Key Takeaways

  • An Illinois LLC search helps confirm whether a desired business name is available before filing formation documents.
  • You can search the Illinois Secretary of State’s Corporation/LLC Database by name or file number for free.
  • The search provides key details such as entity status, file number, date of formation, and registered agent information.
  • Your LLC name must comply with Illinois naming rules, including required suffixes and restricted words.
  • Performing a name search helps prevent filing rejections and legal disputes with existing businesses.
  • Once verified, you can reserve a name or move forward with LLC formation through the Secretary of State.

An Illinois LLC lookup is an important step in forming your business and avoiding any legal trouble down the road. This search is easy and free, and it's the first part of forming a limited liability company (LLC) in the state. You first need to perform a search, then make sure your LLC name meets the requirements for the state of Illinois.

Perform a Corporation/LLC Search

You can search for state businesses by either file number or name. Your search will return a list of area businesses. You can then click on any result to view a detailed report on the entity and obtain a Certificate of Good Standing on the entity.

This information also lets you know whether the name that you want to register for your LLC infringes on an existing company. If your search returns no results, it means there's no business registered under that name. You can proceed with creating your LLC with that title.

If you have a corporate name availability request, you can send an email to the secretary of state's office or call 217-782-6961. You can also call 217-524-8008 to check for LLC availability.

What Information Can You Find in an Illinois LLC Search?

When performing an Illinois LLC search, the Secretary of State’s online business database displays detailed information about each entity. This transparency helps entrepreneurs confirm that a business name is available or learn more about an existing company. The search results typically include:

  • Business name and file number
  • Date of formation or registration
  • Status (e.g., active, dissolved, revoked)
  • Registered agent name and address
  • Principal office address
  • Type of entity (domestic or foreign LLC, corporation, or nonprofit)
  • Annual report filing history
  • Certificate of Good Standing availability

These records are public, making it easier for you to verify potential business partners or competitors and ensure your chosen LLC name doesn’t infringe on another entity’s rights.

Illinois LLC Name Requirements

The name of your LLC must end with "LLC" or "L.L.C.," and you can't use words such as "bank" and "corporation" in the company's name.

If your LLC name search has returned some results, you can come up with a unique variation to make your name distinguishable. However, the following changes don't create distinguishability:

  • Adding “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “Inc.,” or “Corp.” 
  • Making a word in a name possessive or plural instead of singular (or vice versa).
  • Substituting or adding articles (“a,” “an,” and “the”).
  • Using “and” instead of “or."
  • Changing the punctuation.
  • Spelling out a number instead of using a numeral (or vice versa).

How to Reserve an LLC Name in Illinois

If your Illinois LLC search confirms that your desired name is available, you can reserve it before officially forming your LLC. The Illinois Secretary of State allows name reservation for 90 days by filing a Name Reservation Application (Form LLC-1.15) and paying a $25 filing fee.

You can submit the reservation online through the CyberDrive Illinois website or by mailing the completed form to the Secretary of State, Department of Business Services. Reserving a name prevents others from using it while you prepare your Articles of Organization or finalize your business structure.

Search the Illinois Name Database

You can perform a search for free using the Department of Business Services database. Simply select “Corporate and LLC,” click “Continue,” and follow the prompts to perform your search. You don't need to use the “LLC” ending when performing your search, and you should leave out all punctuation marks. You may use uppercase or lowercase letters for your search. When you're ready, just click the “Search” button.

Your search will either return a list of similar company names or display a message reading “your search did not match any records.” This message means that the name isn't registered, there are no similarities, and you're free to use it for your LLC.

If there's a business on the list with the exact same name, you'll need to come up with a unique variation or think of something new. If there's a business on the list with a similar name, you may be able to proceed or just use a slight variation to make your LLC's name unique.

The secretary of state's office will reject your application and send back the filing if there are any conflicts with your desired name. You'll just need to come up with a new variation or pick a new name to proceed with creating your LLC.

Steps to Perform an Illinois LLC Search Online

To perform an Illinois LLC name search, follow these steps through the Secretary of State’s Business Services database:

  1. Visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website.
  2. Navigate to the Business Services – Corporation/LLC Search page.
  3. Choose to search by name or by file number.
  4. Enter the business name (omit punctuation and suffixes like “LLC” or “Inc.”).
  5. Click “Search” to view results.
  6. Review the list of entities with similar or identical names.

If no records match your query, the name is likely available. However, if results show similar names, the Secretary of State may still reject your application if your chosen name is too close to another. To avoid delays, use distinctive words that clearly set your business apart.

Advantages of Forming an LLC in Illinois

It's quick and easy to set up an Illinois LLC. All the forms are available online. This type of business structure is popular because it's a middle ground between a sole proprietorship and a corporation. These are some of the unique benefits an LLC affords:

  • Personal liability protection: Unlike a sole proprietorship, your personal assets are separate from the business's debts and obligations. So if the LLC declares bankruptcy or runs into similar legal trouble, your personal assets won't be on the line.
  • Simple rules and regulations: An LLC only needs articles of organization and other basic documents. Unlike a corporation, you don't need to have a board of directors or hold annual meetings.
  • Flexibility: You can make changes to your LLC with a majority member vote (or if you meet the other requirements outlined in your articles of organization) and then just file the paperwork.
  • Tax benefits: Also unlike a corporation, only the LLC's individual members are taxed based on their adjusted gross income. In a corporate structure, both the business and the owners must pay taxes.

Filing and Managing Your Illinois LLC After the Search

Once your Illinois LLC search confirms name availability, you can form your LLC by filing Articles of Organization (Form LLC-5.5) with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $150, and you can submit it online or by mail.

After formation, maintain good standing by:

  • Filing an Annual Report ($75 fee, due each year before the anniversary date).
  • Keeping your registered agent information current.
  • Renewing your Certificate of Good Standing if needed for banking or contracting.

Failure to file annual reports may result in administrative dissolution, so it’s crucial to stay compliant. The Secretary of State’s website allows you to manage all filings electronically and monitor your business status at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is the Illinois LLC search free?
    Yes. The Secretary of State’s Corporation/LLC Search tool is completely free to use for the public.
  2. Can I check if an LLC name is already taken in Illinois?
    Yes. You can confirm name availability through the online database before filing your Articles of Organization.
  3. How long can I reserve an LLC name in Illinois?
    You can reserve a name for 90 days by filing a Name Reservation Application and paying the $25 fee.
  4. What if my chosen name is too similar to another?
    If your desired name is not distinguishable from an existing one, your filing will be rejected. Modify your name until it’s unique.
  5. How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing in Illinois?
    Once your LLC is active, you can purchase a Certificate of Good Standing online through the Secretary of State’s website for a small fee.

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