Business Information Center Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I go to find forms to file a business name?
Go to the Forms Page to download and print a form or file online.

How do I order copies of my document?
Go to Ordering Copies of Documents for complete instructions to order a copy of your filing. To review and print a free copy of your online filing go to Business Name Search.

How do I order a Certificate of Existence?
Go to Ordering Copies of Documents for complete instructions to order a Certificate of Existence.

What does "doing business" mean?
Do you expect to profit from your activities in Oregon? If you do, you are probably doing business in Oregon.

A taxpayer having one or more of the following in Oregon is clearly doing business in this state:

     • A stock of goods.
     • An office.
     • A place of business (other than an office) where affairs of the corporation are regularly conducted.
     • Employees or representatives providing services to customers as the primary business activity
        (such as accounting or personal services), or services incidental to the sale of tangible or
        intangible personal property (such as installation, inspection, maintenance, warranty, or repair of a
        product).
     • An economic presence through which the taxpayer regularly takes advantage of Oregon's economy
        to produce income.

Is a DBA the same thing as an Assumed Business Name?
An Assumed Business Name is also commonly known or referred to as a “DBA”, “doing business as”, or fictitious business name.

Do I need to register with the Secretary of State?
Anyone doing business in Oregon is required to register with the Secretary of State. Go to Registering Your Business Name for more information.

Does registering mean that I have a license?
Registering your business name with the Corporation Division is not the same as getting a license. Contact the city or county you’re doing business in to obtain a license.

Does the State of Oregon have wholesale numbers?
The State of Oregon does not assign resale numbers for wholesale purchase. Use your business registry number to buy wholesale. Create and print a Resale Certificate here http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/salestax.shtml

Can I file a foreign corporation or foreign limited liability company online?
Yes, and no. A foreign corporation can now be filed online at Register Online, but foreign limited liability companies are not available for filing online at this time. Go to the Forms Page to download and print a form.

Where do I go to amend my filing online?
Amendments are not available for filing online at this time. Go to the Forms Page to download and print a form.

I have more than one name to renew. Can I combine them?
If you have more than one business name registered, each name must be renewed separately and cannot be combined. Renew Online

How can I tell if my business has been renewed?
Go to Business Name Search, enter the business registry number or name, and scroll down to summary history to see the Annual Report Payment or Renewal Payment.

How do I get to the page where I can pay to reinstate/reactivate a company name?
Go to Reinstate a Business for information and links to reinstate your corporation, LLC, or Limited Partnership. Assumed Business Names can now be reactivated. You can request the form at Renew Online or you can call our office at 503-986-2200.