Illinois business name search

How to check if a name is available in Illinois

1. 01

   Open Business Entity Search

   Go to apps.ilsos.gov/businessentitysearch and choose to search by Business Name.

2. 02

   Use Keyword and Partial Word

   Switch to Keyword to find your words anywhere in a name, then Partial Word to catch spelling variations like "Lakeview" vs "Lake View".

3. 03

   Check assumed and reserved names too

   Illinois compares your LLC name against corporate and LLC names, assumed names and reserved names, so a hit on any of these is a conflict.

4. 04

   Screen for banned terms

   An LLC name can't include Corporation, Corp., Incorporated, Inc., Ltd., Co., Limited Partnership or LP. Fix the wording before you file.

5. 05

   Search USPTO and online availability

   Run the name through https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/ and check the domain and social handles before you order anything branded.

6. 06

   Generate alternatives

   Use our free /business-name-generator/ if you need a new direction, then repeat the Illinois search.

Illinois business naming rules

• An LLC name must include "Limited Liability Company", "L.L.C." or "LLC".
• An LLC name can't include Corporation, Corp., Incorporated, Inc., Ltd., Co., Limited Partnership or LP.
• The name must be distinguishable from domestic and foreign LLC and corporate names, assumed names, and reserved or registered names on file.
• Words tied to banking, insurance, trust or fiduciary services need a signed statement or approval from the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.
• Names with a connotation offensive to good taste and decency are not allowed.