Illinois LLC Name Search & Entity Lookup (Guide)

Launching your own LLC in Illinois? Choosing the right name is more than just a formality—it’s your brand’s first impression! But before you start printing business cards, you’ll need to ensure that the name you love is available.

This guide shows you how to search for your desired LLC name, check its availability, and reserve it if needed.

Should You Conduct an Illinois Entity Search or an LLC Lookup?

Before starting an LLC in Illinois, you should check if your desired name is available. You can do this by conducting an Illinois LLC name search or lookup.

Here’s why:

• Ensure Name Availability: An Illinois LLC name search confirms if your desired business name is available. This step helps avoid duplicate filings, which can lead to rejection of your LLC application.
• Prevent Legal Issues: Checking for similar names reduces the risk of legal disputes with existing businesses over trademark or brand rights. Ensuring your name is distinct keeps your LLC legally protected.
• Compliance with State Requirements: Illinois requires that your LLC name be unique and distinguishable. By conducting a search, you meet state requirements, which can streamline your registration process.
• Identify Potential Competitors: An entity search allows you to see names of other LLCs in your industry, offering insight into competitors and helping you craft a name that stands out.
• Reservation Advantage: If your name is available, you can take the next step to reserve it. This can be particularly useful if you’re still finalizing your setup, giving you peace of mind that no one else will register your chosen name while you prepare your LLC documents.

Illinois LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

To search for an available name for your LLC in Illinois, follow these clear steps.

Step 1: Visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website

Start by going to the Illinois Secretary of State’s official website at ilsos.gov. This site is your gateway to the necessary resources for your LLC name search.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Business” section and Click on “Search Businesses”

Once you are on the main page, look for the “Business” menu. Clicking on this option will provide you with specific services tailored for businesses in Illinois.

Within the “Business” area, find and click on the “Search Businesses” option. This is the specific tool you need to search for a business entity, reserve a name, and print a Certificate of Good Standing.

Step 3: Click on “Search Database”

On the “Business Search” page, locate the “Search Corporation/LLC Entity Database” and click on “Search Database” to check for the availability of your desired LLC name.

Step 4: Enter the desired LLC name in the search field

In the search tool, type the name you wish to check for availability. You should enter it carefully to avoid any errors, as even slight differences in spelling can lead to different results.

You will find different search methods, including Business Name, Registered Agent, President, Secretary, Manager, File Number, Keyword, and Partial Word.

After entering the name, click the “Submit” button. This action will initiate the search process, allowing the system to display results related to your query.

Step 5: Review the search results for name availability

Once the results appear, carefully examine them for your desired LLC name. The search results will show whether the name is taken or available. If you get a “No results found” response, your desired LLC name may be available.

If your name is listed, another business is using it and you will need to consider alternatives. You can filter the search results by entity types like LLC, CORP, LP, and NFP.

You will get information for an LLC lookup on the search result page including:

• File Number
• Entity Type
• Entity Name
• Entity Status
• Registered Effective Date
• Registered Agent

Clicking on the blue “Entity Name” link takes you to a detailed profile page containing the following:

• Principal Address
• Organization Date/Admission Date
• Annual Report Filing Date
• Annual Report Year
• Agent Information
• Agent Change Date
• File History

If you find your desired LLC name is available, you can proceed with the registration process.

Important LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in Illinois

When you’re preparing to establish an LLC in Illinois, conducting an entity search or LLC lookup is a crucial step.

Here’s why this process is essential:

1. Ensure Name Availability

An LLC name lookup allows you to verify if the name you want is available. Illinois requires that each LLC has a unique, distinguishable name, so searching in advance helps you avoid name duplication, which can lead to rejection of your application.

By ensuring availability, you can proceed with confidence that your name is open and ready to be claimed.

2. Prevent Legal Issues

Conducting a search helps protect your business from potential legal complications. If your chosen name is similar to that of another company, particularly one in the same industry, you could face trademark disputes or brand infringement claims.

A thorough search minimizes the risk of future conflicts and protects your brand identity.

3. Stay Compliant with State Requirements

Illinois has specific rules about LLC naming, including the need for distinctiveness. An entity search helps you comply with these regulations, as it confirms that your LLC name meets state guidelines.

Ensuring compliance during the naming stage saves you from issues later in the registration process and expedites approval of your LLC.

4. Gain Insight into Competitors

An entity search can provide valuable insights into your industry’s competitive landscape.

By viewing other LLC names, you can identify patterns, trends, or keywords commonly used in your sector. This can inform your decision-making and help you create a name that differentiates your business from others.

5. Reserve Your Name in Advance

If the name is available, you can take the next step by reserving it. In Illinois, this option is ideal for those still finalizing business plans but wanting to secure a specific name.

Name reservation gives you peace of mind that no one else will register your chosen name while you complete the necessary setup for your LLC.

What Words are not allowed in my Illinois LLC name?

When naming your LLC in Illinois, certain words are restricted to ensure clarity, avoid public confusion, and comply with state regulations.

