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Illinois . DBA / Fictitious Name

File a DBA / Fictitious Business Name in Illinois.

A DBA (Doing Business As) . also called a Fictitious Business Name, Assumed Name, or Trade Name . lets a Illinois entity operate under a different name. This guide explains the filing process, where to file in Illinois, fees, renewal cycles, and the critical fact that a DBA is NOT a substitute for forming an LLC or Corporation.

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When to file a DBA in Illinois

Operating under a different name than your legal entity

"Acme Holdings LLC" wants to operate retail stores as "Acme Coffee".

Sole proprietors operating under a brand name

Sole proprietorships using anything other than the owner's legal name must file a DBA in Illinois.

Operating multiple lines of business under one entity

Multiple brands run by the same LLC each get their own DBA.

Banking under a brand name

Banks require a filed DBA to accept payments made out to a name other than the legal entity.

Critical

A DBA is NOT a legal entity

Filing a DBA in Illinois does not create liability protection, tax separation, or perpetual existence. A DBA is only a name registration. If you want liability protection, form an LLC or Corporation. The DBA can then be filed in the entity's name.

How to file a Illinois DBA

  1. 1Determine state vs county filing. Some states file at the Illinois Secretary of State, others at the county clerk. Some require both.
  2. 2Check name availability. A Illinois DBA cannot duplicate an existing entity or DBA.
  3. 3File the Certificate of Assumed Name. Some Illinois jurisdictions require newspaper publication.
  4. 4Track renewal cycle. Illinois DBA renewals typically required every 5 years; some states sooner.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file a DBA in Illinois?
Depends on the Illinois jurisdiction. Some states file with the Illinois Secretary of State, others at the county clerk. File.Business identifies the correct filing office.
How much does a Illinois DBA cost?
State/county fees typically $10-$100. File.Business preparation: $79.
Does a DBA in Illinois replace forming an LLC?
No. A DBA is just a name registration. No liability protection, no tax separation, no perpetual existence.
Can my Illinois LLC file multiple DBAs?
Yes. Each brand can have its own DBA under the same LLC.
Do I need a DBA if I use my legal entity name?
No. Operating under your registered entity name does not require a DBA.
How long does a Illinois DBA last?
Most {s["name"]} DBAs expire after 5 years. Some require sooner renewal.
Does File.Business handle Illinois DBA filings?
Yes. We identify the correct jurisdiction, check name availability, prepare and file.

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Five minutes per filing. State fee passed through at cost. Audit trail and deadline tracking included.

File a DBA Form an entity first

Disclosure. File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the Illinois Secretary of State or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the Illinois Secretary of State. Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Fees and deadlines verified against the Illinois Secretary of State as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed Illinois attorney or CPA.

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File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the appropriate state agency. SOC 2 Type II audited. 220,000+ businesses formed since 2017.