Free Illinois LLC Lookup
Starting a business? Use our free name check tool to check your business name against the Illinois Secretary of State records.
By clicking "Check Availability," I agree to LegalZoom's Terms of Use. This search is a preliminary check of state databases and does not include variations or trademarks. Results do not guarantee name availability or compliance with legal requirements.
Filing for an LLC was a breeze
Filing for an LLC was a breeze, clear explatnations of what to select or not made the process very easy and fast.
They made starting a business easy
They made starting a business easy. It took me an hour to get all the right documents done for starting an LLC. After an hour my business was registered and ready to go.
I really appreciate the really easy…
I really appreciate the really easy step by step process they have. I had my LLC up and running in less then 7 hrs from starting the process.
Such an easy process helping us set up…
Such an easy process helping us set up our LLC! LegalZoom thinks of everything that we are still learning.
Legal Zoom made setting up my LLC so…
Legal Zoom made setting up my LLC so easy. They asked all the right questions and got my business going!
Fast process and very easy steps
Fast process and very easy steps! The LLC formation was simple and smooth from start to finish. Everything was clearly explained, and the paperwork was handled quickly, I recommended!
The experience of setting up my own LLC…
The experience of setting up my own LLC was both quick, easy and simple
Efficient and professional assistance…
Efficient and professional assistance in quickly setting up my LLC. Started an application with Tailor Brands and later learned my expedited fee was only to submit to the State within two days, even though their website advertised 24 hours for an LLC formation and EIN. Should have started with Legal Zoom! Spoke with Gianna on the phone to set it up, logged into my account, and was done in an hour! Thorough and reliable.
BEST PHONE CALL IN THE 364.25 DAYS OF 2025
Wow! Being nervous and not knowing exactly which direction to take I went online last night and found LegalZoom. I wasn’t completely sure about it (getting the LLC) and my anxiety kicked in so I backed out of it. My number must have saved anyway in their archive because I received a call this morning. Martha Anguiano called and the encounter with her was just what I needed to encourage me further with my LLC process. She was very polite, knowledgeable and immediately gave me a list of what I can choose from to start. After discussing with her more about my plans she suggested the best start up package for me. Martha was so genuinely enthusiastic about my idea that I felt truly comfortable sharing with her. After getting off the phone my smile and heart expressed the connection that was made even if it’s only for the professionalism she offers as an agent, I’m grateful it was her that called as I stated to her, “I’m not sure how it would have went if it were another agent that called.” (I can be nervous when speaking and studdar my words but she made me feel completely heard and understood) I can only hope and believe the entire Team at LeagalZoom is just as pleasant, knowledgeable and concerned for the customers as she exemplified. If you see this message Martha, thank you so much you’re definitely a Golden Star in this universe. ⭐️✨⭐️ Looking forward to working with you & LegalZoom. Thank You!
Super easy to navigate
Super easy to navigate, This was the easiest deal to get my business llc. I am astounded at how painless this process was. You should really sign up.
My LLC setup
My LLC was set up quickly and efficiently, Thank you for the great job. Due today and completed today.
Starting a new LLC
Starting a new LLC. Ali walked me through the entire process in less than 10 minutes. Quick, easy and highly professional. Thanks!!
Piece of Cake!
Wow, if I had known HOW EASY it would be to create my own LLC I would have done it months ago! I literally created my own business in MINUTES. LegalZoom takes all of the fear, confusion, guesswork and administrative burden out of starting your own business. Strongly recommend it!
Excellent, rapid, economical LLC formation…
Legal Zoom enabled me to very quickly and economically set up my LLC
They made creating my llc such an easy…
They made creating my llc such an easy process and gave me plenty of options. I genuinely never even thought of. So happy I had this option.
Filed my LLC confidently thanks to LegalZoom
Sittie answered all my questions and made me feel much more confident about forming my LLC this morning. Including some basic tax questions that she was able to answer. So greatly appreciate her help.
