Key Takeaways

  • An Illinois LLC search is done through the Illinois Secretary of State’s CyberDrive database, allowing searches by business name, partial name, keyword, or file number.
  • Search results provide key information such as business status, registered agent details, management type, and annual report filing dates.
  • The search is useful for checking name availability before registration and for reviewing details about existing LLCs or corporations.
  • The Illinois SOS website offers the ability to order a Certificate of Good Standing online, by mail, fax, phone, or in person, with varying fees and processing times.
  • Understanding how to refine search queries and interpret results can help ensure compliance and assist in business planning.

Steps in Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) Corporation Entity Search

Performing an IL SOS corp search is an important first step in forming a business in the state of Illinois. The Secretary of State Office in Illinois uses the CyberDrive system for searching existing business entities. It is searchable by filing number and name since the database includes all limited liability companies and corporations registered within the state.

The first step is visiting the website of the Illinois Secretary of State, where you'll find the search tool with information about all existing corporations within the state. Use the tool to search by filing number or name. Upon performing a search, you'll get a list of all businesses that match the keywords you input, along with their corresponding filing numbers.

When you get to the page of corporation details, you have reached the end of your search. On this page, you can view all business entity data, such as:

  • Incorporation date
  • Business status
  • Registered agent name and address
  • Officers
  • Directors
  • Managers 

If you want to perform a search to look up LLCs, visit the website of the Illinois Secretary of State and use the CyberDrive system to search by partial word, name, filing number, or keyword. The list of results on the LLC search will include a preview with the file number and name of the entity. 

The Secretary of State's office keeps a number of details on file for every registered business entity, including:

  • Name and address of the registered agent
  • Business status
  • Filing date
  • Type of LLC
  • Filing date of annual reports
  • State of formation
  • Type of management
  • Duration

If the search includes a series, you may be able to see more information in the file detail report, which is visible when you select an LLC.

This file detail report will also include the names and addresses of the business secretary and president if it's a corporation. The report on an LLC will include detail about whether it is managed by managers or members. You can see the file detail report on both LLCs and corporations, as well as request a Certificate of Good Standing on any existing business. Additionally, the website search functionality allows you to perform an early search to determine whether a business name is available since all information is updated in real time.

If the business has satisfied all requirements outlined in the file detail report, an LLC or corporation can buy a Certificate of Good Standing. After you complete the purchase, the Certificate of Good Standing will be immediately available for printing. You can also request a printed copy to be mailed to you on the website, although the fee is $25 and the processing time takes five days or more plus shipping time. If you prefer a digital copy, you will receive the Certificate of Good Standing by email within three minutes. It will arrive as a PDF. 

When you request the Certificate of Good Standing by mail, you can pay an additional $20 fee for expedited service, as well as provide your daytime phone number and business name. Another option is to request the Certificate of Good Standing by fax, although this requires payment of an additional $2 processing fee. If you choose this route, you will need to complete the fax order form with all information normally included on a fax cover sheet, including your daytime phone number. 

You can also purchase the Certificate of Good Standing by phone. When you call in to make your request, the representative will provide a processing timeframe. Have your credit card details and name of the business ready when you call. The final option is purchasing the Certificate of Good Standing in person at the Secretary of State's office. This option requires payment of an additional $20 counter service fee, although it will be processed in an expedited manner. You can often receive the documents within 24 hours.

In order to receive a Certificate of Good Standing for an LLC or corporation, you must pay a $45 fee. For nonprofit organizations, the fee goes down to $16. If you pay by credit card, a 2.35 percent fee will be added and all major credit cards are accepted.

Why Perform an Illinois LLC Search

An Illinois LLC search serves several important purposes for entrepreneurs, attorneys, and business professionals. First, it allows you to confirm whether a desired business name is available before filing formation documents, helping you avoid costly rejections or rebranding later. Second, it enables you to verify the legal status of an existing company—whether it is in good standing, dissolved, or inactive. Finally, it can be a valuable due diligence tool when entering into contracts, partnerships, or acquisitions, as it reveals essential information about ownership, management, and compliance history.

How to Search Effectively

When using the Illinois Secretary of State’s CyberDrive system for an Illinois LLC search, you can search by:

  • Exact business name – Best for locating a specific company.
  • Partial name or keyword – Useful if you’re unsure of the full name or want to see all variations.
  • File number – Ideal for pinpointing a business if you have its SOS-issued identification number.

For best results:

  1. Try multiple keyword combinations to capture variations or abbreviations.
  2. Avoid using punctuation and symbols, as they may limit results.
  3. Review multiple search results to ensure you’ve located the correct entity, especially if similar names exist.

Information Available in Search Results

A standard search result provides an overview list with entity names and file numbers. Selecting a record opens the File Detail Report, which may include:

  • Legal name and assumed names (DBAs)
  • File number and entity type (LLC, corporation, nonprofit, etc.)
  • Status (active, dissolved, inactive)
  • Date of formation and jurisdiction
  • Registered agent name and address
  • Principal office address
  • Management type (member-managed or manager-managed)
  • Last annual report filed and due date
  • Names and addresses of officers or managers (where applicable)

This detailed information can help with compliance checks, contract negotiations, or market research.

Using the Search for Name Availability

Before filing to create a new LLC in Illinois, use the search tool to check for name availability. The state requires that business names be distinguishable from existing entities. A preliminary search can save time and prevent rejections by revealing potential conflicts. However, name availability shown online is not a guarantee—final approval comes only after submission and review of formation documents.

Requesting Documents from the Search

Beyond reviewing online records, you can request official documents from the Secretary of State, such as:

  • Certificate of Good Standing – Confirms that the business is compliant with state filing and fee requirements.
  • Certified Copies – Official copies of formation documents, amendments, or annual reports.
  • Name Reservation Confirmation – Proof that a specific name has been reserved for future registration.

These documents can be requested online, by mail, fax, phone, or in person, with applicable fees and processing times. Certificates can often be emailed as PDFs within minutes for online orders.

Common Reasons to Conduct an Illinois LLC Search

  • Starting a new business – Ensure your desired name is available.
  • Business due diligence – Verify details of a potential partner or vendor.
  • Ongoing compliance – Confirm your own company’s standing and deadlines.
  • Legal disputes – Gather official records for litigation or negotiation purposes.
  • Acquisitions and mergers – Assess the legal health and ownership of a target company.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is an Illinois LLC search free? Yes. The Illinois Secretary of State’s online business search is free to use for basic information. Fees apply for ordering official documents like Certificates of Good Standing.
  2. Can I reserve an LLC name through the search tool? No. The search tool only checks availability. To reserve a name, you must file a name reservation application with the Secretary of State and pay the required fee.
  3. How often is the Illinois SOS business database updated? The database is updated in real time as filings are processed, meaning newly formed or dissolved entities appear almost immediately.
  4. Can I search for businesses other than LLCs? Yes. The Illinois SOS search includes corporations, nonprofits, limited partnerships, and other registered entities.
  5. Does a matching name in the search mean I can’t use it? Usually, yes. Illinois law requires your business name to be distinguishable from existing names. Even similar names may be rejected during the registration process.

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