Key Takeaways

  • Filing the Articles of Organization in Illinois officially creates your LLC with the Secretary of State.
  • You can file online or by mail using Form LLC-5.5, with a standard filing fee of $150.
  • The form requires details such as the LLC name, address, registered agent, management structure, and duration.
  • Processing time is around 10–20 business days by mail or 24 hours online with expedited service.
  • Amendments, name reservations, and ownership changes must be filed separately using official Illinois forms.
  • Professional service providers or attorneys can ensure your filing meets all Illinois LLC Act requirements.

An LLC articles of organization Illinois is required to register your business. The necessary information to register your LLC varies by state if you do not intend to create your LLC in Illinois. Registration of an articles of organization may be done via mail, in-person, or online. The online registration process is faster, but it’s a more expensive task. Filing via mail is the cheapest process.

Further, the articles of organization must detail whether your business is member-managed or manager-managed. Additionally, your LLC can be created electronically if your business has at least one or more members when the transaction is completed. However, an LLC cannot be created electronically if the business has over eight managers.

Articles of Organization Process via Mail

First, you must download the articles of organization form. Then, you should name your LLC, but check the online state database to make sure your intended name is not already in use by another LLC. Enter the primary business address, and keep in mind that the business must be a physical address in Illinois. P.O. boxes are not allowed. However, the address can come in different forms:

After, enter the effective date your LLC will be created. You may check “immediately” if you want the LLC to go into immediate effect. On the other hand, you can check the second box, and enter the date you want the LLC to come into existence (Date cannot be more than 60 days over).

If you choose a registered agent company, write the name on the line that states “First Name, Middle Name, Last Name.” When finished, you may write the business purpose, but this is optional. You may leave this section fully blank.

Filing Requirements and Form Details

When preparing your Articles of Organization in Illinois, use Form LLC-5.5 provided by the Illinois Secretary of State. This form requires:

  • LLC Name: Must include “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC.”
  • Principal Office Address: A physical Illinois address (no P.O. boxes).
  • Registered Agent and Office: An Illinois resident or business authorized to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
  • Duration: Choose perpetual existence or a fixed duration.
  • Management Type: Indicate whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed.
  • Business Purpose: Optional, but you can provide a general or specific purpose statement.

If you’re mailing your application, ensure all sections are completed accurately to avoid rejection. It’s advisable to conduct a name availability search on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website before filing to confirm your desired LLC name is unique.

LLC Existence

In the next section, you will write information on the company duration, which is how long you want the LLC to exist. You may also mark “open-ended” if you want the business to exist in perpetuity.

Write down the specific date if you want your LLC to dissolve at a later date. Most owners choose the perpetual option because it gives members freedom to close the LLC at any date by simply submitting a dissolution application.

Name Reservation and Registered Agent Requirements

Before filing your Illinois Articles of Organization, you can reserve your LLC name for 90 days by filing a Name Reservation Application (Form LLC-1.15) and paying a $25 fee. This ensures no other entity registers under that name while you prepare your filing.

Your registered agent must:

  • Maintain a physical address in Illinois.
  • Be available during regular business hours.
  • Accept service of process and official correspondence.

If you change your registered agent later, you must file Form LLC-1.36/1.37 (Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Office) and pay a $25 filing fee.

Members and Managers

At least one member must be registered in order to create the LLC itself. In the additional provision section, you can write any regulations or rules on your LLC, but most applicants leave this section blank.

Also, write down the names of all members and/or managers. You must enter this information:

  • Names
  • Business Address of Managers and/or Members
  • All Members with the Authority of a Manager

For manager-managed LLCs, enter names and address of all members and the same information for member-managed LLCs. Members would be the owners of the LLC, while managers are appointed by members manage the daily affairs of the business.

Operating Agreement and Internal Records

Although not filed with the Secretary of State, an Operating Agreement is highly recommended. This internal document outlines how the LLC will be managed, how profits and losses are distributed, and how decisions are made among members and managers.

