How to search Illinois business entities online
Updated August 2026
Official Resource
Illinois Official SOS WebsiteIllinois business entity records are publicly searchable at apps.ilsos.gov/businessentitysearch, operated by the Illinois Secretary of State's Business Services Division. The search covers domestic and foreign corporations, not-for-profit corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships. The database does not include sole proprietorships, general partnerships, or trade names (DBAs) registered at the county level — those records are held by individual county clerks or recorders.
Bulk data restriction
Illinois law prohibits using this database for bulk data extraction — it's intended for individual lookups only. Unauthorized copying, downloading, or bulk use of the database information is prohibited under Illinois' computer tampering statutes and can be prosecuted as a criminal offense.
Search options
The portal supports a broad range of searches:
- Business Name — supports partial and keyword matching
- File Number — the Illinois-assigned entity ID
- Registered Agent Name
- Officer names — President, Secretary (corporations); Manager (LLCs)
- Keyword — finds the term anywhere in the entity name
- Partial Word — useful when you only know part of a word in the name
Reading the File Detail Report
Each entity's record — the "File Detail Report" — shows the legal name, formation or registration date, jurisdiction, registered agent name and address, and current status. Corporation records include the names and addresses of the president and secretary from the most recent annual report. LLC records list the manager or managers. All of this is publicly accessible without an account.
Certificates of Good Standing
A Certificate of Good Standing can be purchased directly from the search results page. The cost is $25 for corporations and LLCs, $5 for not-for-profit corporations. Expedited service is available in person — at the Springfield and Chicago offices, as well as select DMV+ Flagship Centers and partner DMV locations (Aurora, Champaign, Lake Zurich, and Melrose Park) — but not by mail or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois' business search include DBAs or general partnerships?
No. The database covers domestic and foreign corporations, not-for-profit corporations, LLCs, LPs, and LLPs. Sole proprietorships, general partnerships, and county-level trade names (DBAs) aren't included — those records are held by individual county clerks or recorders.
Can I get an expedited Certificate of Good Standing by mail in Illinois?
No. A Certificate of Good Standing costs $25 for corporations and LLCs, or $5 for not-for-profits, purchased from the search results page. Expedited service is only available in person at the Springfield and Chicago offices or select DMV+ locations — not by mail or online.
Is it legal to bulk download data from Illinois' business search?
No. Illinois law restricts this database to individual lookups only. Unauthorized copying, downloading, or bulk use of the information is prohibited under the state's computer tampering statutes and can be prosecuted as a criminal offense.
This guide is informational only and is not affiliated with the Illinois Secretary of State's office. Verify current procedures at the official state website. Last verified: August 2026.