Introduction: Why Illinois Business Entity Searches Matter
When starting a business in Illinois or checking the status of an existing company, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search tool is your essential first step. This powerful database lets you verify business names, check company status, find registered agent information, and access vital filing details for any registered business entity in the state.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to form a new LLC, an established business owner verifying competitors, or simply conducting due diligence before entering into a business relationship, knowing how to effectively use the Illinois business search system is invaluable.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to perform an Illinois business entity search, interpret the results, and understand what to do with the information you find.
The Illinois Secretary of State Business Entity Search Portal
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Department of Business Services maintains the official business entity database, which includes comprehensive information on:
- Corporations
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Not-for-Profit Corporations
- Limited Partnerships (LPs)
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
Accessing the Search Tool
The official Illinois business entity search portal is located at the Illinois Secretary of State’s website: https://apps.ilsos.gov/businessentitysearch/
This free-to-use database is available to the public for individual searches, though bulk information downloads are prohibited.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing an Illinois Business Entity Search
Let’s walk through the exact process of searching for business entities in Illinois, with specific attention to the unique features of the Illinois Secretary of State’s search portal.
Step 1: Navigate to the Business Entity Search Page
- Visit the official Illinois Business Entity Search page at https://apps.ilsos.gov/businessentitysearch/
- You’ll see a disclaimer page first explaining that the database includes information on various business entity types and is available for individual searches only
- Click “Accept” to proceed to the search page
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
The Illinois business entity search offers three primary search methods:
- Search by Business Name: The most common search method
- Search by File Number: Useful when you know the entity’s state-assigned identification number
- Search by Registered Agent: Find all businesses associated with a particular registered agent
For most users, the business name search will be the most practical option.
Step 3: Conducting a Business Name Search
- Select the “Business Name” radio button
- You’ll be presented with additional search options:
- “Begins with”: Finds entities whose names start with your search term
- “Contains”: Finds entities with your search term anywhere in the name
- “Exact Match”: Finds only entities with names identical to your search term
- Enter the business name in the search field
- Click the “Search” button
Pro Tip: When checking if a business name is available, use the “Exact Match” option first. If no results appear, try the “Contains” option to check for similar names that might cause confusion.
Step 4: Interpreting Your Search Results
The results page will display a list of matching businesses with several key columns:
- Status: Shows if the business is “Active,” “Dissolved,” “Not Good Standing,” etc.
- File Number: The unique identifier assigned by the Secretary of State
- Entity Name: The official registered name of the business
- Type: The business structure (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
- File Date: When the entity was originally registered
- Registered Agent: Name of the individual or company that accepts legal documents
Illinois-Specific Feature: Unlike some states, Illinois displays the status directly in the search results, making it easy to quickly identify active businesses.
Step 5: Accessing Detailed Business Information
- Click on any business name in the results list to view its complete details
- The detailed report includes:
- Status Information: Current standing, any pending actions
- Entity Information: Principal office address, incorporation/organization date, and state of domestic filing
- Agent Information: Name and address of the registered agent
- Annual Report Filing History: Shows compliance with state filing requirements
- Managers or Officers: Names and addresses of company leadership (when available)
Illinois Quirk: The Illinois system separates information into distinct sections, making it easier to find specific details compared to many other state systems.
Understanding Illinois Business Entity Statuses
The status field provides critical information about a company’s standing with the state. Here’s what each common status means in Illinois:
Active
The business is properly registered and in good standing with the Secretary of State. All required filings and fees are current.
Not Good Standing
The business has failed to file its annual report or pay required fees. The entity still exists but may face limitations and penalties.
Involuntary Dissolution
The business has been administratively dissolved by the Secretary of State, typically for failing to file annual reports for an extended period (180+ days past due).
Voluntarily Dissolved
The business owners have formally terminated the entity through proper filing procedures.
Revoked
This status typically applies to foreign entities (businesses formed outside Illinois) whose authority to transact business in Illinois has been revoked.
Illinois-Specific Insight: In Illinois, businesses that remain in “Not Good Standing” status for 180 days or more will be automatically dissolved by the Secretary of State. This differs from some states that allow longer grace periods.
