The first step is to go to the Illinois Secretary of State’s website. You may look up the availability of business names on the website under the Business Services area. You can use the search tool to see if a specific business name is already registered in Illinois for free.
Simply type the required company name into the available search box to start a search. A list of all the companies registered in Illinois with names that contain the same or similar words as your search query will subsequently be shown by the search engine. You will need to select a different name if Illinois has already registered the intended business name.
You can also utilize the internet system to reserve a chosen business name for a 90-day term if it is already taken. You must pay a $25 fee and register for an account on the Illinois Secretary of State website in order to do this. If you are not yet prepared to register your firm but want to make sure that your preferred name is not already used by another company, reserving a business name can be a good option.
How to determine who owns a firm is another issue that frequently arises when beginning a business in Illinois. The website of the Illinois Secretary of State also provides access to this data. You may look up company owners using their names, company names, or business ID numbers. If you’re looking to collaborate or network with other business owners, this information may be helpful.
You might occasionally want to verify your company status if you have already registered your business in Illinois. You may view the status of your business registration, annual reports, and other crucial information on the Illinois Secretary of State website. It’s crucial to keep your company’s status current if you want to continue to comply with Illinois rules and regulations.
Last but not least, it is important to remember that in Illinois, two companies can share the same name as long as they are not in the same industry and are not likely to be confused with one another. To avoid any potential legal concerns or misunderstanding with existing businesses, it is generally a good idea to select an original business name.
In conclusion, using the Illinois Secretary of State website to verify whether a business name is available is a quick and easy approach. Through the same website, you can also research business owners, check the progress of your business, and reserve a business name. By doing these actions, you can make sure that your company name is distinctive and consistent with the law, giving your new organization a solid basis for success.