LegalZoom was great to start my first LLC
LegalZoom was great to start my LLC! The process was simple and easy! Very fast as long as you know what you want your name to be and what your business is doing. Highly recommend for the people that like to do it themselves online. Great experience
Out-of-State LLC Business Formation
I was at a standstill with no resolution in sight - LegalZoom fixed me up within minutes & made filling the Out-of-State business form LLC-5 with the State of California, easy! Thank you!
Legalzoom help me set up my LLC efficiently. The instructions were simple, and I had a positive experience overall.
Legalzoom made starting my LLC fast, easy, and stress-free.
legal Zoom Concierge
legal Zoom Concierge agent, Jelly, called me and walked me through the process of selecting how I wanted to set up my LLC with through explanations. I recommend using the Legal Zoom concierge for customers not yet familiar with the process of creating and LLC.
So Helpful…
Legal Zoom is quick and easy to create a New Corporation. The price is fair. Thank you for all your assistance.
I’m new to all this basically my first…
I’m new to all this basically my first time filing for a corporation on my own and I didn’t last in 30 minutes. This is great thank you it just walks you through everything you need with answering questions. Did you already know
Leogilyn Pavo was so helpful
Leogilyn Pavo was so helpful. I needed to change my business address and Leogilyn walked me through the process step by step. Leogilyn even looked up specific answers about my corporation so I could fill out the required forms correctly. I couldn’t have done this without Leogilyn’s help!
Genaro was great!
Genaro was a great listener, remembered everything we spoke about and then walked me through the process of moving my LLC into a Corporation. Glad I called rather than try to do online - we got it all done in about 20 minutes.
Spoke clearly, was professional and very knowledgeable about his business
Edgar was so pleasant and professional and I will be sending more people to him for their corporation needs as well!! He is so knowledgeable about the sales products he sells. This was a flawless and simple process bc of him!
Nonprofit Advisor, Daniel Morgan is great
When I spoke with my nonprofit advisor Daniel, he was very thorough with explaining everything to me. I am new to this process and he made this experience a pleasant one.
I'm a lawyer with almost 40 years of…
I'm a lawyer with almost 40 years of experience. I'm a DIY around the house handyman, and I DIM in law, but was short on time to establish a New York non-profit corporation in advance of actually moving to New York. Legal Zoom and Ms. Angeles were amazing. This project was accomplished with their professional zeal, and saved me a pile of time and money. Respect!
Legal Zoom takes the guesswork out
I’ve used Legal Zoom to start my nonprofit, having them assist me with the 501(c)3 paperwork was the best thing I could’ve done. They took the guesswork out, they really made the process as simple and streamlined as possible.
Legal Zoom was incredibly user friendly…
Legal Zoom was incredibly user friendly! I was able to start my non-profit, Widows Walk Project Incorporated, within days. I had to call for support on one question. The representative was super helpful and had me off the phone within minutes. Legal Zoom mailed the established non-profit paperwork to me within three days. Thank you Legal Zoom for your expedience and support!
Gail Vyeda Deserves Recognition — Outstanding Support!
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Gail Vyeda through LegalZoom’s Concierge service, and I cannot say enough good things about her. Gail is knowledgeable, patient, professional, and genuinely caring. From the very beginning, she made me feel supported, heard, and confident in the process of forming my nonprofit. She explained everything in clear terms, walked me through each step, and made sure I understood what was being filed and why. Even when I had questions outside the typical scope, she went the extra mile to help — always with kindness, clarity, and grace. She made what could’ve been a stressful experience feel seamless and empowering. Gail is exactly the kind of person who deserves to be recognized and promoted. Her dedication and warmth represent LegalZoom at its best. Thank you, Gail — you made a big difference in helping me bring my nonprofit vision to life! — LaTonya White, The Legacy Impact Fund (DBA Big Gló Foundation)
The couple of representatives I spoke…
The couple of representatives I spoke with while in the process of registering my nonprofit and applying for the 501(c)3 status were professional, friendly, knowledgeable.
