How to Register a Business Name in Illinois
To register a business name in Illinois, you’ll need to register your business with the state. You can form an LLC or corporation, or file for a “doing business as” name with your state’s business division.
Our How to Register a Business Name in Illinois guide will walk you through each step of the process in Illinois. Check out our other How to Register a Business Name guides to learn about registering a business name in every state.
Or simply use a reliable professional service:
Northwest ($29 + state fees).
(We recommend doing a name check first)
Step 1: Choose a Business Structure
The type of business structure you choose to form will determine how you register the business with the state. Use our how to choose a business structure guide to help choose which business structure is best for you, whether it’s sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.
The factors you should consider when choosing a business structure will depend on your needs and wants for personal liability protection, tax liabilities, and paperwork to keep the company in compliance.
Recommended: We typically recommend forming an LLC for most entrepreneurs because this structure comes with personal asset protection, has no double taxation, and is pretty easy to maintain.
If you would like to use a service, read our guide on the best LLC formation services.
Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships
By default, sole proprietorships operate as the same name as the owner while general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.
To use a different name to conduct business, the business owner(s) must file for an Illinois assumed name — also commonly referred to as a doing business as (DBA) name.
LLCs and Corporations
Both LLCs and corporations require unique names in Illinois that must follow certain naming requirements:
Recommended: Learn How to Start an LLC in Illinois or, if you need a more rigorous operating structure, learn How to Start a Corporation in Illinois.
Step 2: Check Name Availability
When registering a business name, it's important to make sure it's unique and no one else in your state formed a company with it or has control of it online as a domain name.
Domain Name Search
We strongly recommend that you also check to see if your business name is available as a web domain (URL). Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the web address to prevent others from acquiring that domain name. If the web domain is available then it’s likely the name will also be available in a business search.
Illinois Business Name Search
Next, search the Illinois corporation and LLC database tool. This is an important step in the process because your filing will be denied if you try to file for a name already in use.
Search requirements can vary depending on your business needs. For example, a unique and available name is required to:
- File for formal business structures like LLCs and corporations.
- File a DBA name for any business structure.
A state-level name search isn’t required for informal business structures like sole proprietorships or general partnerships in Illinois. But, if you decide to register an assumed name or DBA name, you’ll need to search the database to see if your desired name is unique and available.
Step 3: Form Your Business With the State of Illinois
Once you have selected your business structure and name, you will need to file your formation documents with the state, which will register your business with the state of Illinois.
To register your Illinois LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State. You can apply online or by mail. Read our Form an LLC in Illinois guide for details.
Or use a professional service like Northwest or LegalZoom to form your LLC for you.
To register your Illinois corporation, you’ll need to file the Articles of Incorporation with the Illinois Secretary of State. Read our Form an Illinois Corporation guide to learn more.
Additional Considerations
Protect Your Business Name With a Trademark (Optional)
Once you confirm the availability of your business name and secure it, you can choose to apply for a trademark for your business. This typically costs around $225 to $400 plus any attorney fees as well as a renewal fee every 10 years.
While this cost can be high for a start-up or fledgling business, it will give your company brand nationwide protection backed by federal law. That means if others try to do business with the same — or a similar — name as yours, you’ll have legal precedent on your side. For most small businesses, this really isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.
Recommended: Learn How to Trademark Your Business Name using our free guide.
How to Change the Name of an Illinois Business
Changing the name of a business in Illinois can be done in two ways: by filing for an assumed name or by submitting an amendment to the legal name of an existing business.
The first method, filing for an assumed name (also known as a DBA name), is the easiest way to operate your business using a different name without needing to change its legal name.
A DBA name is the only way for sole proprietorships and general partnerships to have a different business name. It’s also the easiest method for LLCs and corporations to follow because it allows them to avoid filing an amendment or complicating their business operations while enabling them to operate with brand names that don’t include the necessary LLC or Inc. suffix required in a legal name.
If you want to change the legal name of your LLC or corporation, however, filing an amendment to the legal name of an existing business is your best option. Here are links to forms for both options:
You may submit both LLC filings and corporation filings online with a $50 filing fee or by mail to the Illinois Secretary of State.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay my Illinois state tax?
You can pay your Illinois state tax electronically via the MyTax Illinois website as well as in person or by mail.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Illinois?
FIling Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State costs $150.
Do you need a business license in Illinois?
The state of Illinois doesn’t require a general business license. But, you will need a Certificate of Registration, a license, or a business authorization from the Illinois Department of Revenue to conduct business in Illinois.
How do I get a tax ID in Illinois?
Once you receive your Employer Identification Number (EIN), you can register for a state tax ID with the Illinois Department of Revenue. You can obtain a tax ID in Illinois online, by mail, or in person.