This page helps users handle a Business Entity Search in Illinois using official state business tools and related services. It explains where to search, what details may appear, and how to follow up for certificates, name checks, annual reports, or business filings.

The main resource is the Illinois Secretary of State Department of Business Services database, which covers several registered business entity types.

Use the Illinois Business Entity Search to look up business records through the Secretary of State database. The database includes corporations, not-for-profit corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and limited liability partnerships.

You can search by several fields, depending on what information you have.

  • Business name
  • Registered agent
  • President
  • Secretary
  • Manager
  • File number
  • Keyword or partial word

Choose the search method that best matches your information, then review the matching entity results carefully. The database is for individual public searches only; copying or downloading bulk information from the database is prohibited.

Business search results and file details

The Business Search / Certificate of Good Standing service lets users search the Corporation/LLC entity database, view a file detail report, purchase a Certificate of Good Standing, and check whether a company name may be available.

A file detail report may include the official name, date of formation or registration, jurisdiction, registered agent, registered office address, status, and officer or manager information when applicable.

Check status carefully. Search results may show whether an entity is active or inactive.

Certificates of Good Standing

A Certificate of Good Standing confirms compliance with the Illinois Business Services Department. To purchase one, search the database, open the company’s file detail report, and complete the online purchase.

The online certificate fee is $25 for a Corporation or LLC and $5 for a Not-for-Profit Corporation. After purchase, the certificate can be printed from the receipt page or from the link returned by email.

Annual reports and business filings

Illinois provides online annual report filing for corporations, not-for-profit corporations, and limited liability companies. Before filing, review the filing information, gather the required business details, and have a valid form of payment ready.

The Secretary of State also provides online options to form or register a not-for-profit, domestic corporation, or limited liability company, and to terminate an LLC when the LLC is in good standing and the termination is executed by an authorized person.

Business Services contacts

For help with Illinois business entity records, filings, certificates, or related services, contact the Secretary of State Business Services offices.

  • Business Services Springfield Office, 501 S. Second Street Room 350, Springfield, IL 62726
    Phone: (217) 524-8008
    Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Business Services Chicago Office, 160 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60601
    Phone: (312) 793-3380
    Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Illinois Secretary of State, 213 State Capitol, Springfield, IL 62756
    Phone: (800) 252-8980 toll free in Illinois; (217) 785-3000 outside Illinois

Common questions

Where do I search for an Illinois business entity?

Use the Business Entity Search from the Illinois Secretary of State to search the business database by name, registered agent, officer, manager, file number, keyword, or partial word.

What types of entities are in the Illinois business database?

The database includes corporations, not-for-profit corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and limited liability partnerships.

Can I use the database for bulk business records?

No. The database is available for individual searches only, and copying or downloading bulk information from it is prohibited.

Can I buy a Certificate of Good Standing online?

Yes. Search the database, open the entity’s file detail report, and purchase the certificate online. The listed fee is $25 for a Corporation or LLC and $5 for a Not-for-Profit Corporation.