CHECKING NAME AVAILABILITY FOR A CORPORATION IN ILLINOIS

The State of Illinois maintains a web site where you can check to determine whether the corporate name that you desire is available. To access this page CLICK HERE This online form does not give you any official results or assurances but can give you initial guidance as to other companies that may have similar names.

Once you have used this online tool to help you narrow the possible names for your company, you should call the Secretary of State at a special name availability check number to get an unofficial name availability check. The number to call is (217) 782-6961

When you call the state office for name availability be sure to have a few options ready to ask them about while you have them on the phone.

These determinations are non-binding and a final determination cannot be made until the documents are received and processed.

It is suggested that you search in a few different ways depending upon what name you select. You should search for the entire name that you wish to secure. Print out the results of this search and keep it for your records. You should also do a partial name search to determine what names may be close, but not exactly like the name you wish to obtain.

For example, if the name that you have chosen is ABC Vending Supplies, Inc., you should search ABC Vending Supplies, ABC Vending, and perhaps ABC Ven so you will get a picture of what names may be similar to the one you have selected.

Checking the corporate name in advance is necessary and will save you a lot of time. If you do not check first, your incorporation papers will be returned to you if there is a conflicting name and you will need to start over again from scratch.

We suggest that you do not make any expenditures in reliance on the name you choose until after your documents have been accepted by the Illinois corporations office.

Illinois permits you to reserve a corporate name for up to 90 days in advance of filing. The filing fee for a name reservation is currently $25.00. If you wish to reserve a corporate name in advance, review this material and complete the state provided forms. CLICK HERE

Reserving the corporate name in advance is the only way to assure that your articles of incorporation will not be returned for name conflict purposes. The other sources mentioned above can give you useful guidance, but are not binding.

Main Illinois Resource Page

We offer 4 package options for Illinois corporations	Complete Incorporation, Corporate Kit and Bylaws Package - $49.95	Corporate Kit and Bylaws Package - $39.95	119 Corporate Resolution/Meeting Minute Forms - $29.95	Confidentiality and Non-disclosure Agreements - $29.95