Register a Foreign LLC in Illinois | Secretary of State

How do I register a foreign LLC in Illinois?

To register a foreign LLC in Illinois, file an Application for Admission to Transact Business with the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division. The filing fee is $150. You must appoint a registered agent with a physical Illinois address and provide a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state. File online at https://apps.ilsos.gov/llcarticles/index.jsp or contact (217) 524-8008.

Registered Agent Requirements

Under 805 ILCS 180/1-35 and 805 ILCS 180/1-50, your registered agent must be either an individual residing in Illinois or a business entity authorized to transact business in Illinois. A member of your LLC may serve as registered agent. The agent must maintain a physical street address in Illinois—a P.O. Box is insufficient. The Secretary of State cannot serve as your agent.

Required Documents

Submit your Application for Admission with a Certificate of Good Standing from your LLC's state of formation. This document confirms your LLC is in good standing in its home jurisdiction and is required for admission to Illinois.

File online through the Secretary of State's portal or mail your application to:

Springfield: 501 S. Second St., Rm. 350, Springfield, IL 62756
Chicago: 69 W. Washington St., Ste. 1240, Chicago, IL 60602

Ongoing Compliance

After registration, file an Annual Report each year for $75. This keeps your registration active and your business information current.

To change your registered agent or registered office address, file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office for a $25 fee.

To withdraw from Illinois, file a withdrawal application for a $5 fee.

Next Steps

Verify your LLC name availability using the Secretary of State's Business Entity Search at https://apps.ilsos.gov/businessentitysearch/. Obtain your Certificate of Good Standing from your home state before filing. For questions, contact the Illinois Secretary of State at (217) 524-8008 or visit https://www.ilsos.gov/.

This is general information, not legal advice.