How to Check the Status of Your LLC
The Illinois Secretary of State website offers a business database search tool to search for registered corporations and LLCs. You can search by using a business name and specifying the business type you wish to search. To do an Illinois business search, visit the Illinois Secretary of State Division of Corporations website, and choose the type of business entity you are searching for.
If you need to check an LLC’s status, you can request a copy of its Certificate of Standing. A company that is in good standing will have a current Certificate of Good Standing.
You can also contact the Illinois Secretary of State at (217) 782-9521 or fill out the Corporate Name Availability Inquiry Form for a preliminary name availability screening.
Forming an LLC or Corporation
It normally takes 3-4 weeks for LLC paperwork to be approved in Illinois. Expedited processing (typically 1 business day) is also available for an additional fee. Filing the Articles of Organization takes 10 days online or by mail but can be expedited for an additional fee.
Before filing your paperwork, an Illinois LLC name availability search is crucial to ensure that your intended business name has not been taken already. Visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website and use the Business Entity Search Tool to check the desired business entity name’s availability. Include the business entity name in the search field, excluding identifiers, and submit your search to view a list of similar names.
Alternatively, submit an electronic Name Availability Inquiry Form, supplying the name, contact information, and three options, and the secretary of state’s office will respond about the availability of your desired name.
Additional Information
The Illinois Secretary of State is an elected official responsible for overseeing business registrations in the state of Illinois. Illinois does not provide a statewide business license.
For renewing your business, here’s a list of details needed for the Illinois Annual Report:
- Business file number
- Business name
- Registered agent name and address
The Illinois Secretary of State provides a database where you can search for business names, also known as the Illinois business entity search tool. If you are interested in searching for information on entities such as sole proprietorships or general partnerships, these entities register their business name with the County Clerk’s office in their business location.