Oregon requires a business license from all companies who want to operate within the state of Oregon. All businesses with a main office or branch in this state will be responsible for applying before they are allowed to buy, sell or pay tax to Oregon.
How much is a business license in Oregon? Application costs for a business license in Oregon begins at $50 plus potential administration fees. Business licenses are a basic legal requirement for all businesses who want to operate within Oregon.
Without a business license, a company in Oregon trades outside of legal boundaries and is technically considered illegal. Fines and closure can be the consequences of operating without a license in Oregon.
Business Registration in Oregon
The cost of registering a business license in Oregon begins at $50 per license, with additional administration costs possible. Other license types such as the registration of a Limited Liability Corporation could cost companies more.
Oregon business licenses and other permits can be applied for at a local representative office, but online applications are recommended for faster results.
Business licenses applied for in Oregon can take up to 14 days to process, though some online applications are much faster than this. Physical applications have been known to take up to a month to make it through the system.
The business license is required for all business types who want to practice in Oregon. Other permits might be required by local Oregon laws for businesses who cater to specific industries like beverages, food, liquor or entertainment.
Once an Oregon business license has been issued, the physical copy will ship to the given address and a temporary license becomes available to view.
The potential repercussions of being without a business license can be serious. Any business in Oregon that is found to be without a business license could be shut down until their licenses are in order, and issued an additional fine.
Most Oregon business licenses are valid for at least 1 year after they have been applied for, but there are individual exceptions to this rule.
Unlike some states within the US, Oregon business licenses will not be renewed automatically. Renewal applications have to be submitted through the same channels as regular license applications, though renewals are immediate.
Business licenses are one of the most important legal documents for businesses in Oregon. Even if other permits are required, the business license registration will have to be done first before a business is allowed to open.
Types of Business Licenses
| An LLC License | A Limited Liability Corporation (or LLC) is a specific type of business license that might cost more to register than the standard license in Oregon. |
| A General Operating License | A general operating license is another name for a business license, required from all businesses with an office or branch in Oregon. |
| A Food License | Food licenses are a specific type of license required for any business who buys, sells or trades in food-related items. |
| A Nonprofit | Nonprofit licenses cover charities and not-for-profit organizations in Oregon. |
Oregon Licenses
• All businesses who want to operate in Oregon require a business license first, even if they provide services or sell their products online instead.
• Businesses who are found without a license could be closed by the state and forced to pay additional fines for noncompliance.
• Even if additional permits are required, a business still needs a basic business license first.
• Most business licenses in Oregon are valid for a period of 1 year after they have been applied for. Licenses can be renewed either on or before the expiration date.
How long does a business license in Oregon take?
A business license application in Oregon can take anything from a few days (when applied for online) to a few weeks (when done at a physical Oregon representative office). Allow time, but follow up after more than a month.
When does a business license in Oregon expire?
Business licenses in Oregon are valid for one year after the approval date, but there are exceptions to these and some licenses can expire quicker than this. Check individual licenses for their renewal date.
What happens without an Oregon business license?
According to Oregon law, it is illegal for a business to trade without a license. A company found to trade without a license could be closed by the Oregon state authorities, and additional fines could apply.
Where can I apply for a business license in Oregon?
Business license applications in Oregon can be made through the online portal for the relevant city, but can also be done through a physical office. Any physical form applications automatically take longer to process.
What if my business license is delayed?
A business license application can be delayed due to heavy application volumes or during busy times of the year. State resources recommend following up if no notification is received within 3 weeks to a month.
Oregon Business License Registration
Licenses are one of the most important requirements for any business who wants to operate within this state. The basic license is required even for businesses who operate a branch, or ones who sell online.
A basic business licenses application in Oregon can cost up to $50 to apply for, though specific registrations like an LLC can cost the applicant more.
The majority of Oregon business licenses remain valid for a period of 1 year after they have been approved. License renewal for most Oregon licenses is not automatic, and will have to be done by the applicant on or before the renewal date.
Oregon requires that all businesses register for the relevant permits and licenses before they are allowed to trade within the state.
Here are the business license costs in other states: