2025 BOI rule update US entities are now exempt. Check if you still need to file →
We answer most inquiries within one business hour during US business days.
Start filing →
Illinois . Name Reservation

Reserve a Illinois business name before you form.

If your formation is not ready but you need to lock in a name, Illinois lets you reserve it. This guide explains the Illinois Secretary of State reservation process, fee, duration, and how to convert a reservation into a finished entity.

Start formation in Illinois →

Why reserve a name in Illinois

  • Lock the name while raising capital.
  • Hold the name while building the business plan.
  • Protect the name during a trademark search.
  • Coordinate domain + name + branding.
  • Block competitors from filing the same name.

How Illinois name reservation works

  1. 1Check name availability. Run a Illinois business search to confirm the name is not in use.
  2. 2File Application for Reservation of Name.
  3. 3Receive certificate. Typical reservation: 120 days (varies by state).
  4. 4Convert to formation. File Articles of Organization or Incorporation referencing the reserved name.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long can I reserve a name in Illinois?
Most states allow 120 days. Some allow renewal.
How much does Illinois name reservation cost?
State fees vary. Typically $10-$50. File.Business handles the filing for $49.
Can I extend a Illinois name reservation?
Some Illinois reservations are renewable; others are not. Check current Illinois Secretary of State rules.
What if my reserved name is challenged after I form?
Reservation only blocks identical filings. Trademark and DBA rights are separate.
Does a Illinois name reservation work for an out-of-state entity?
Yes. Foreign entities can reserve a name in {s["name"]} before foreign-qualifying.
Can File.Business reserve my Illinois name?
Yes. Or skip the reservation and form directly through our flow.
What if I find my desired name is taken in Illinois?
Consider a variation, an assumed name (DBA), or a different state.

Ready to handle this the easy way?

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

Start formation Run a business search

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.

Form in Illinois →
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.