Illinois LLC Cost

The minimum Illinois LLC Cost is $150, which covers the processing fee for filing your LLC formation documents (known as the Articles of Organization).

However, the total cost of forming an Illinois LLC will depend on various factors, including your specific business needs and personal preferences.

In this Illinois LLC Cost article, we’ve detailed all the expenses associated with starting and maintaining an LLC in Illinois.

More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a professional service to save time and avoid mistakes.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

How Much Does an Illinois LLC Cost

In the table below, you’ll find a summary of the main requirements for forming an Illinois limited liability company (LLC) and the associated fees.

	LLC Cost Summary
Requirement	Fee
Articles of Organization	$150
Registered Agent	$0-$155+
LLC Name	$0-$175+

Illinois LLC Filing Fee ($150+)

In Illinois, all LLCs must submit their Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State for state registration — which costs $150 for both domestic and foreign LLCs.

If you opt to use an LLC formation service instead, expect the total cost to be slightly higher as you’ll also need to pay some service fees in addition to the state filing fee above.

Fees for LLC formation services vary significantly but can start as low as $29, but can be even more affordable (i.e., $0) or significantly more expensive depending on the provider you choose.

Have a look at our in-depth review of the best and most affordable LLC Formation Services in 2024.

Illinois Registered Agent ($0-$155+)

As part of completing your LLC’s Articles of Organization, you must designate either an individual or business entity as your registered agent.

In simple terms, this agent will be responsible for receiving tax, legal, and governmental correspondence on behalf of your Illinois LLC.

You can act as your own registered agent at no cost, but many business owners opt for professional services as it’s an easy way to avoid any potential compliance issues and also keeps personal information private as an added bonus.

The cost of professional registered agent services in Illinois varies depending on the provider — while some offer free services for the first year, others charge upwards of $150 annually.

Note: Your registered agent must have a physical street address in Illinois, as P.O. boxes are not allowed.

Illinois LLC Name ($0-$175+)

As part of the formation process for your Illinois LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that is both suitable and available. 

While it costs nothing to register your LLC’s name, there are two potential costs you may need to consider.

Reserving a Name

If you’re not ready to form your business right now but have found a suitable name that you like, you can reserve it to ensure it remains available.

In Illinois, you can protect your name for up to 90 days by submitting a Name Reservation form along with a $25 fee to the Illinois Secretary of State. You can submit this form by mail or deliver it in person to the Secretary of State’s office.

Note: Before reserving your LLC name, make sure to check its availability using the Corporate Name Availability Inquiry Form on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website or by calling (217) 782-9521.

You will also need to ensure that your name corresponds to an available domain in order to ensure consistency between your LLC’s name and its online presence.

Doing Business As (DBA) Name

In Illinois, a Doing Business As (DBA) name, or Assumed Name, allows LLCs to operate under a different name from their registered name.

To register one for your LLC you’ll need to pay a filing fee that varies between $30 and $150 (depending on the year) in order to submit the Application to Adopt an Assumed Name form to the Secretary of State.

Additionally, after registering a DBA name, you’re required by law to publish the assumed name in a local newspaper in the county your LLC’s based in.

Optional Illinois LLC Formation Costs

Beyond the standard fees, Illinois LLCs may encounter additional formation costs depending on their specific circumstances, which we’ve explored below in greater detail.

Illinois LLC Operating Agreement

Although not required by law, it’s advisable for all Illinois LLCs to have an operating agreement drafted up for themselves. 

This is a document that clearly and simply outlines the roles and responsibilities of each member and/or manager in your LLC in order to prevent and resolve potential disputes.

While you can hire an online service or a business attorney to draft this document (typically costing several hundred dollars), it’s straightforward to create it yourself at no additional cost.

Note: As this is a purely internal document, your LLC’s operating agreement does not need to be filed with the Illinois Secretary of State.

Expedited Services Illinois

If you need to accelerate your LLC formation, the Illinois Secretary of State offers expedited processing.

This service guarantees that your documents receive priority for a fee of $25 per document and a $10 fee for any certified copies or certificates that you expedite.

To request expedited processing, remember to include a cover letter specifying the need for expedited service and provide an email address for notifications.

Illinois Professional Licenses

If your LLC operates in a regulated field, such as medicine, law, or accounting, another potential cost to consider is that associated with obtaining any professional licenses you may need.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees the licensing of over 1.2 million professionals in more than 100 professions, with costs varying significantly depending on the license in question. 

For example, an LLC offering counseling services must secure a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license, which costs $150.

Note: We recommend checking out the IDFPR Application Checklist for a more detailed look into this.

Local Business Licenses

Depending on your LLC’s location and industry, it might be required to obtain local licenses or permits.

While these vary widely in cost, they generally range from anywhere between $75 and several hundred dollars.

Certificate of Good Standing

A Certificate of Good Standing is often needed to open a business bank account or secure loans. 

To obtain one, you will need to visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website, search for your company’s File Detail Report, and pay one of the following fees:

• LLCs and Corporations: $25
• Non-profits: $5

Alternatively, you can obtain the certificate by calling (217) 782-6875 or submitting a written request to the Secretary of State’s office.

Certified Copies of Business Documents

Certified copies of business documents are necessary for legal verification, such as financial transactions or registering your business in other states.

You can obtain certified copies for $25 by applying through the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.

Ongoing Costs to Maintain an Illinois LLC

In addition to formation costs, Illinois LLCs must cover ongoing costs each year.

In the section below, we’ve covered the main recurring costs associated with running an LLC in Illinois.

Annual Report

Illinois LLCs must file an annual report by the first day of the month they were initially formed. This is either done online or by mail (Form LLC-50.1) for a fee of $75.

The purpose of this report is to update the Secretary of State on your LLC’s current information, including its name, address, and registered agent details.

Note: This annual report can be submitted as early as 60 days before the due date, though a $100 penalty is applied if it's filed more than 60 days late. 

Registered Agent Maintenance

If you use a professional registered agent, expect to pay an annual fee for their services that ranges from $125 to $300, depending on both the service provider and the features offered. 

While using a professional registered agent is not mandatory, it’s highly recommended due to the increased privacy and compliance that’s offered. 

Ready to Get Started?

Have a look at our LLC Illinois Guide (DIY Approach)

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Illinois LLC vs Other States

Illinois offers a favorable environment for LLCs, with relatively low fees making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs.

Regardless, the best state to form your LLC is where you plan to primarily operate your business, as this simplifies compliance with taxation, licensing, and filing requirements — ensuring that you only need to pay registration and maintenance fees in one state.