LegalZoom has been a great source to…
LegalZoom has been a great source to work with. I would recommend anyone to utilize Legal Zoom who is starting a nonprofit. Very seamless and courteous! The customer service they have been providing has been excellent!
Willie is the man!!
Willie did a great job answering all my questions and helping me understand different aspects of what what happens when starting my nonprofit with Legalzoom. Great customer service experience!
In the avalanche of many questions, Ana was there to guide me
Ana provided detailed information to my questions about a nonprofit. She was helpful and patient with me. She extended herself to keep in touch and work with me when I am ready. Thank you!
Incredibly helpful!
I called with some questions and received such helpful information! My nonprofit partner and I feel confident in moving forward with Legal Zoom services for our women centered nonprofit.
Being a business owner of two businesses...
Being a business owner of two business. A for profit and now a nonprofit LegalZoom has made the business registration process effortless and seamless all while keeping my submitted documents legal with the state. I highly recommend any entrepreneur who's filing your business on your own to let LegalZoom do the handwork for you. They are fast, accurate, and efficient.
Gerald was extremely helpful to me in…
Gerald was extremely helpful to me in getting my order processed. He made it easy for me to just answer a question and continue with the process of setting up my nonprofit.
Outstanding Work
The professionalism of the team coupled with the speed of getting the nonprofit paperwork accomplished and through the system was excellent. I am very grateful. This is my second time working with Legal Zoom. Thank you very much.
Smooth Process
Kurt was very helpful and provided all the information needed to successfully complete the DBA process.
Easy and professional
I was notified by text that I needed to contact LegalZoom to provide more information to move my DBA filing along. I called in and got Raffy. He was friendly and professional and took the time to confirm that LegalZoom had received the signed documents from me that were needed to take the next steps in this process. I was connected to Raffy on my first attempt and did not have to sit in a queue waiting for someone.
10/10 customer service
Both Kathy and Princess made the process of filing my DBA incredibly easy and were able to walk me through the process the entire time. Both were incredibly kind and helpful and I'm so grateful to the LegalZoom team for being there to support me through any troubles I have with my small business!
Very helpful everyone I spoke with was…
Very helpful everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and pointed me in the right direction. My dba was filed swiftly and I was informed about the progress the entire time. Very happy with the results.
KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service
KIERVE was very knowledgeable and provided the information I requested with additional things to assist me with creating a new DBA. I appreciated how patient they were and ensured everything had processed to the next step before we signed off the chat. Excellent customer service!
Customer Service exceeded my expectations.
After an initial dilemma with my DBA filing in California, a LegalZoom account executive took the reigns and made everything right by going above and beyond my expectations. Thank you LegalZoom!
Very helpful
I called in looking for help with my DBA and was able to complete setting it up effortlessly and got help with a few more items I didn’t even know I needed.
Joe was extraordinary
Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!
Perla Gallegos was Great
Perla Gallegos was great with follow ups and transparency as it relate to my business formation. I hope all Legal Zoom employees represents the way in which Perla Gallegos has done so in representation of the company.
Legalzoom has handled all our business…
Legalzoom has handled all our business formation needs with the utmost professionalism and timely filing. We appreciate their friendly and easy to use website.
Love how easy to understand the process…
Love how easy to understand the process of formation they have made!
The request I made for formation…
The request I made for formation documents was taken care of immediately and professionally. They were very helpful in getting me what I needed.
I had the absolute pleasure of working…
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Maria as my business formation specialist at LegalZoom, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her support throughout the process of creating my LLC. From start to finish, Maria was patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly thorough. She took the time to answer every one of my questions—no matter how small—and walked me through each step with clarity and confidence. Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but Maria made the entire experience smooth and manageable. Her dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for her clients truly stood out. Thanks to her guidance, I felt supported and well-informed every step of the way. Thank you, Maria, for your outstanding service and for going above and beyond. You are truly an asset to the LegalZoom team!
Using Legal Zoom made my business…
Using Legal Zoom made my business formation very easy. The program is user friendly and explains every step clearly.
