Get a DBA Name for Your Oregon Business Today

Establishing a “doing business as” or DBA name doesn’t create a new legal entity. Still, many business owners recognize that it’s a powerful marketing tool. These names are typically used when you want to use multiple names for one business, or if you are a sole proprietor wanting to be recognized as something other than your legal name.

Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about setting up a DBA name in Oregon. Our guide should serve as a resource for owners considering a DBA name and help you make this important decision for your business. We’ll also walk you through the process of creating, registering, and maintaining a DBA name.

What is an Oregon “doing business as” (DBA) name?

It’s important to stress that there is no requirement to establish a DBA name. It’s simply an option available to new and established companies, one that owners and entrepreneurs might find beneficial for marketing purposes. You should note, though, that once you start doing business under anything other than your legal name, you are required to adopt a DBA name.

Also, registering and using a DBA name doesn’t establish a new legal entity. So, you won’t be taxed separately under this name, nor do any liability protections come with it. A DBA name is a branding tool. It allows companies to create strong identities for specific products, services, or initiatives — identities that stand separately from your formal business in the public eye.

There are various scenarios where you might consider a DBA name. As a sole proprietor, setting up a DBA name lets you create distance between your professional and personal name and world. Corporations or limited liability companies (LLCs) with multiple offerings might consider a DBA name when launching a new product to build a strong brand around it.

Every state regulates DBA names differently, with its own legal requirements, restrictions, and processes for registering and maintaining them. In Oregon, you’ll register your DBA name through the Secretary of State.

DBA names are also often referred to as other names in different states. Don’t be confused if you see them called “fictitious names” or “trade names.” In Oregon, DBA names are legally called “assumed business names.” So, when you register your company’s alias through the state, it will be called an assumed business name throughout the process.

There are typically two categories your business will fall under when you register an assumed business name in Oregon:

• Sole proprietorships and partnerships: These companies might use DBA names to separate their business from their personal name.
• Corporations and LLCs: When these types of businesses form, they’re legally required to include entity designators (or an abbreviation of them), such as “Corporation,” “Company,” “Limited,” or “Incorporated,” in their names. A DBA name lets them drop these designators and simplify their business names, which is useful for branding.

Benefits of using a DBA name

Various benefits come with registering an assumed business name in Oregon. It all comes down to your business needs. These benefits include:

• Introduce a new product or service. When launching a new product line, service, or initiative, you might want to create a separate identity and branding for this endeavor. A DBA name lets you promote this endeavor under its own name. Although it’s marketed separately, it’s still part of your business, though.
• Look more professional. As a sole proprietor or partnership, using a DBA name for your business separates your work from your personal life. This creates a more professional appearance for your business.
• Simplify your name. Use a DBA name to drop the entity designator you’re required to include when you start a business in Oregon. These formal names can be stuffy and more difficult to brand.
• Create separate business operations. If you register a DBA name in Oregon, this allows you to conduct business under that name. This means you can open bank accounts or legally sign documents using that name rather than the formal name you registered.
• Establish your identity. In Oregon, you don’t get exclusive rights to the DBA name you select. However, it’s still a step toward claiming the name and your identity. By registering it, you could deter other businesses from also using it.

How do I choose an Oregon DBA name?

Since your Oregon DBA name is used as a marketing tool, it’s important that you select the right name. Keep your branding goals in mind and select an assumed business name that reflects what your product is or what your company does. You’ll also want a name that is distinctive from other companies on the market.

You should also be aware of state regulations regarding business names. In Oregon, your proposed DBA name needs to be distinguishable from other businesses on record with the state, including assumed business names. It’s advisable that you search the state’s Corporation Division database to check if your preferred name is available before attempting to register a name.

How do I register an Oregon DBA name?

When registering your Oregon DBA name for the first time, you will file through the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. You’ll be required to fill out an “Assumed Business Name New Registration” form.

Here are the steps to take when registering your Oregon assumed business name:

1. Determine the DBA name you want to use and check it against other businesses and assumed business names registered in the state. Remember to choose a unique name, one that is distinguishable from others on record. If your name is too similar, your application could be rejected or delayed.
2. Go to the section of the Secretary of State website that says, “Assumed Business Name Registration (DBA) Forms.” There, you’ll find the “Assumed Business Name New Registration” form.
3. Choose if you will file your registration online, by mail, or in person. This will determine how you fill out the form.
4. If you decide to apply online, you’ll need to create an account on the Oregon Business Registry. Then, select “Business Name Registration,” and under the “Business/Organization Type” drop-down list, choose “Assumed Business Name.”
5. After this step, the online and paper forms require the same information. First, you’ll need to input your chosen DBA name and a description of the business. You’ll also need to include the name of the owners and addresses of everyone involved, the business address, and contact information. You’re also required to check off each county where you’ll do business in Oregon.
6. Remember to sign your form. An authorized representative of your business should sign your registration form before submitting it.
7. Include your filing fee. The cost to apply to register an assumed business name is $50. Checks may be submitted in person or mailed. They should be made payable to the Corporation Division. If you’re filing online, you may use your debit or credit card.
8. Submit your application. If you’re filing online, the website will direct you to submit your application. If you’re filing by mail, though, you can send your application to: 
   
   Corporation Division
   Public Service Building
   255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151
   Salem, OR 97310. 
   
   You can also file in person at the same address.
   
9. Wait for the approval. Because your name could be rejected, it’s important to wait before purchasing business cards or other printed materials that feature your DBA name.

How do I manage ongoing DBA name compliance in Oregon?

After your Oregon DBA name is approved, it’s valid for two years. That’s when you’ll need to re-register the name if you choose to keep using it. You can renew your registration online or contact the state’s Corporation Division on how to obtain a physical copy of the form. The renewal fee is $50. This renewal form must be submitted within 30 days of the second anniversary of the date the state registered the assumed business name.

If you need to make changes to your assumed name, you’ll fill out the “Assumed Business Name Amendment” form. Changes could include anything from the name of your business to the contact information and names of those involved. There’s a $50 fee to file this form if the change involves your business name. All other amendments, including contact information or adding new members, have no cost.

Should you decide to terminate your assumed business name before the two-year expiration date, you must file an “Assumed Business Name Cancellation” form. There is a $50 fee to file this form.

Are you forming a new business in Oregon? Let ZenBusiness guide you through the process. Our team of business formation experts can take you step by step through registering, forming, and maintaining your business. We’re here to streamline the administrative work so that you can focus on growing your business.