Here’s a breakdown of restricted words and why they’re regulated:

• Bank: The word “Bank” or any variation implies a financial institution and can only be used if your LLC is a licensed bank. This prevents the public from being misled into thinking your business is a bank if it’s not.
• Insurance: “Insurance” is reserved for businesses that are licensed and regulated by the state to offer insurance services. This term is restricted to avoid unlicensed businesses from appearing to provide insurance.
• Trust: “Trust” is a term limited to certain licensed entities, like trust companies. Only approved businesses that meet state standards can use this word in their name.
• University or College: These terms are restricted to accredited educational institutions and cannot be used without meeting regulatory approval. This restriction is in place to prevent the public from mistaking an LLC for an accredited educational institution.
• Corporation or Incorporated: Since these terms refer to a corporate structure rather than an LLC, they cannot be included in an LLC name, as this would create confusion regarding the entity’s structure.
• Government or Related Terms**: Words like “FBI,” “Treasury,” or “State Department” are prohibited to prevent any implication of government affiliation. This helps avoid any misleading association with government agencies.
• Engineer, Doctor, Lawyer, or Architect: These professional designations can only be used if the LLC members are licensed professionals in these fields. This restriction ensures that businesses without the necessary credentials don’t imply professional expertise.
• Nonprofit or Charity: Only organizations officially registered as nonprofits or charities can use these terms. For-profit LLCs cannot include these words to avoid misleading the public about the nature of the business.

How do I File an Illinois LLC Name Reservation? (In steps)

If you’re not quite ready to form your Illinois LLC but want to secure a name, reserving it is a straightforward process.

Here’s how to file a name reservation in Illinois:

Step 1: Confirm Name Availability

Before submitting a reservation request, verify that your desired name is available. Use the Illinois Business Entity Search tool on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website to check if the name is available for registration.

Step 2: Complete the Name Reservation Form

Once you confirm availability, fill out the “Application for Reservation of Name” form. This form can be found on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.

The form will require details like your desired LLC name, applicant information, and any additional information related to the name reservation.

Step 3: Pay the Reservation Fee

There is a $25 fee for reserving an LLC name in Illinois. Payment can typically be made by check. The fee secures your chosen name for 90 days, giving you time to finalize your LLC filing.

Step 4: Submit the Reservation Form

You can submit the completed form and payment by mail. Send your application to the Secretary of State, Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division, 501 S. Second St., Rm. 351, Springfield, IL 62756.

Step 5: Receive Your Confirmation

After submitting the form and fee, you will receive confirmation from the Secretary of State’s office that your name is reserved.

This reservation holds your chosen name for 90 days, ensuring it remains exclusive while you prepare to form your LLC.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When starting a business in Illinois, understanding the naming rules for different types of entities is crucial. You must consider trade names, filing requirements for a DBA, and checking domain availability to protect your business identity.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

A trade name is the name under which your business operates. It can be different from your registered business name.

Before using a trade name, ensure it is not already in use. Conducting a trademark search is important since trademarks protect brand names and logos.

To search for existing trademarks, visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website. Look for names that are similar to avoid legal issues. Conducting this search can save you from potential lawsuits and brand confusion.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in Illinois

If you want to operate your business under a name different from your registered name, you need to file for a DBA, often called an assumed name.

In Illinois, this involves filling out and submitting the appropriate form to your local county clerk’s office. You must provide information like your business name, address, and the owner’s details. Check for any fees associated with filing.

Once filed, your DBA will be officially recognized, and you may need to publish your new name in a local newspaper to inform the public.

Check Domain Name Availability

In today’s digital world, having a matching domain name is important for branding. Before finalizing your business name, check if the domain is available. This helps prevent confusion with other businesses online.

Use domain registration websites like GoDaddy or Namecheap to see if your chosen name is free. If it’s taken, consider variances or different extensions (like .net or .biz).

Having a unique and relevant domain adds credibility to your business and helps in marketing.

Final Thoughts – Is it Worth it to Search and Reserve My Business in Illinois?

Searching and reserving your LLC name in Illinois can be a smart choice, especially if you’re in the early planning stages.

Conducting a name search ensures your chosen name is unique, reducing the risk of delays or rejections when you’re ready to file.

By reserving it, you secure exclusive rights to the name for 90 days, providing valuable time to finalize your business structure, file necessary documents, or even make final tweaks to your business plan.

Reserving your name for a $25 fee ensures your brand identity remains intact while you get everything in order. However, if you’re ready to form your LLC immediately, the reservation step may not be necessary—just complete your filing directly.

But if you need some flexibility, reserving your name is a simple, affordable option to safeguard your business name and avoid last-minute surprises.

Related Posts on Illinois LLC:

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to reserve your LLC name in Illinois?

Reserving an LLC name in Illinois typically costs $25. This fee allows you to keep the name reserved for 90 days.

How do I verify the status of my Illinois business license?

To verify your Illinois business license status, visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website. You can use the Entity Search tool to check the status of your license and confirm if your business is in good standing.

How long does an Illinois LLC Name Reservation last?

An LLC name reservation in Illinois lasts for 90 days. During this period, you can file your Articles of Organization without worrying about someone else using the name.

How do I change my Illinois LLC name?

To change your Illinois LLC name, you must file an Articles of Amendment with the Secretary of State. There is a fee associated with this filing, and your new name must meet state naming guidelines.

How long does it take to set up an LLC in Illinois?

Setting up an LLC in Illinois typically takes 5-10 business days if you file online and 3-4 weeks if you file by mail.