Illinois LLC or Corporation Registration: Chicago restaurant guide

Illinois Secretary of State — Business Services

What it is

Creates your LLC or corporation under Illinois law. Chicago asks for your state registration with every business license application.

When a restaurant needs it

Before you sign the lease or apply for any city license in the company's name.

How to apply

File Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation with the Illinois Secretary of State, online or at the Chicago office (50 W. Washington St., West Concourse Level, Suite 1240).

Documents you’ll need

Exact business name
Registered agent with an Illinois street address
Principal business address
Names of managers/members or directors

Fee

Varies — see the Illinois Secretary of State fee schedule

Processing time

Varies (online filing is fastest)

Renewal

Annual report each year to stay in good standing

Who files

You, your attorney or a registered-agent service can file.

Good to know

The DBA on your Chicago license must match your registered name exactly. Sole proprietors and general partnerships using a trade name file an assumed name with the Cook County Clerk instead.

Official source

BACP — state, county & federal registration · BACP — required license documents

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.