Obtaining Additional Business Documents
After conducting your search, you may need official documentation about the business. Illinois offers several options:
Certificate of Good Standing
A Certificate of Good Standing confirms that a business entity is properly registered and compliant with state requirements. This is often required by banks, lenders, and other states when registering as a foreign entity.
To obtain one:
- Search for the business and access its File Detail Report
- Look for the “Certificate of Good Standing” option
- Pay the applicable fee:
- $25 for Corporations/LLCs
- $5 for Not-for-Profit corporations
- Print the certificate from the receipt page or from the link in your confirmation email
Certified Copies of Filing Documents
To obtain certified copies of business formation documents or other filings:
- Complete a Request for Copies or Certified Copies form
- Submit it to the Secretary of State with the required fee
- Standard processing takes 5-10 business days
Helpful Tip: The Illinois Secretary of State offers expedited service for an additional $100 fee, reducing processing time to 24 hours for these documents.
Checking Name Availability for a New Business
One of the most common reasons to use the business entity search is to check if your desired business name is available. Here’s the process:
- Conduct an “Exact Match” search for your desired name
- Then conduct a “Contains” search to identify similar names
- If “No Records Found” appears, the exact name may be available
- Consider also searching for variations and similar names to avoid confusion
Important Illinois Rule: All business names must be distinguishable from other registered entities. Additionally, certain words (like “Bank,” “Insurance,” or “Trust”) require special approval or licensing.
Reserving a Business Name in Illinois
If you find an available name but aren’t ready to form your business, Illinois allows you to reserve it:
- Complete Form LLC-1.15 (Application to Reserve a Name)
- Submit the form to the Secretary of State with a $25 filing fee
- The reservation holds the name for 90 days
- Reservations can be filed online, by mail, or in person
Time-Saving Tip: Name reservations can be processed on the same day if submitted in person at the Springfield or Chicago office with an additional $100 expedited service fee.
What to Do After Confirming Name Availability
Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available, you’ll need to take the next steps to establish your business:
For an LLC:
- File Articles of Organization (Form LLC-5.5) with the Illinois Secretary of State
- Pay the $150 filing fee ($250 for expedited service)
- Create an operating agreement
- Obtain necessary business licenses and permits
- Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
For a Corporation:
- File Articles of Incorporation (Form BCA 2.10) with the Illinois Secretary of State
- Pay the $150 filing fee ($250 for expedited service)
- Create corporate bylaws
- Hold an initial board of directors meeting
- Issue stock certificates
- Obtain necessary business licenses and permits
- Apply for an EIN
Illinois-Specific Business Registration Requirements
Illinois has some unique aspects to its business registration process:
Filing Fees
As of 2025, the standard filing fee for Articles of Organization (LLCs) and Articles of Incorporation (Corporations) is $150, with an additional $100 for expedited service.
Annual Reports
Illinois requires all LLCs and corporations to file annual reports:
- LLCs: $75 annual fee, due by the first day of the anniversary month
- Corporations: $75 annual fee, due before the first day of the anniversary month
Late Penalties
Illinois imposes a $100 penalty for late annual report filings. Entities remaining delinquent for 180 days face administrative dissolution.
Business Licenses
While Illinois doesn’t require a general business license at the state level, many specific industries require special licenses or permits from state agencies. Local municipalities may also have licensing requirements.
Sample Business Entity Search: A Walkthrough
Let’s see how a real search works by searching for a fictional company, “Springfield Innovations LLC”:
- Navigate to the Illinois Business Entity Search page
- Select “Business Name” and choose “Contains”
- Enter “Springfield Innovations” and click “Search”
- Review the results list showing the entity name, status, file number, and type
- Click on the business name to view detailed information
- The File Detail Report shows:
- Status: Active
- File Number: 07654321
- Organization Date: 05/10/2022
- Principal Office: 123 Main Street, Springfield, IL 62701
- Registered Agent: Jane Smith, 123 Main Street, Springfield, IL 62701
- Annual Report: Last filed on 04/15/2025
- Managers: John Doe (Manager), Jane Smith (Member)
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Business Searches
What does “Not in Good Standing” status mean in Illinois?
When an Illinois business shows as “Not in Good Standing,” it means the entity has failed to file its annual report or pay required fees. This status restricts the company from obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing and can lead to administrative dissolution if not corrected within 180 days.
