Last updated
One rule sets Oregon apart. According to the Secretary of State's registered agents and service of process page, an entity cannot designate itself as its own registered agent, but an individual owner can be the agent for their business. So the usual do-it-yourself route is to name yourself or a co-owner. For the full filing picture, see our Oregon LLC page and the Oregon business search guide.
Who can be an Oregon registered agent?
The state describes the agent in two ways:
- an individual who lives in Oregon and whose business office is the same as the registered office
- a registered domestic or foreign business entity, such as a corporation or LLC, that is authorized to transact business in Oregon and whose business office is the registered office
It adds that most businesses simply list an officer, owner or employee with the business street address. An attorney or accountant often serves. You can also contract with an agent service company, but you are not required to pay a third party.
Whoever you pick must have consented. A person who was named without agreeing can file a signed statement saying they never consented.
What address does the registered office need?
It must be a physical street address in Oregon. The state's wording is plain: the agent keeps a business office there and can accept or sign for legal service. A PO box or a mail forwarding business does not work, since a process server has to hand papers to a person.
The office can be the same as your place of business. It matters for mail too. The Corporation Division sends correspondence, renewal notices and late notices to the registered office unless you list a separate mailing address.
Out-of-state founders have a gap to fill. If nobody in your business has an Oregon office, you need someone who does. The state suggests searching for Oregon registered agent service companies, and your Oregon attorney or accountant may offer it. We do not rate them. Compare options with our registered agent services overview.
How do I change the agent in Oregon?
You file a change of registered agent or address. The fee schedule lists the change for a corporation or LLC at $0.00. A global address change for a registered agent is also $0.00. Forms are on the business registration forms page, and the renewal screens in the Oregon Business Registry also show registered agent information.
What if the agent resigns?
The agent delivers a signed written statement to the Corporation Division and mails a copy to the business. The resignation date is the day the division receives the letter. The agent must keep accepting service for 30 days after that.
Then the business must name a replacement. The state is blunt about it: failure to designate a new registered agent will result in administrative dissolution. Treat a resignation as a deadline, not a courtesy notice.
What if no one can serve the business?
If a person cannot serve process on the business or its agent, the Secretary of State can accept service as agent for the business. The person serving pays a $20 process service fee for each business or party. The state records the complaint, but it does not tell the business or its agent. A company with a stale agent address can learn about a lawsuit late. Read our service of process guide to see why.
How do I look up an Oregon agent?
Registered agent and office are public record in the business name search. Our Oregon business search guide walks through it.