Legal Zoom is a true one stop shop
This is the second company I have formed using Legal Zoom. They say what they are going to do and they do it. Legal Zoom provides all the tools and services you will need to quickly start your company, allowing you to focus on your business. The business formation specialist I spoke with, Juan was great; extremely knowledgeable and professional while giving me the feeling that I was talking with an old friend.
The agent was extremely helpful and…
The agent was extremely helpful and gave me the info that I was looking for. As soon as I got off of the phone with her, I got the official acceptance of my business formation!
Seamless Support from Day One
I was impressed by how quickly Alan, my Business Formation Specialist, reached out to me. Having support from day one is incredibly reassuring, especially as I navigate starting my first business. I look forward to seeing how my relationship with LegalZoom and my experience with their services evolve.
ClarisseTravel Wine Tourism Agency
I recently utilized LegalZoom's services. The platform was user friendly, making the complex process of business formation straight forward and accessible. The customer service team was knowledgeable and responsive, promptly addressing all my inquiries. The efficiency and professionalism demonstrated by LegalZoom have provided me with confidence and peace of mind. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable business formation assistance.
The business formation specialist…
The business formation specialist Ramses Cardenas understood my needs and articulated well the company's product. I chose the pro package because it was my best option based on the information Ramses supplied. The process was quick easy and to the point.
Showing selected reviews
Find a name, launch your dream
A great name is the foundation for your brand and your legal structure. Our guide makes it fast and easy to find a name that works, so you can focus on launching your dream company.
Find a name, launch your dream
A great name is the foundation for your brand and your legal structure. Our guide makes it fast and easy to find a name that works, so you can focus on launching your dream company.
Pick the perfect name
Choose a business name that speaks to your company’s values and services. Avoid names that use unusual characters or that are overly complicated.
File business formation documents with the Illinois Secretary of State. You can also reserve your business name for up to 90 days.
Registering a name in Illinois only protects it within the state. For nationwide protection, consider filing for a trademark.
Start your business, guided by experience
Start your business, guided by experience
From naming your business to registering it as an LLC, our services help ensure accuracy and let you start your business with confidence. Let us handle the details so you can focus on your vision.
From naming your business to registering it as an LLC, our services help ensure accuracy and let you start your business with confidence. Let us handle the details so you can focus on your vision.
100% Accurate Filing Guarantee
100% Accurate Filing Guarantee
We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect
due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.
We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.
How to Conduct an Illinois LLC Lookup
Looking up Illinois LLC names before registering your business in the state makes it easy to see if your preferred name is available. If another LLC is using your name or one that’s confusingly similar, you’ll need to choose a different option before filing your LLC’s formation documents.
How to Conduct an Illinois LLC Lookup
Looking up Illinois LLC names before registering your business in the state makes it easy to see if your preferred name is available. If another LLC is using your name or one that’s confusingly similar, you’ll need to choose a different option before filing your LLC’s formation documents.
Key takeaways
Check with the Illinois Secretary of State to confirm if your chosen business name is available or if another company is already using it.
LegalZoom’s free business name search is a preliminary check for the availability of your preferred business name with the state.
Conduct a comprehensive search before filing your business’ formation documents to reduce the risk of rejection.
Get into the details of a business name search below, and learn more about registering a business in Illinois.
Why conduct an Illinois LLC name search
To register your Illinois LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that’s unique and easily distinguishable from others already registered with the Illinois Secretary of State. By running an LLC lookup before filing your formation documents, you’ll make sure that your preferred name is available for use in the state. This can reduce the risk of your application being rejected.
If your preferred LLC name is too close to one that another business is already using, the Secretary of State will typically reject your registration, and you’ll have to start over with a different name.
Example: If “Prairie State HVAC” is already registered in your region, choose something easily distinguishable like “Windy City Heat & Air” to help avoid confusion.
Who needs to conduct a search for Illinois LLC names
Any business owner who plans on running their LLC in Illinois should conduct an LLC name lookup before filing their formation documents with the Secretary of State. This is a chance to see which names are in use and which are likely to be approved.
