Choose the type of business information to use for the search. The available options are:

• Business Name
• Registered Agent
• President
• Secretary
• Manager
• File Number
• Keyword
• Partial Word

If trying to confirm whether a business name is available, use Business Name, Keyword, or Partial Word to conduct the search (see image). For corporations, availability can also be checked by calling (217) 782-9521 or filing a Corporate Name Availability Inquiry Form.

Use the field below Start a New Search to enter the business detail that matches the selected search method, then click Submit to search the state business records.

There are two possible outcomes of a business entity search:

1. Entities Found – The portal will show each matching entity’s name, status, and other basic details. From the list, select an entity name to view a more in-depth report and access available services for the business.
2. No Entities Found – A “No results found” message will be displayed (see notice). When checking whether an entity name is taken, this notice generally means the name is available, but the final determination is made by the Secretary of State.

If an entity name was selected from the list of results, the search tool will display the following details for the business:

• Entity name
• Status
• Entity type (general)
• Entity type (subcategory)
• Date of incorporation/organization
• State of incorporation/organization
• Duration date
• File number
• Annual report filing date
• Annual report year
• Agent information
• Agent change date

Services and More Information: Tabs at the bottom of each entity information page provide filing options and details about officers/managers, previous names, assumed names, and filing history (see tabs).