When operating a business in Oregon or engaging in any commercial activity with an Oregon-based company, conducting an Oregon Business Entity Search is essential. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, legal professional, or an interested party looking to verify a company’s standing, the Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporation Division provides a comprehensive platform to help you make informed decisions.
Below, we explore every important detail about the process, its benefits, and how to use it efficiently in 2025.
What is the Oregon Business Entity Search?
The Oregon Business Entity Search is a public online tool provided by the Oregon Secretary of State (SOS) that allows users to look up information about corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other registered business entities in the state.
With this tool, you can access essential data including:
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Business Name
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Registry Number
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Entity Type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
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Registration Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved)
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Registered Agent Information
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Principal Office Address
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Filing History & Annual Reports
Why Use the Oregon Business Entity Search Tool?
Conducting a business entity search in Oregon provides numerous advantages, such as:
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Due diligence before partnerships or investments
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Verifying legitimacy of a company
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Confirming if a business name is available for registration
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Tracking ownership or structural changes
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Checking the good standing status of a company
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Researching competitors in your industry
How to Access the Oregon Business Entity Search Portal
To get started, visit the official portal of the Oregon Secretary of State Business Search.
Once there, users can search by various criteria:
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Business Name
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Registry Number
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Name of Individual or Registered Agent
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Business ID
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Advanced Filters (Active/Inactive, Type, etc.)
Step-by-Step: How to Perform an Oregon Business Search
Step 1: Go to the Oregon SOS Business Registry Search Page
Navigate to the Business Name Search page.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
You can enter:
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The exact business name for a direct match
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Partial keywords to browse similar businesses
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The registry number for precise targeting
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The individual’s name associated with the entity
Step 3: Review the Search Results
You’ll see a list of businesses matching your input. Each result provides:
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Registry Number
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Business Name
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Entity Type
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Status (Active/Inactive)
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Initial Filing Date
Step 4: Click on the Business Name
Clicking the name brings you to the Business Registry Detail page, revealing:
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Mailing and Principal Address
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Registered Agent’s Information
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Filing Dates
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Annual Reports
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Business Structure
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Oregon Assumed Business Names (if any)
Understanding Entity Statuses in Oregon
Here’s what each business status means:
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Active: The entity is in good standing and authorized to do business.
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Inactive: The business has ceased operations or missed filings.
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Dissolved: Voluntarily or administratively closed.
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Delinquent: Missed required filings or annual fees.
Maintaining an active status is crucial for businesses to remain compliant and operational.
How to Reserve or Register a Business Name in Oregon
If your search shows that the business name you want is available, you can reserve or register it by:
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Visiting the Oregon Business Registry.
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Logging in or creating an account.
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Filing a Name Reservation ($50 fee valid for 120 days) or a New Business Registration.
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Paying online via credit/debit card or ACH transfer.
Business Types You Can Search in Oregon
The Oregon registry covers all common entity structures, including:
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LLC (Limited Liability Company)
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Corporation (C-Corp, S-Corp)
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Nonprofit Corporation
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Professional Corporation
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Limited Partnership (LP)
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Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
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Sole Proprietorships with Assumed Names
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Foreign Entities Registered in Oregon
Oregon UCC Filings and Trademark Search
Aside from business registrations, the Oregon Secretary of State also manages:
UCC Filings (Uniform Commercial Code)
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Search for liens against personal property.
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Check financial encumbrances for lending and credit purposes.
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Access via Oregon UCC Search Portal
Oregon Trademarks
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Review or register trademarks within Oregon.
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Distinct from USPTO federal trademarks.
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Helps ensure brand protection within state boundaries.
How to Get a Certificate of Existence in Oregon
A Certificate of Existence (Good Standing Certificate) confirms that a business complies with Oregon laws.
To order:
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Visit the business record via the entity search.
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Select “Request Certificate” at the bottom.
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Pay the $10 fee and download the PDF instantly or receive it by mail.
This document is often required for:
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Business loans or credit
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Mergers or acquisitions
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Foreign qualification in other states
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Government or vendor contracts
Annual Report Filing Requirements
Businesses in Oregon must file an annual report and pay a renewal fee to stay active.
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Due annually on the anniversary date of registration.
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Reports must be submitted online at the Oregon Business Registry Renewal.
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Filing fees vary by entity type (LLC: $100, Corporations: $100, Nonprofit: $50).
Failure to file may lead to administrative dissolution.
Foreign Business Entity Registration in Oregon
If your business is formed in another state but operates in Oregon, it must file for foreign registration.
Process:
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Complete the Application for Authority to Transact Business in Oregon.
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Submit a Certificate of Good Standing from the home state.
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Appoint a registered agent in Oregon.
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Pay the $275 filing fee.
Foreign entities are subject to the same annual reporting and renewal obligations.
Finding a Registered Agent in Oregon
Every Oregon business must appoint a Registered Agent with a physical address in Oregon.
Responsibilities include:
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Receiving legal documents (Service of Process)
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Receiving compliance and tax notices
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Maintaining contact with the state
You can serve as your own agent, but many opt for a professional service provider to ensure availability and compliance.
Business Licenses and Tax Registration
Registering your business with the SOS doesn’t automatically grant a business license. You must also:
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Obtain a City or County Business License.
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Register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for tax purposes.
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Apply for an EIN from the IRS for federal tax compliance.
Explore more at the Oregon Business Xpress Portal.
Common FAQs About Oregon Business Entity Search
Can I search using a partial business name?
Yes, partial keywords will display a list of matching businesses.
Is there a fee to search?
No, the search service is free to use.
Can I download documents?
Yes, filing history and PDF copies of documents are typically available for download.
Can I check if a business is in good standing?
Yes, entity status and annual report filings are clearly listed.
Can I get help with the search or filings?
Yes, you can call the Corporation Division Help Desk at (503) 986-2200 or email corporation.division@oregon.gov.
Conclusion
Using the Oregon Business Entity Search is a vital part of running or engaging with businesses in the state. From verifying legitimacy and compliance to registering new ventures and accessing public records, the SOS portal is a powerful resource for transparency and legal clarity.
Stay compliant, informed, and competitive by regularly reviewing your business information or checking prospective partners using this intuitive and reliable tool.
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