The same holds true for:
Nonprofits
Businesses using an Illinois DBA
Keep in mind that you’ll also need to adhere to the naming requirements specified in the Illinois Compiled Statutes, depending on the type of business you’re forming. Read more about business names in our guides linked below.
How to Start an LLC in 7 Steps
How to Start an LLC in 7 Steps
An LLC is the simplest, most flexible way to structure your business to protect personal assets.
Learn about LLCs
How to Choose a Business Name
How to Choose a Business Name
Go into detail about requirements, restrictions, and pro tips about picking a name that sticks.
Read the guide
What is a DBA?
What is a DBA?
A DBA is a way to change your public-facing name without having to make changes to your business entity.
Dig into DBAs
Free Business Name Generator
Free Business Name Generator
Experiment with our AI-powered business name generator to spark your creativity.
Generate names
How to conduct an Illinois LLC lookup with LegalZoom
Our free Illinois LLC lookup tool searches official state records for you. Just enter your preferred business name and the type of business you’re forming, and we’ll check its availability against existing LLCs registered with the Illinois Secretary of State. It’s a fast, free way to get a head start on your business journey.
However, the LLC lookup tool only gives you a general idea of whether your name is available for use in Illinois. You’ll also want to search state and federally registered trademarks to make sure other businesses aren’t using your name in other states.
How to conduct a trademark search
Using a name in Illinois can still infringe on a national trademark. LegalZoom makes it simple to search for matching trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). You have two options:
Use LegalZoom’s free trademark search tool. LegalZoom’s Free Trademark Search checks the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database for names matching your search terms. You can browse the status and class details of each matching result.
Dig deeper with LegalZoom’s comprehensive trademark search. The Comprehensive Trademark Search executes a full-scope search of existing and pending marks with the USPTO and provides ranked results to help pinpoint potential conflicts. You can select between a federal search and a combined federal, state, and common law search, based on your specific needs.
When you’re ready to register your trademark, turn to LegalZoom’s Premium Trademark Registration service—the #1 trademark filer with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 1
Need name ideas?
LegalZoom offers a free AI-powered business name generator tailored to over 40 industries, including real estate, construction, and photography. It's fully customizable to your business, your market, and your brand.
Other ways to conduct an LLC lookup in Illinois
The first step to make sure your preferred LLC name is available for use is to check for existing LLCs with the Illinois Secretary of State. But there are a few other searches you may want to run to make your search more comprehensive.
USPTO trademark search
Trademarks protect business names throughout the entire country, not just the state(s) in which the LLC is registered. When a name is trademarked, businesses in other states can’t legally use the name without infringing on the trademark owner’s rights, even if that name is not registered in the state.
Run a trademark search to show which names are already trademarked, so you can avoid using them and getting into legal trouble with the trademark owner. Use LegalZoom’s trademark search tools, or run a search through the USPTO’s Trademark Center database.
LegalZoom’s free tool lets you search for nationally registered trademarks. If the search shows that another business owns a trademark for your preferred name, you’ll need to choose a different name.
Run these searches for your most important brand elements, including your:
Business name
Taglines
Brand-specific symbols
You may also want to run a trademark search with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Domain name search & social media search
If you want to have any kind of digital presence, you’ll want to make sure your LLC’s name is available online and on different social media platforms before you register.
Check domain availability. Check with major domain registrars like GoDaddy or NameCheap to see if your preferred name is available. Try to choose a domain name with a .com or .net ending if possible.
Search social media. Search for accounts and channels that use your preferred name or a close variation of your name on all social platforms that you think you’ll use for your business. This could include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Use search engines. Search for your preferred business name and close variations on major search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. If another company is using your name or a close variation, you’ll want to choose something else.
Run these searches before you register your business to make it easier to build consistency for your brand both online and offline.
What to do after your Illinois LLC lookup
Once you know that your business name is available, you can register your business with the state.
