How to Get a Business License in Oregon (2026)

Fact-checked by the LegalGlass editorial team against primary sources · Published Aug 6, 2026 · Last updated Aug 6, 2026

Oregon does not have a single statewide general business license that applies to all businesses. Instead, most businesses must register their legal entity with the Oregon Secretary of State, obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, and register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for various state taxes. Additionally, specific local licenses, professional licenses, or industry-specific permits may be required depending on the business's activities and location.

Operating a business in Oregon involves navigating several registration and licensing requirements, even though there isn't one universal "business license." The process typically begins with establishing your legal business entity and registering it with the state, followed by securing necessary tax accounts and any specialized permits or licenses relevant to your industry or location. This guide outlines the key steps to ensure your business is compliant in Oregon for 2026.

Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry

The first step for most businesses in Oregon is to establish their legal entity and register it with the Oregon Secretary of State (SOS). This applies to corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and some other entity types. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships typically do not need to register with the SOS unless they are operating under an assumed business name (DBA).

• Entity Formation: If you are forming a corporation or an LLC, you will file Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization, respectively, with the SOS. For example, to form an Oregon LLC, you would file Articles of Organization.
• Assumed Business Name (DBA): If your business operates under a name different from your legal name (for a sole proprietorship) or the registered name of your entity (for an LLC or corporation), you must register an Assumed Business Name (DBA) with the SOS.
• Registered Agent: All registered business entities in Oregon must maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in Oregon. This agent receives legal and official correspondence on behalf of the business.

The SOS website provides detailed information on business registration, forms, and filing fees. These fees vary depending on the entity type and specific filing. For instance, filing Articles of Organization for an LLC typically costs $100, while registering an assumed business name costs $50.

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Most businesses in Oregon will need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An EIN is a nine-digit number assigned to employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, and other entities for tax filing and reporting purposes. It functions much like a Social Security Number for a business.

You will generally need an EIN if your business:

• Has employees.
• Is structured as a corporation or partnership.
• Files excise, employment, alcohol, tobacco, or firearm tax returns.
• Withholds taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien.

Sole proprietorships without employees may operate using the owner's Social Security Number, but many choose to obtain an EIN for banking purposes, to protect personal identity, or if they anticipate hiring employees in the future. Applying for an EIN is free through the IRS website.

Oregon Department of Revenue Registration

After establishing your legal entity and obtaining an EIN, your business will likely need to register with the Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) for various state tax obligations. Oregon does not have a statewide sales tax, but other taxes apply.

Key tax registrations may include:

• Withholding Tax: If your business has employees, you must register with the DOR for state income tax withholding. You will withhold state income tax from employee wages and remit it to the DOR.
• Corporate Excise Tax/Income Tax: Corporations doing business in Oregon are subject to either the corporate excise tax or corporate income tax. The excise tax is based on net income and a minimum tax, while the income tax applies to corporations not subject to the excise tax.
• Pass-Through Entity Elective Tax (PTE-E): For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2022, qualifying pass-through entities (like LLCs taxed as partnerships or S-corporations) can elect to pay the PTE-E tax at the entity level, which may provide a federal tax benefit to owners.
• Commercial Activity Tax (CAT): The Oregon Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) is an annual tax on businesses with commercial activity in Oregon. Businesses with Oregon commercial activity exceeding $1 million must register for the CAT. Those with commercial activity over $1 million must pay the tax, which is calculated on gross receipts with certain deductions.
• Other Taxes: Depending on your industry, other taxes may apply, such as tobacco tax, fuel tax, or timber tax.

The DOR offers a Business Registration page to help businesses determine their specific tax obligations and register online.

Local City and County Licenses and Permits

While Oregon lacks a statewide general business license, many cities and counties impose their own licensing requirements. These local licenses and permits can vary significantly based on your business type, location, and specific activities. For example, a restaurant in Portland will have different local licensing needs than a consulting firm in Salem.

To determine local requirements:

• Contact Your City: If your business operates within city limits, contact the city clerk's office or business licensing department of that city. For example, the City of Portland requires a City of Portland Business License for most businesses operating within its jurisdiction.
• Contact Your County: If your business operates in an unincorporated area of a county, or if the county has specific requirements that supersede or supplement city rules, contact the county administration office or county clerk.
• Zoning and Land Use: Always check local zoning ordinances to ensure your chosen business location is approved for your type of business activity. This is particularly important for home-based businesses.

Common types of local permits include general business licenses, zoning permits, sign permits, health permits (for food service), and fire permits.

Professional and Industry-Specific Licenses

Many professions and industries in Oregon are regulated by state boards or agencies and require specific licenses or certifications. These are distinct from general business registrations and are typically required for individuals or businesses to legally practice a profession or operate in a particular sector.