How long does a name reservation last in Illinois?
Name reservations in Illinois last for 90 days from the approval date. If you need more time, you’ll need to file a new reservation (with an additional $25 fee) once the initial period expires.
Can I search for a registered agent’s information?
Yes, Illinois allows searching by registered agent name, which can help you identify all businesses associated with a particular individual or registered agent service.
How much does it cost to get a Certificate of Good Standing in Illinois?
A Certificate of Good Standing costs $25 for corporations and LLCs, and $5 for not-for-profit corporations. These can be ordered online through the business entity search portal after locating the business record.
What if my desired business name is already taken?
If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options:
- Choose a variation of the name
- Use a different business identifier (e.g., “Inc.” instead of “LLC”)
- Add geographical identifiers (e.g., “Springfield” or “Central Illinois”)
- Consider a completely different name
How current is the information in the Illinois business entity database?
The database is updated continuously as filings are processed. However, there may be a delay of 1-3 business days between a filing being submitted and appearing in the database.
Does Illinois display owner information for all business types?
Illinois displays manager/member information for LLCs and officer information for corporations, but the level of detail varies. Member-managed LLCs typically show more ownership details than manager-managed LLCs.
Tips for Advanced Illinois Business Entity Searches
Using Wildcards
The Illinois search system supports partial name searches using the “Contains” option, but doesn’t support traditional wildcard characters. Use shorter search terms for broader results.
Searching by Industry
Illinois doesn’t offer direct industry-specific searching, but you can sometimes identify industry patterns by searching for common industry terms or looking at the business purpose section of detailed reports.
Finding Business History
To track the history of a business:
- Search for the business name
- View the detailed report
- Check the Annual Report section for filing history
- Note any status changes or amendments
- For complete historical filings, request certified copies from the Secretary of State
Business Entity Search for Due Diligence
When considering a business partnership, investment, or acquisition, thorough due diligence is essential. Here’s how to use the Illinois business search effectively:
- Verify the business exists and is in good standing
- Confirm the registered agent and principal address match provided information
- Check how long the business has been operating
- Review annual report compliance history
- Note any recent status changes
- Verify ownership/management information
This information provides a foundation for further investigation and helps identify potential red flags.
Mobile Access to Illinois Business Search
The Illinois Secretary of State’s business entity search is mobile-responsive, allowing you to conduct searches from your smartphone or tablet. The mobile interface maintains most functionality of the desktop version, though some detailed reports may be easier to read on larger screens.
Resources and Additional Support
Contact Information for the Illinois Secretary of State
Springfield Office: 501 S. Second St., Rm. 350 Springfield, IL 62756 Phone: 217-524-8008
Chicago Office: 69 W. Washington St., Ste. 1240 Chicago, IL 60602 Phone: 312-793-3380
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Related Business Entity Search Resources
If you’re doing business across state lines or comparing business environments, check out these other business entity search guides:
- How to Perform an Indiana Business Entity Search
- How to Perform a Michigan Business Entity Search
- How to Perform a Wisconsin Business Entity Search
- How to Perform a Missouri Business Entity Search
- How to Perform a Kentucky Business Entity Search
- How to Perform an Oregon Business Entity Search
- How to Perform a Connecticut Business Entity Search
- How to Perform a Pennsylvania Business Entity Search
Additional Illinois Business Resources
- Illinois Department of Revenue – For tax registration and requirements
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity – For business incentives and support programs
- Illinois Small Business Development Centers – For free business consulting and guidance
Conclusion: Maximizing the Value of Your Illinois Business Entity Search
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search is more than just a name lookup tool—it’s a comprehensive business intelligence resource that can inform critical business decisions. From verifying a company’s existence and good standing to checking ownership details and compliance history, the information available through this portal provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to efficiently navigate the search process, interpret the results, and take appropriate action based on what you find. Whether you’re forming a new business, conducting due diligence, or simply researching the Illinois business landscape, the business entity search is your gateway to essential information.
Remember that while online searches provide substantial information, they may not reveal every aspect of a business’s legal status. For complete confidence, consider consulting with a business attorney who can help you interpret search results and advise on any legal implications.