Illinois law allows flexibility in structuring LLC operations, but an Operating Agreement helps prevent disputes by setting clear expectations regarding:

  • Voting rights
  • Capital contributions
  • Profit distributions
  • Dissolution procedures
  • Member withdrawal or admission rules

Maintaining accurate internal records—like meeting notes and financial statements—ensures compliance and can protect your LLC’s limited liability status.

Payment Methods and Submission

The document will then ask for the organizer of the articles of organization, which would most likely be you. You will then mark the date that the articles of organization is being filled out. From there, sign and print your name, and include your address. You don’t have to fill out the line that says “Name if a Corporation or other Entity.” After you fill out all information, you would pay the state fee of $150. You may also pay $100 for speedy service. You can pay via the following means:

  • Cashier’s Check
  • Certified Check
  • Illinois Attorney’s Check
  • CPA’s check
  • Money Order

If you choose to mail the documents, send two copies of the articles of organization and the payment to the following address:

  • Secretary of State Department of Business Services Limited Liability Division 501 S 2nd Street, Room 351, Springfield, IL 62756

After, you must wait 10 to 20 business days for processing and approval. After approval, you will receive an approved and stamped copy of the articles of organization, including a welcome letter containing an LLC filing number.

All documents are returned via mail and mailed to the address of your appointed registered agent. You should keep copies of these returned forms with other business records.

Processing Times, Fees, and Expedited Options

The standard filing fee for the Articles of Organization in Illinois is $150. Processing typically takes 10–20 business days for mailed submissions. However, you can pay an additional $100 expedite fee to receive approval within 24 hours if filing online or in person at the Springfield or Chicago offices.

Payment Options Include:

  • Certified check or money order payable to the Secretary of State
  • Credit card (online filings only)
  • Cash (in-person filings only)

Once processed, you’ll receive a stamped copy of your Articles and a welcome letter with your LLC file number, which you’ll need for annual reports and other filings.

Articles of Organization Online

If you choose to file online, you can do so by going to the Illinois state website. Enter the same information as you would, and make the payment online. You’ll pay the same fee of $100, with the addition of $150 if you want a faster processing time.

Amending or Correcting Filed Articles

If you need to update your Articles of Organization in Illinois, you must file Articles of Amendment (Form LLC-5.25) with the Secretary of State. Common reasons for amendment include:

  • Changing the LLC name or registered agent
  • Adding or removing members
  • Modifying business purpose or duration

The filing fee for an amendment is $50, and you can submit the form online or by mail. For ownership changes due to sale or new membership, the amendment should reflect updated member information, and these changes should also appear on your next Annual Report.

To correct minor typographical errors after filing, you may submit a Statement of Correction (Form LLC-5.30).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I check if my desired LLC name is available in Illinois? You can verify name availability by searching the Illinois Secretary of State’s online business database before filing your Articles of Organization.

2. What happens after my Articles of Organization are approved? You’ll receive a stamped copy and LLC file number. Your LLC is officially recognized, and you can then obtain an EIN and open a business bank account.

3. Can I update my Articles of Organization later? Yes. File Form LLC-5.25 (Articles of Amendment) to change your LLC name, address, or membership information.

4. How long does it take to form an LLC in Illinois? Mail filings take around 2–3 weeks, while online filings with expedited processing can be approved in 24 hours.

5. Do I need an attorney to file my Articles of Organization? Not necessarily, but an attorney can ensure your filing is compliant with Illinois law and draft your Operating Agreement. You can find qualified legal help through UpCounsel, which connects you with top-rated business attorneys.

To learn more about LLC articles of organization Illinois, submit your legal inquiry to our UpCounsel marketplace. UpCounsel will help you through the LLC filing process, whether you intend to file via mail or online. In addition, UpCounsel’s lawyers will guide you through any difficulties you may be having as you register your new business entity.