How to Form an LLC in Oregon, Step by Step

Oregon makes LLC formation a filing with the Corporation Division. Here is what the state's own form asks for, step by step.

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Filed 2026-10-19

You file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State's Corporation Division and pay a $100 processing fee. These are the steps to set up an Oregon LLC, in order.

Oregon's own Start a Business Guide has a checklist for new companies. Forming the LLC is one part of it. The filing creates the company. It does not settle every other question, like taxes or licenses. This guide walks through the filing itself.

Business structures in Oregon

Oregon's guide lists five common business structures. They are the sole proprietorship, the general partnership, the limited liability company, the corporation, and the nonprofit.

Registering an LLC forms a distinct business entity. An LLC is a company the state recognizes on its own.

Not sure an LLC is the right pick? Read about whether you should form one first. You can also compare an LLC to a corporation or sole proprietorship.

Step 1: Choose an LLC name that meets Oregon's rules

Oregon's Articles of Organization form sets one hard rule for names. The LLC's name must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviations "LLC" or "L.L.C.".

Before you settle on a name, check it. Oregon's guide says to use the Business Name Availability Check option on the Business Registry Database Search. That tells you if another Oregon company already has your name.

Registering the name with the Secretary of State's Corporation Division protects it in one way. It stops someone else from registering that same name in Oregon.

It does not do everything. Registering a business name is separate from getting an internet domain name. Check both if the web address matters to you.

Step 2: Pick a registered agent with an Oregon street address

Oregon requires all business entities to appoint and maintain a registered agent. The agent must have a physical street address in Oregon.

What does the agent do? Oregon's Secretary of State says a registered agent is the person or registered entity authorized to accept legal documents for the business. The Articles of Organization form puts it plainly. The agent is an individual or entity that will accept legal service for the business.

Who can serve? Oregon's Secretary of State says business corporations, limited liability companies, professional corporations, and nonprofit corporations may be registered agents. So can a person.

One more thing to know. The form asks for the registered agent's publicly available address. Oregon's Secretary of State says that unless otherwise noted, all names and addresses are public record. Oregon suggests you may want to avoid using a home address when registering a business. Learn more about an LLC's registered agent.

Step 3: Decide member-managed or manager-managed

The Articles of Organization form makes you pick how the LLC is run. It lets an LLC choose to be member-managed by one or more members, or manager-managed by one or more managers.

The form asks for the names and addresses of the LLC's owners, called members. If you pick manager-managed, it also asks for the names and addresses of the managers.

The choice is yours to make on the form.

Step 4: Complete and file the Articles of Organization

Now the filing itself. Oregon's Articles of Organization form asks for a few things:

The LLC's name, with "Limited Liability Company", "LLC", or "L.L.C." in it
The principal office, which must be a physical street address
The registered agent and their Oregon street address
The names and addresses of the members, and of managers if there are any
A contact name and phone number so the state can resolve questions with the filing
Signatures. The form asks each person forming the business to sign the execution and signature section

The form also has a section for optional provisions. A separate sheet may be attached there if you need it. The LLC may also state it is a benefit company subject to ORS 60.750 to 60.770.

The required processing fee is $100. Processing fees are nonrefundable. If you file on paper with a check, make it payable to "Corporation Division".

Can you file online? Yes. Oregon's page says a business can be registered online using the Oregon Business Registry. If online filing is not an option for you, Oregon asks that forms be mailed to the Corporation Division instead. Do not email your form. Oregon does not accept forms or payments by email because it is not a secure form of communication.

Want the steps that apply outside Oregon too? Our guide to forming an LLC covers the process in any state.

Step 5: Set up your business name for taxes

The state filing is done. Now comes the IRS.

Oregon's guide says registering with the state is separate from setting up a business name for taxes with the IRS and Oregon's Department of Revenue.

Read how to apply for an EIN for an LLC, or learn about the IRS and EINs and LLCs and the IRS.

Step 6: Handle licenses, permits and taxes

The State of Oregon does not issue a general business license. Business registration serves that purpose.

But that is not the whole story. Many occupations and business activities require licenses, permits or certifications from state agencies or boards. Cities and counties may also require a business license or permit. Check with your city and county, and with the state board for your trade. Our page on business licenses has more.

Taxes are separate too. Oregon's Start a Business Guide, Step 5, has comprehensive information on tax obligations. The Oregon Department of Revenue explains other state and local taxes.

What comes after forming your Oregon LLC

Your filing is in. A few things follow.

Your registration information becomes public record. Oregon says it can be searched by individual name as well as business name. Free copies of filed documents are available at sos.oregon.gov/business using the Business Name Search program.

For more on yearly filings in general, see our page on the annual LLC report.

Selling under something other than your LLC's legal name? The Corporation Division takes an Assumed Business Name filing for that. Oregon's guide says Assumed Business Names require renewal only every two years.

Need help beyond the filing? Oregon's guide points to the Small Business Development Center and SCORE.org as low-cost resources for planning a startup. Business Express provides industry-specific resources and contact information from relevant agencies.

Those are all the steps. Choose a name that includes the LLC designation. Pick an agent with an Oregon street address. Pick your management type. File the Articles of Organization, online if you can. Then handle the EIN, licenses and taxes that the filing does not settle.