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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Illinois’ Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting an Illinois LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in Illinois
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing an Illinois LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Illinois’ Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $25 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Illinois. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Secretary of State Department of Business Services Limited Liability Division 501 S 2nd Street, Room 351, Springfield, IL 62756.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
How To Do an Illinois LLC Online Name Search
As a part of your LLC registration process, it is important to have a suitable name for your LLC in accordance with the State naming guidelines. So, when you select a name for your LLC, you also need to run a quick search on the Illinois Business Entity Search page to check whether the name is unique and there is no other business running in the State with the same name.
1. Access the Business Entity Search Tool on the State website
The Illinois Secretary of State website offers a Business Entity Search Tool to assist you in finalizing a name for your business LLC. This tool is helpful in deciding the uniqueness and availability of the name. Also, keep a list of backup names ready, so you can select a final name in a few attempts.
2. Run the Search
After you navigate to the Search page, you can run the search by Business name. To begin the search process, you need to enter the name in the blank space under the ‘Entity name’ heading and then click on the “Search” tab after clearing the captcha.
Perform the Search
You can also conduct the search using other available options, such as Name, Keyword, or partial word. Using such filters can give you more refined results such as giving you the list of businesses running with exact names, or having similar keywords, or even a single matching word.
While conducting the search, you can exclude usage of identifiers such as “LLC” to access wider results from different forms of business structures running in a similar name. Conduct thorough research of the name by using the provided filters before filing it with the Authorities. You can also refer to the ‘Search instructions’ provided on the search tool page.
If you also wish to use a Trademark for the distinct identity of your business in the State, you can run a trademark search on the Trademark Database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to see whether the chosen name is already in use by any other business entity.
If you also plan on conducting your business online through a website, you should also check if a domain name similar to your chosen business name is available or not.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Illinois
To reserve an LLC name in Illinois you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Illinois Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $25.
Before diving into the steps on how to reserve an LLC name in Illinois, it is crucial to have a basic understanding of what an LLC is and why reserving its name is vital. An LLC is a popular choice for business owners due to the limited personal liability it offers, meaning that the owners’ personal assets are separate from the business’s liabilities. Choosing the right name for your LLC is crucial in building brand recognition and establishing a professional image for your business.
To reserve an LLC name in Illinois, the first step is to conduct a name search to ensure that the name you desire is available and not already in use by another business entity. The Illinois Secretary of State’s website provides a convenient search tool to check the availability of your preferred name. It is essential to choose a unique and distinguishable name to avoid any legal conflicts with existing businesses in the state.
Once you have confirmed the availability of your desired name, you can proceed to reserve it through the Illinois Secretary of State’s website. The process typically involves filling out a name reservation form and paying a nominal fee. The reservation is usually valid for a certain period, giving you time to organize your business affairs and complete the necessary paperwork to officially register your LLC.
Reserving an LLC name in Illinois grants you exclusive rights to use that name for your business entity. It prevents other businesses from using the same name or a similar variation, thus protecting your brand identity and reputation. Additionally, a reserved name can give you peace of mind knowing that your desired business name is secure while you finalize the formation of your LLC.
When choosing a name for your LLC, it is essential to consider a few factors to ensure its effectiveness and appeal. A clear and memorable name can attract customers and build trust in your brand. Avoid generic or overly complex names that may confuse potential customers or hinder your marketing efforts. A strong and impactful name can make a significant difference in how your business is perceived and remembered by consumers.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Illinois is a crucial step in establishing your business identity and protecting your brand. By following the necessary steps and guidelines set by the Illinois Secretary of State, you can secure the name for your LLC and lay the foundation for a successful business venture. Take the time to choose a unique and appealing name that reflects your business values and goals, setting yourself apart from the competition and positioning your LLC for growth and success.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name