Register your name with the Illinois Secretary of State by submitting formation documents or reserve your name if you need more time. A business formation service like LegalZoom can help you start your Illinois LLC.
Register trademarks for any slogans, names, logos, or symbols you want to use. LegalZoom’s trademark registration service is the #1 trademark filer with the USPTO. 1
Register a DBA if you want to use a different name than the one you registered with the Secretary of State. LegalZoom’s DBA filing service can handle the paperwork for you
LegalZoom can help you file your state's formation paperwork for as little as $0 + state filing fees.
What to do after you’ve registered your business name
Reserve a domain name and social handles
Reserve a domain name and social handles
Your online presence is just as important as your storefront. Here’s how to secure it:
Claim your domain name
Choose a domain that matches your business name as closely as possible.
Check social media availability
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are key for connecting with customers.
Think long-term
Even if you don’t plan to use all platforms right away, securing them now ensures you won’t lose them later.
Protect your brand with a trademark
Protect your brand with a trademark
A trademark ensures your business name is legally yours and provides:
Exclusive rights
Prevents competitors from using your name.
Legal protection
Enforces your rights in court if necessary.
Brand credibility
Demonstrates professionalism and trustworthiness.
LegalZoom’s trademark registration service connects you with experienced attorneys who guide you through every step of the process, increasing your likelihood of approval.
How to find information about an existing Illinois LLC
There are several different ways to find information about businesses in Illinois. The type of search you’ll want to run will depend on the type of information you need.
Searching with an employer identification number (EIN)
Search for a company using its employer identification number (EIN) when you need to look into a business’ financial standing or credit history. You won’t always need this type of search, and it typically requires going through a third-party service.
Third-party services: Companies like Dun & Bradstreet let you search for a company with an EIN for a fee.
Credit bureaus: You can research and identify companies using their EINs through credit bureaus. For example, an Experian Business Credit Report allows you to check a company’s financial and legal standing before partnering with them or using their services.
This type of search is often needed when conducting due diligence. This may happen when you’re considering a business partnership or looking into a potential investment and want more information than is publicly available.
Contacting the registered agent
Every Illinois LLC needs to have a registered agent to act as a designated point of contact for official and legal correspondence. Registered agent information is part of the public record, so you can look it up through the Secretary of State's database.
Step 1: Find the agent. Use the Secretary of State’s search tool to search for an agent. All you need is the agent’s first or last name. Enter the information into the tool to pull up a list of registered agents with that name.
Step 2: Contact the agent. You can contact the registered agent if you have legal business with a company or would like more information about the business.
These searches are typically only needed if you’re trying to send legal documents to a business.
Frequently asked questions
Does an Illinois LLC lookup guarantee that my preferred name is available?
No, running an LLC lookup with the Illinois Secretary of State doesn’t always guarantee that your name is available. It gives you a preliminary idea of whether your name is already registered with the state. For a comprehensive picture, you should run a trademark search at the state and federal levels.
Can I reserve my name in Illinois before I’m ready to open my business?
You can reserve your LLC’s name in Illinois for up to 90 days. The reservation costs $25 for most LLCs. Reserving your name gives you a little extra time to register your business, but you can ’t renew your reservation. Be prepared to register your business in the state before the 90 days are up if you want to maintain rights to your preferred business name.
What happens if I choose a name that’s already in use in Illinois?
If you choose a name that’s already registered in Illinois, the Secretary of State will likely reject your application for registration. Once that happens, you’ll need to choose a different name and use that name to file your formation documents again. That’s why it’s so important to run an Illinois LLC lookup before you register—it can increase your chances of your application’s approval and may even help you open your doors faster.
How can I run an Illinois LLC lookup or business name search?
You can search directly through the Secretary of State's website using the business entity search tool, or use a free tool like LegalZoom's Illinois LLC Lookup tool. With LegalZoom's tool, there's no limit on how many names you can search.
Get helpful tips and information
1 LZ Legal Services is the number one law firm filer by volume for US-based businesses at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
