How Long Does It Take to Form an LLC in Illinois?

Standard LLC formation in Illinois takes approximately 10 business days when filing online with the Illinois Secretary of State. Expedited 24-hour processing is available for an additional $100 fee. The base filing fee is $150 ($250 total with expedited service). You file Articles of Organization under 805 ILCS 180/5-5 and 805 ILCS 180/5-40 with the Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division.

Standard Processing: 10 Business Days

The Illinois Secretary of State processes online filings through https://apps.ilsos.gov/llcarticles/index.jsp within approximately 10 business days. This timeline begins once the Department of Business Services receives your complete Articles of Organization, including your LLC name with proper designator (LLC, Limited Liability Company, or L.L.C.), principal place of business address, registered agent information, and organizer details.

You may select a delayed effective date for your LLC without extending the processing timeline.

Expedited Option: 24 Hours

Illinois offers 24-hour expedited processing for an additional $100 fee. This reduces your total formation time to one business day. Series LLCs cost $400 base filing plus the same $100 expedited fee.

Before You File

Reserve your LLC name first to avoid delays from name rejection. Illinois allows 90-day name reservations for $25 through https://apps.ilsos.gov/businessentitysearch/. Your LLC name must be distinguishable from existing entities under 805 ILCS 180/1-10 and cannot contain restricted words like "Corporation," "Bank," or "Insurance."

Contact Information

File online or contact the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division:

Phone: (217) 524-8008
Springfield Office: 501 S. Second St., Rm. 350, Springfield, IL 62756
Chicago Office: 69 W. Washington St., Ste. 1240, Chicago, IL 60602
Website: https://www.ilsos.gov/

One or more organizers (individuals age 18+ or business entities) may form your LLC. Foreign owners are permitted.

This is general information, not legal advice.