How to Register a DBA in Illinois (Step-by-Step Guide)

It’s worth noting that in Illinois, the term used for DBA names is specifically “assumed names.”

Illinois law states that assumed business names must comply with specific naming requirements, including:

• Not containing words that could confuse your business with a government agency (Treasury, State Department, etc.)
• It is important to obtain approval from the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation before using words like trust, trustee, or fiduciary that may imply or indicate that your company is operating as a corporate fiduciary.
• Not indicating the corporation is in the banking or insurance business without authorization from the state Commissioner of Banks and Real Estate.
• Not using any word or phrase restricted by any other state statute.

As a general partnership or sole proprietorship

Before registering, verifying that the chosen name is not already in use within the state is crucial. You can consult the Illinois Secretary of State name check database. For sole proprietors, county-specific regulations apply.

As a corporation or LLC

The Illinois requirements vary slightly between sole proprietors and LLCs and corporations. These requirements apply to the following entities:

• For-profit and non-profit corporations
• Limited liability partnerships
• Limited liability companies
• All foreign filing entities

These must complete a name search with this database to ensure they are unique.

Sole proprietorships and general partnerships must file with their county clerk’s office. In contrast, LLCs and corporations file with the Illinois secretary of state.

As a general partnership or sole proprietorship

To proceed, you must file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the county clerk where you plan to conduct your business.

Each Illinois county has unique requirements for filing the necessary documents with the county clerk’s office. Many counties provide online filing options.

In Cook County

For instance, you must search the assumed name database in Cook County to confirm your name is not in use.

You must complete the Assumed Business Name Application and present it to the Cook County Clerk through online, mail, or in-person submission.

As a corporation or LLC

In Illinois, LLCs and corporations must establish a DBA with the Illinois Secretary of State, but the forms and regulations vary depending on the type of business entity.

• Use this form to submit your assumed name form as an LLC. 
• Use this form to submit your assumed name form as a corporation.
• You can now file online through Cyberdrive Illinois for an LLC or a corporation.

As a general partnership or sole proprietorship

The fees for sole proprietors are $50 and are non-refundable.

As a corporation or LLC

Illinois’s state fees for LLCs, corporations, and non-profits are subject to yearly variations. The fees are determined based on the year-end digits of the registration period, as follows:

• $150 for each year or part thereof ending in 0 or 5
• $120 for each year or part thereof ending in 1 or 6
• $90 for each year or part thereof ending in 2 or 7
• $60 for each year or part thereof ending in 3 or 8
• $30 for each year or part thereof ending in 4 or 9

As a general partnership or sole proprietorship

Once you file a county DBA application, you must advertise it in a local newspaper within 15 days.

1. This advertisement must be published once a week for three consecutive weeks.
2. After this period, the newspaper will provide you with proof of publication.
3. You must submit this certificate and an original advertisement clipping within 50 days of your initial application.

As a general partnership or sole proprietorship

• DBAs do not expire for general partnerships or sole proprietors.
• You must contact the County Clerk’s office to make changes or withdraw your assumed name.
  • For example, you can file electronically on the Cook County Clerk’s office website or fill out and submit the Notification of Assumed Business Name Amendments form. The filing fee is $25.
  • To withdraw your name, fill out Section I of the Notification of Assumed Business Name Amendments.

As a corporation or LLC

• The renewal must be done before the first day of the anniversary month of filing, which occurs every five years in a year ending in “0” or “5”.
• Late renewals incur a penalty of $100; after 60 days, the right to use the assumed business name is lost.
• To change or cancel an assumed name for LLCs and corporations, a fee of $25 and $5, respectively, is charged.

• Illinois Secretary of State
• Illinois business name requirements
• Illinois Secretary of State name check database
• Cook County assumed name database
• Cyberdrive Illinois LLC Link
• Cyberdrive Illinois Corporation Link
• Cook County Assumed Business Name Application
• LLC in person or mail form
• Corporation in person or mail form

There are many advantages to registering a DBA:

• Adaptability: An assumed name can be altered more easily than a legal business name. This allows business owners to be more adaptable to changes in the industry. With multiple DBA names, businesses can access more markets, attract customers, and increase brand recognition.
• Clear financial separation: Filing for a DBA allows business owners to establish a business bank account under the company name instead of a personal account. This separation allows for more transparent financial records, prevents confusion, and protects personal assets. It also makes it easier to receive cheques and card payments.
• Enhanced marketing opportunities: A well-crafted name can be more memorable, distinctive, and eye-catching than a legal business name. A unique name can make a strong customer impression, encourage brand recognition, and increase sales.
• Cost-effective solution: Compared to more complicated business structures, like LLCs, name registrations are generally less costly and complicated, making them a viable solution for small businesses or entrepreneurs.

While DBAs offer a range of advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider, including:

• Limited Legal Protection: Unlike LLCs and corporations, DBAs do not provide the same personal liability or legal protection. Business owners will be personally liable for all debts, obligations, and legal issues.

• Sole proprietorships: Individuals who own and operate their business without creating a separate legal entity.
• Partnerships: Joint ventures between two or more individuals who want to operate under a different name than the partners’ names.
• Corporations and LLCs: Business entities that want to use a name different from their legal name or diversify business under multiple names.

You would need a DBA if:

• You intend to operate your business under a name other than your or your company’s legal name.
• You want a trading name that is easier to market, remember, or describe your products or services.
• You are a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC and want to conduct business under multiple names.
• You want to test a new product or market without changing your legal name.

You may not need a DBA if:

• You are operating your business under your personal or your company’s name.
• You are a single-owner LLC that conducts business under your name or your LLCs.