How do I check if a business name is available?

How to Check Business Name Availability in Illinois

Before registering your business in Illinois, it is essential to verify that your desired business name is available. This ensures your business name is unique and compliant with state requirements.

Steps to Check Business Name Availability

• Use the Illinois Secretary of State Business Services Website: Visit the official Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) website and access the Corporation/LLC Search tool. This tool allows you to search existing business names to confirm if your desired name is already in use.
• Search for Exact and Similar Names: Conduct searches for the exact business name and variations to avoid conflicts. Illinois requires business names to be distinguishable from existing registered names.
• Check Name Requirements: Ensure the name complies with Illinois naming rules, such as including required entity identifiers (e.g., LLC, Inc.) and avoiding restricted words.
• Consider Trademark and Domain Availability: Beyond state registration, check federal trademark databases and domain name availability to protect your brand and online presence.

Additional Operational Considerations

• Reserve Your Business Name: If you are not ready to register immediately, you can reserve a business name with the Illinois SOS for a fee, which holds the name for a limited period.
• Business Registration and Licensing: After confirming name availability, proceed with registering your business entity and obtaining necessary licenses or permits relevant to your industry.
• Recordkeeping: Keep documentation of your name search and reservation as part of your business records for compliance and future reference.

As of 2026, regularly verify name availability early in your business planning to streamline registration and compliance processes in Illinois.