?

    Use the Associated Business Search feature.

  10. How Often Is the Oregon Business Entity Database Updated?

    Updates occur 1–2 business days after filings.

  11. Can I Obtain Copies of Business Filings in Oregon?

    Yes, using the official request form.

  12. How Do I Find out Who the Registered Agent of an Oregon Business Is?

    Run a search via the Business Registry Database.

  13. How Can I Search for Oregon Businesses by Their Tax ID Number?

    Contact the Oregon Department of Revenue.

  14. What Should I Do If I Can’t Find a Business Entity in the Oregon Search?

    Double-check the name or contact the Corporation Division at (503) 986-2200 or email.

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