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. The link to the preliminary name search page is below.

To search for name availibility online in Illinois, CLICK HERE. This link will take you directly to the name inquiring portion of the Illinois Web Site. This search will give you a list of names organized alphabetically that are close to the name that you desire.

CHECK CORPORATE NAME ONLINE NOW

You may also call for name availability at (217) 782-9521

You may also Email your corporate name check inquiry to the State of illinois Secretary of State through the following web page. EMAIL NAME AVAILABILITY REQUEST

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.

You need to be aware however that a name search, by telephone or using the online resources, is only preliminary. It is no guarantee that your name will be available at the time that your Articles of incorporation are filed. Preliminary name checks are not binding. therefore, do not expend resources on the name until such time as your corporation is formed.

NAME RESERVATION

Illinois does permit you to reserve a corporate name in advance. Use the illinois name reservation form to reserve a name. The fee is $25.00

Download Name Reservation Form (Adobe PDF File)

Corporate Names must be distinguishable from other names. For guidance on this issue, CLICK HERE