Do I Have to Register My DBA in Illinois?

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Illinois DBA Registration

Under Illinois law, businesses must register alternative names by filing for a DBA if they operate under a name different than their legal name. Sole proprietorships must register any name besides the owner’s. Corporations and LLCs don’t need a DBA unless using a business name different from their formation certificate. Before filing, check the Secretary of State’s website to see if the desired name is available.

Registering a DBA in Illinois

To register a DBA in Illinois:

  • For sole proprietorships and general partnerships, search for an available business name with the Secretary of State or your county clerk. Then file the certificate of assumed name with your county clerk.
  • For LLCs and corporations, search the Secretary of State’s database to ensure the desired DBA name is available and meets requirements. Then file the assumed business name application.

Filing fees for DBAs depend on the year registered and business structure. Fees range from $30-150 for sole proprietorships and partnerships. For LLCs and corporations, fees vary by year.

Step-by-Step Guide for Filing a DBA

  1. Start with an Illinois assumed name search, ensuring the name follows naming guidelines and isn’t already taken or too similar to existing entities.
  2. For sole proprietorships and general partnerships, file the certificate of assumed name with your county clerk after ensuring the name’s availability.
  3. LLCs and corporations should file the assumed business name application through the Secretary of State’s office after verifying the available name.
DBA Costs in Illinois
  • For sole proprietorships, the filing fee is $50, which is non-refundable.
  • DBAs for LLCs and corporations have fees that vary depending on the year:
    • $150 for years ending in 0 or 5.
    • $120 for years ending in 1 or 6.
    • $90 for years ending in 2 or 7.
    • $60 for years ending in 3 or 8.
    • $30 for years ending in 4 or 9.

Remember, DBAs are not separate legal entities and can be costly to acquire and maintain, depending on the business structure and filing year.

Filing a DBA for Sole Proprietors and General Partnerships

  • Conduct a name check with the Illinois Secretary of State and ensure the assumed business is not already in use.
  • File the certificate of assumed name for your business structure with your county clerk or the Illinois Secretary of State.

Note: You can hire a professional service to file your DBA for you, with packages starting at $99 plus state fees.

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