Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Secretary of State in approving an LLC in Oregon?

The Secretary of State plays a crucial role in the approval of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Oregon. The process begins with the prospective business owner conducting an Oregon LLC search to ensure the uniqueness of their desired business name. This is done by visiting the Oregon Business Registry website and using the Business Name Availability Check tool. Once the name is confirmed to be unique, the business owner submits the necessary forms and fees to the Oregon Secretary of State. The Secretary of State then reviews the application and gives the final approval for the LLC. However, it's important to note that even if the business name search reveals the name to be available, the Secretary of State may still reject it. If the application is rejected due to the name being too similar to an existing business, the applicant is notified and given a 45-day period to create a new LLC name and resubmit the application. The applicant can also reserve their LLC name for a 120-day period by filing an application for name reservation and paying a non-refundable fee of $100.