Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
If you are forming an LLC in Illinois, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and LLC cost comprises filing an Illinois article of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is an Article of Organization?
An Article of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Certificate of Formation in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.
Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. An Article of Formation usually includes the following:
- The name of the LLC,
- the effective date of the LLC,
- the company’s principal office,
- the business purpose,
- the duration of the business,
- a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
- the name and address of the registered agent, organizers, and
- at least one member of the company.
You can file an Article of Organization online, by mail, or in person.
Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. It even makes up the bulk of your Illinois LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.
How to File Illinois Articles of Organization
These are the simple steps to follow in filing an Article of Organization in Illinois.
Step 1: Find Forms Online
Go to the Illinois Secretary of State to download the articles of organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.
Step 2: Fill Out Form
When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Illinois LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.
You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Article of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.
LLC Service | Our Rating & Pricing | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 TOP PICK  | $0 + State Fees |
| |
 | $0 + State Fees |
|
Step 3: File Formation Certificates
File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division, 501 S. Second St., Rm. 351, Springfield, IL 62746.
Filing Illinois Articles of Organization Online
Time needed: 5 minutes
If you wish to start an LLC in Illinois, you need to file for the Articles of Organization. You can do this online and you can file for it through mail too. When applying through online filing, along with an easy process it also helps to get the benefit of immediate processing too. The formation guide in the following steps will help you file for the Certificate of Organization, so read on and get the info.
- Visit the official website of the Secretary of State of Illinois
You must visit the website of the Secretary of State of Illinois. The website will assist you to form an LLC in the State and in an easy manner through online mode. The Cyberdrive Illinois portal available on the Secretary of State website provides a one-stop solution to different business services.
- Access the online services
On the online services page, select whether you want to form a Standard Limited Liability Company or a Series LLC. Next, accept the terms and conditions.
- Proceed to Registration
Follow the guidelines properly and proceed to file an application for the articles of organization of your business LLC.
- Review the information
Before proceeding to submit your application, review the information to be accurate and correct to your knowledge to avoid any future rejections.
- Make the payment
After you complete all the details and thoroughly review your application, proceed to make the payment for the filing fee of your LLC Application.
Filing Illinois Articles of Organization by Mail
If you want to file the article of organization by mail, then you can easily do that. By following the instructions below, one can file the article of organization in Illinois.
- Download the Application form PDF on your system.
- Read the guidelines properly and proceed to fill in the details.
- Attach the name reservation certificate to the application
- Make the check of $150.00 payable to the Secretary of State.
Attach all the needed documents and send them to the mailing address, Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division, 501 S. Second St., Rm. 351, Springfield, IL 62746.
Cost of filing an Illinois Articles of Organization
It is more convenient to file articles of organization online than by mail. The cost of filing an LLC in Illinois is the same for online and offline filing. Here is the cost of filing formation certificate in Illinois,
- Online filing costs $150
- By mail filing costs $150
F.A.Qs
An Article of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for Illinois in forming an LLC business structure.
The application form for the Article of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.
Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.
Where Can You Find Your Illinois LLC Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization for Illionois LLC can be accessed through the Illinois Secretary of State website. You can also download the PDF from the same website.
But where can you find this important document? Understanding where to locate your Illinois LLC Articles of Organization is essential for maintaining compliance and transparency with state regulations. Fortunately, there are several options available to obtain a copy of your Articles of Organization.
The easiest and most convenient method of accessing your Illinois LLC Articles of Organization is through the Secretary of State’s official website. The Secretary of State maintains an online database of business entities registered in Illinois, including LLCs. By visiting the Secretary of State’s website and performing a search for your LLC’s name, you can retrieve a digital copy of your Articles of Organization.
If you prefer a hard copy of your Articles of Organization, you can request one directly from the Secretary of State’s office. Although there may be a small fee associated with this service, receiving a physical copy of your Articles of Organization can be beneficial for record-keeping and compliance purposes.
Another option for obtaining your Illinois LLC Articles of Organization is through a third-party online service provider. These providers offer assistance with not only accessing your Articles of Organization but also with other aspects of managing and maintaining your LLC. While utilizing a third-party service may involve an additional cost, it can streamline the process and provide expert guidance in navigating the complexities of LLC compliance.
No matter which method you choose to obtain your Illinois LLC Articles of Organization, it is crucial to keep this document readily accessible for reference. Your Articles of Organization contain essential details about your LLC, such as its legal name, registered agent, registered office address, and members or managers. Understanding and abiding by the information outlined in your Articles of Organization is vital for maintaining compliance with state regulations and protecting the liability protections afforded to your LLC.
In conclusion, ensuring you know where to find your Illinois LLC Articles of Organization is a fundamental aspect of managing your business. Whether you opt for accessing it online through the Secretary of State’s database, requesting a physical copy from the Secretary of State’s office, or utilizing a third-party service provider, staying informed and organized with your Articles of Organization is essential for the success and sustainability of your LLC. By taking the necessary steps to obtain and maintain this critical document, you can protect your business and position it for growth and success in the competitive Illinois marketplace.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Illinois LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.