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Forming an Oregon LLC takes one filing. You submit Articles of Organization to the Corporation Division and pay $100. The state says that fee is non-refundable, so check the form before you send it. You can register online through the Oregon Business Registry or print the form and mail it. Our Oregon business search guide covers lookups, and this page covers the filing.
How much does the first year cost?
The state side is two $100 charges: the processing fee when you form, and the renewal on the anniversary. If you want the filed copy confirmed, the optional confirmation copy is $5. A registered agent you pay for is a private cost on top.
Speed is not sold. The Secretary of State's online page says processing typically begins within one business day after you submit an online filing.
What name works for an Oregon LLC?
The name must end with "limited liability company", "L.L.C." or "LLC". The Corporation Division also checks that it is distinguishable from names already on file. Run the Business Name Availability Check before filing. It shows whether a name is taken or too close to another.
Reserving a name is possible but costly. The Application for Name Reservation is $100 for 120 days. The form notes that a reserved name does not let you do business under it. Forming costs the same $100, so there is little reason to reserve unless you need time.
How do I file the Articles of Organization?
Start at the Secretary of State's register a business page. The forms list is at business registration forms, where online options show as Register online or Submit online. Steps:
- Choose the name and run the availability check.
- Pick your registered agent and a physical Oregon street address for the registered office. See the Oregon registered agent page.
- Complete the Articles of Organization online or in the PDF.
- Pay the $100 processing fee. Fees are paid in advance.
- Keep the acknowledgment the Corporation Division returns once the name is found distinguishable and the articles meet Oregon law.
Oregon does not accept forms by email. Use the online system, fax or mail.
What should I do after the LLC is approved?
Sign an operating agreement among the members. Get an EIN from the IRS using our EIN guide. Then open the bank account in the LLC's name.
The Secretary of State also warns that a name on file is not a right to use the name. If someone holds a trademark, you may still be challenged, so a trademark search is a separate step.
What does an Oregon LLC do every year?
It renews. Your renewal is due on the anniversary date of the original filing, and the fee for an LLC is $100. You renew in the Oregon Business Registry, where you review the business overview, jurisdiction and address, notification options, registered agent information and the member and manager information for an LLC.
That last item is worth planning for. Oregon asks LLCs for member or manager details at renewal, so have those names ready.
Changes that cannot be made during renewal need a separate amendment filing with its own fee if one applies. The Secretary of State lets you sign up for emailed renewal notices, which is worth doing. Our annual report deadlines page lets you compare other states.
Can people outside Oregon form an Oregon LLC?
The Articles need an Oregon street address for the registered agent, but the pages we read do not require the members to live in Oregon. Read LLCs for non-residents and compare Washington, Idaho and Nevada.
Ready to go? Use our start an LLC form.
After approval, check the rules in our Oregon business license guide.