Oregon LLC Name Reservation — Hold Your Name for 120 Days
If you've found an available name on the Oregon Business Registry but aren't ready to file your Articles of Organization yet, a name reservation secures your exclusive right to that name for 120 days. This is administered by the Secretary of State, Business Registry Division, and costs $100. For the full formation process, see our Oregon LLC guide.
When to Reserve a Name
Name reservation makes sense when:
- You need time to finalize your operating agreement or secure funding before officially forming
- You're waiting for a professional license approval that's required before forming a Professional LLC
- You've found the perfect name and want to lock it in while preparing other formation components
- You're coordinating a formation date with a business partner, tax advisor, or attorney
When it's unnecessary:
- If you're ready to file your Articles of Organization now — just file. The name is secured upon filing.
- If the name is common and you don't expect competition for it in the next few days
How to Reserve a Name
Online:
- Go to sos.oregon.gov — Oregon Business Registry
- Navigate to "Name Reservation" under business filings
- Enter the name you want to reserve (must comply with the Oregon LLC Act (ORS Chapter 63) naming rules)
- Pay the $100 fee
- Receive confirmation with reservation expiration date
By mail:
- Submit an Application for Reservation of Name to: Secretary of State, Business Registry Division, 255 Capitol St NE Suite 151, Salem, OR 97310-1327
- Include a check for $100 payable to "Oregon Secretary of State"
- Processing: 2-3 weeks
Key Details
Ready to get started?
Get Started| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee | $100 |
| Duration | 120 days from approval |
| Renewable | Yes — file a new reservation before expiration |
| Transferable | Yes — the reservation can be transferred to another person/entity |
| Refundable | No — fee is non-refundable even if you don't use the name |
| Filing method | Online or mail |
What Happens After 120 Days
If you don't file your Articles of Organization using the reserved name within 120 days:
- The reservation expires automatically
- The name becomes available to anyone
- You would need to file a new reservation ($100 again) if you want to hold it longer
- No penalty for letting a reservation expire — you just lose the exclusive right to the name
Name Reservation vs. Filing
| Approach | Cost | Result |
|---|---|---|
| File Articles of Organization directly | $100 | LLC is formed immediately; name is yours |
| Reserve name, then file | $100 + $100 = $200 total | Name held for 120 days, then $100 more to actually form |
If you're ready to form, skip the reservation and file directly — it saves $100 and your LLC exists sooner.
FAQ
Ready to get started?
Get StartedCan someone else reserve the name I want before me?
Yes. Name reservations are first-come, first-served. If you search and find a name available today, someone else could reserve it before you do. If timing is critical, act immediately.
Can I reserve a name and then use it for a corporation instead of an LLC?
Yes. The name reservation system is entity-type-neutral. You can reserve a name and use it for an LLC, corporation, or limited partnership when you eventually file. However, the name must include the appropriate designator for whatever entity type you form ("LLC" for an LLC, "Inc." or "Corporation" for a corporation, etc.).
What if I reserved a name but want to use a different name?
Your $100 is non-refundable. You can simply let the reservation expire (no penalty) and file your Articles of Organization with a different name. Alternatively, you can transfer the reservation to someone else who wants that name.
Does a name reservation give me trademark rights?
No. A name reservation only prevents others from registering that same name with the Oregon Secretary of State. It provides no trademark protection. For trademark rights, you'd need to actually use the name in commerce or register it with the USPTO.