Illinois Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Illinois LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Illinois.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Illinois LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Illinois, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Illinois Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Illinois.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Illinois Business Name Search or the Illinois Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Illinois Business Entity Search page
Illinois Secretary of State: Business Entity Search
- Select "Keyword" for the Search Method
- Type your LLC name into the "Search for" field.
- Click Submit to begin the search.
Why avoid searching by "Name"? When you use the "Keyword" search option, the Business Entity Search identifies any business name that includes your specified words. However, using the “Name” search may overlook variations that incorporate additional filler words. For instance, if you search for "Gutter Guy" with the "Name" setting, you might miss an existing business named The Gutter Guy Inc. This means you wouldn't be able to use "Gutter Guy LLC" if The Gutter Guy Inc. is already registered.
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Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Illinois LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
Illinois Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Illinois Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Illinois representatives can guide you through the process of using the Illinois Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the Business Service Department phone number is 217-524-8008 for the Springfield office or 312-793-3380 for the Chicago office. Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 4:30 pm Central Time.
Illinois LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 180/1-10 of the Illinois LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming an Illinois business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Prairie Tech Solutions LLC
- Prairie Tech Solutions, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Cooperative
English Language or English Alphabet
In Illinois, business names must include only:
- English alphabet letters
- Arabic numerals (e.g., 1, 5, 200)
- Roman numerals (e.g., I, IX, MMVII)
- Symbols available on a standard English keyboard (e.g., $, #, ",")
If your preferred LLC name is in a different language, you must:
- Translate it into English
- Or use the English alphabet to write it.
For instance:
If you want to name your Illinois business "प्राण योग Studio LLC", you need to file it as "Prana Yoga Studio LLC" using only English characters.
Similarly, if you want to use "Appétit Pâtisserie LLC", you should register it as "Appetit Patisserie LLC". While you can display the accents on your signage and website, the official registration documents must not include non-English characters.
Restricted Words in Illinois LLC Names
Your Illinois LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
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Ensuring Your Illinois Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Illinois Secretary of State Business Entity Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Illinois Green Acres LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Illinois Business Name Search:
- Illinois Green Acres, Inc.
- Illinois Green Acres, Ltd.
Filler Words
Adding non-meaningful or filler words won't make a name distinct.
In Illinois, the following types of words are considered "filler" words and won't create distinguishability:
- articles (a, an, the)
- conjunctions (and, &, or)
For example, if your desired LLC name is Prairie Heights LLC, it's not available if any of the following names are found:
- The Prairie Heights LLC
- A Prairie Heights Inc.
- Prairie & Heights Ltd. Co.
- Prairie Heights and Co.
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Lakeview Garden LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Lakeview Garden LLC
- Lakeview Gardens Inc.
- Lakeview Gardens L.L.C.
Suffixes, Derivations, or Deviations
Simply adding a suffix or changing the derivation of a word does not make a name unique. This can be nuanced, as some variations of a word might have different meanings and could potentially be distinguished. The final determination rests with the LLC examiner reviewing your application.
For example, if you want to name your LLC Sunset Studios LLC, it may not be accepted if any of the following names are already registered:
- Sunset Studio LLC
- Sunset Studio Inc.
- Sunset Studios Ltd.
Abbreviation vs. Full Name
Using an abbreviation instead of the full name (or vice versa) does not create uniqueness.
For instance, if your desired LLC name is Chicago Pizza Co. LLC, it might not be available if any of these names are already in use:
- Chicago Pizza Company LLC
- CHI Pizza Co. Inc.
- Chicago Pizza Co. Corp.
Search Tips for Abbreviations
When considering an abbreviation or a term with a commonly used short form, search for both the abbreviation and the complete term in the Business Entity Search.
For instance, if you plan to include "Engineering" in your business name, also check for names using "Eng". Similarly, if using "IL" for Illinois, search for both "IL" and "Illinois".
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Illinois Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in Illinois?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Illinois. It’s considered an unnecessary step and a waste of money. You can simply file your LLC's Articles of Organization with your desired name.
Does Illinois require an LLC in the name?
Yes, Illinois requires that your LLC name includes one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
Does my Illinois LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA (Doing Business As) for your LLC in Illinois. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a name different from its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization), you must file an Assumed Name Adoption. This can be done online or by mail. For more details, visit the Secretary of State Assumed LLC Name page. There is no limit to the number of Assumed Names an LLC can have, but each must be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you form an LLC called Chicago Restaurant Tours Company LLC but want to use a more catchy name like Chicago Tours, you would need to file an Assumed Name Adoption to use the name Chicago Tours. Without this filing, you can only operate under the legal entity name Chicago Restaurant Tours Company LLC.
How do I get a business domain name?
After selecting a business name, it's wise to check if the domain name is available before finalizing your LLC formation. Use services like GoDaddy to search for domain names.
What does “distinguishability” mean?
Distinguishability means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any existing names on the Secretary of State’s records. This ensures that no two businesses can operate under the same name. For instance, if you want to form an LLC called Violet Landscapers LLC but there is already a Violet Landscapers, Inc., in another town, your name is not distinguishable and you must choose a different name.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding and recognition. Your Illinois LLC's name can be your brand name, but it doesn't have to be (see the FAQ about DBAs above). Here are some tips for generating business names:
- Start by listing features and values you want associated with your company.
- Generate a list of potential business names without evaluating them initially.
- Review the list and consider variations.
- Take a break and revisit the list later with a fresh perspective. Add new ideas as they come to you.
- Read through the list out loud and get feedback from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process: refine your ideas, get more feedback, and choose the best name. If needed, use a decision-making trick like closing your eyes and counting to 10 to finalize your choice. Trust your instincts and go with what feels right.
Can I use the name of another Illinois entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Illinois business, regardless of entity type. This includes corporations, LLCs, and other types of entities. Even if another business is in "delinquent" status, you cannot use their name. However, if a business is dissolved, its name becomes available for use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC’s name by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions for changing an LLC name in Illinois are available.
How to start an LLC in Illinois?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Illinois:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select an Illinois Registered Agent.
- File the Illinois LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in Illinois.