How to Register a DBA in Oregon (Step-by-Step Guide)

The first step is to choose your name. When naming your business, it is important to stay across the naming regulations in Oregon. The full legislation can be found here.

We have outlined a few key points:

• The trade name must not be the same or confusingly similar to another registered trade name or the name of another registered business entity in Oregon.
• The regulations also prohibit using certain words or phrases in trade names, such as “bank” or “credit union,” unless the business is a bank or credit union.
• The rules also state that businesses may not use entity suffixes such as “LLC” or “Inc.” unless your business is indeed that type.

Registering your new name can be done either online or filled in and printed.

All the forms can be found on Oregon assumed name forms webpage and the portal allowing you to register your name online.

To register online, you must create an account with a username and password.

The following information needs to be filled out in the form:

• The type of filing being made
• The assumed business name being registered
• The principal place of business and mailing address of the business
• The type of organization, such as sole proprietorship, corporation, or limited liability company
• The name and address of the business owner(s) or registered agent(s)
• A signature and date to certify the accuracy of the information provided.

• To keep your assumed business name up-to-date with the state of Oregon, it must be renewed every two years.
  • This can be completed quickly and easily online.
• If you need to change your assumed business name, you can do so by completing the Assumed Business Name Amendment form.
  • Please note that there is a $50 fee for changing the assumed name.
  • Once the form is completed, it should be mailed to the Secretary of State at the following address:

• If you need to cancel your fictitious name, complete the Assumed Business Name Cancellation form and pay a $50 processing fee. After filling out the form, mail it to the same address as above.

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique nine-digit identification number the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns to identify business entities for tax purposes.

• A DBA doesn’t create a separate legal entity or change your legal status.
• If you are a sole proprietor and don’t have employees, you can use your Social Security number as your tax ID instead of obtaining an EIN.
• However, if the DBA hires employees or wants to establish a separate business bank account, they must obtain an EIN.

• Oregon assumed business name registration (DBA) forms
• Oregon assumed business name FAQs
• Oregon assumed business name legislation
• Oregon business search

There are many advantages to registering a DBA: 

• Versatility: A trade name can be changed or updated more quickly than a legal business name, allowing business owners to adjust to market conditions or changes in their products or services.
• Separation of personal and business finances: A separate business bank account is possible by applying for a DBA, allowing you to conduct bank transactions under your startup’s name instead of your account. This enables you to receive and issue checks or credit card payments using your business name, making it easier to separate personal assets and business finances.
• Enhanced marketing opportunities: A well-chosen name can be more descriptive and memorable than a legal name. This alternative name can improve brand recognition and increase marketing and advertising opportunities.
• Cost-effective solution: Compared to other business entities, such as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), registering an assumed name usually is less expensive and more straightforward, making it an affordable and timely option for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

There are some drawbacks to consider:

• Limited legal protection: They do not provide personal liability protection, meaning that the business owner is personally responsible for all debts, obligations, and lawsuits related to the business. This lack of legal protection can be a significant risk to some companies, depending on their industry or services.
• Additional legal and administrative obligations: Registering a new name requires complying with all legal requirements and registering the name with the relevant government agency, which can be time-consuming and add to the business owner’s administrative burden. This additional work can be particularly challenging for small businesses that lack dedicated legal or administrative staff.

• Sole proprietorships: Individuals who own and operate their business without creating a separate legal entity.
• Partnerships: Joint ventures between two or more individuals who want to operate under a different name than the partners’ names.
• Corporations and LLCs: Business entities that want to use a name different from their legal name or diversify business under multiple names.

You would need a DBA:

• If you plan to run your business using a name that isn’t your own or your company’s legal name.
• If you want to create a more marketable, memorable, or descriptive name for your products or services.
• If you are a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC and want to conduct business under different names.
• If you want to test new products or markets without changing your legal name.

You may not need a DBA if:

• If you operate your business using your personal or company’s legal name.
• If you are a single-owner LLC, that does not need to do business under a different name than your personal name or the name of your LLC.