Examples of regulated professions and industries include:

• Contractors: The Construction Contractors Board (CCB) licenses residential and commercial contractors.
• Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, dentists, and other medical professionals are licensed by their respective state boards (e.g., Oregon Medical Board, Oregon State Board of Nursing).
• Real Estate Agents: Licensed by the Oregon Real Estate Agency.
• Barbers and Cosmetologists: Licensed by the Oregon Board of Cosmetology.
• Child Care Providers: Regulated by the Office of Child Care.
• Food Service Establishments: Regulated by the Oregon Department of Agriculture or local county health departments.

The Oregon Business Xpress License Directory is an excellent resource for identifying potential state-level licenses and permits based on your business activity. You can search by industry or keyword to find the relevant regulatory agency and requirements.

Employer Requirements (If Hiring)

If your Oregon business plans to hire employees, you will have additional state and federal obligations beyond tax withholding:

• Federal Requirements: Obtain an EIN (as mentioned above), verify employment eligibility using Form I-9, and report new hires to the state.
• Oregon New Hire Reporting: Report all new and rehired employees to the Oregon Department of Justice within 20 days of their hire date.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: Oregon law requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance.
• Unemployment Insurance: Register with the Oregon Employment Department for unemployment insurance tax.
• Wage and Hour Laws: Comply with Oregon's wage and hour laws, including minimum wage (which varies by region) and overtime.
• Sick Time: Oregon requires employers to provide paid sick time to employees under the Oregon Sick Time Law.

The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) provides resources for employers on state labor laws.

Fees and Renewal Schedules

The costs associated with business licenses and registrations in Oregon vary widely. Entity registration fees with the Secretary of State are typically one-time filing fees, but some entities may have annual report fees. Professional licenses often have initial application fees and recurring renewal fees (e.g., annually or biennially). Local business licenses usually have annual renewal fees.

It is crucial to keep track of all renewal deadlines to avoid penalties or the lapse of your licenses. Many state agencies offer online portals where you can manage your registrations and renewals. For example, the Oregon Secretary of State sends reminders for annual report filings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Oregon have a statewide business license?

No, Oregon does not have a single, general statewide business license that applies to all businesses. Instead, businesses must register with the Oregon Secretary of State and the Department of Revenue, and may need specific licenses or permits depending on their industry, location, and activities.

What is the Oregon Business Registry?

The Oregon Business Registry is maintained by the Oregon Secretary of State. Most businesses operating in Oregon, including corporations, LLCs, and some partnerships, must register their legal entity with this office. This registration establishes the legal existence of the business entity.

Do I need an EIN for my Oregon business?

Most Oregon businesses need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is required if you have employees, operate as a corporation or partnership, or file certain tax returns. Sole proprietors without employees may use their Social Security Number but an EIN is often recommended for banking and privacy.

Does Oregon have a sales tax?

No, Oregon does not have a statewide sales tax. Therefore, businesses in Oregon do not need to register for or collect sales tax from customers. However, other state and local taxes, such as the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT), may apply.

How do I find out about local business licenses in Oregon?

Local business license requirements vary by city and county in Oregon. You should contact the city clerk's office or county administration office in the specific jurisdiction where your business will operate to inquire about any required local licenses, permits, or zoning regulations.

What is the Oregon Commercial Activity Tax (CAT)?

The Oregon Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) is an annual tax imposed on businesses with commercial activity in Oregon exceeding a certain threshold. It is administered by the Oregon Department of Revenue. Businesses with Oregon commercial activity over $1 million must register for the CAT, and those over $1 million must pay the tax.

Related Resources

• General Business License Information (cluster hub)
• How to Form an LLC in Oregon
• How to Get an EIN
• What is a Registered Agent?
• Understanding Business Taxes
• What is a DBA?
• How to Get a Business License in Washington (sibling state)

Related guides

• what is an llc

Sources

1. Oregon Secretary of State - Oregon Business Registry.
2. Oregon Secretary of State - Business Forms and Fees.
3. Oregon Department of Revenue - Official Website.
4. Oregon Department of Revenue - Business Registration.
5. Oregon Department of Revenue - Withholding Tax.
6. Oregon Department of Revenue - Corporate Excise Tax and Income Tax.
7. Oregon Department of Revenue - Pass-Through Entity Elective Tax (PTE-E).
8. Oregon Department of Revenue - Commercial Activity Tax (CAT).
9. IRS - Employer ID Numbers (EINs).
10. Oregon Business Xpress - Official Website.
11. Oregon Business Xpress - License Directory.
12. Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) - Wage and Hour Laws.
13. Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) - Official Website.
14. City of Portland Revenue Division - Business License.

LegalGlass provides general information for educational purposes and is not a law firm or a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney or tax professional. Laws, fees, and thresholds change; verify current requirements with the Oregon Secretary of State, Oregon Department of Revenue, and relevant local authorities before acting.