Changing Your Business Name in Illinois | A Step-by-Step Guide

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Change Illinois Business Name

In Illinois, change is inevitable in today’s dynamic business environment. One such change that a business may undergo is a change in its name. A business owner might change their name for numerous reasons, even when starting an LLC in Illinois. Whatever the reason, changing a business name in Illinois can be a complicated process. Still, it’s essential to do it right to avoid potential legal issues and ensure a smooth transition. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to successfully Change a Business Name in Illinois.

Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you change your business name when necessary. You must be guided by all the factors gathered in this article.

How to Change a Business Name in Illinois

Before Changing Your Business Name in Illinois

Before you embark on the process of changing your business name, there are several considerations to keep in mind:

  • Research: Ensure that your new business name in Illinois is unique and not already in use by another company in Illinois. To avoid potential trademark infringement, you can conduct a preliminary search using the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database.
  • Notify Stakeholders: Inform your employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders about the upcoming name change to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth transition.
  • Update Marketing Materials: Revise your marketing materials, such as your website, business cards, signage, and social media profiles, to reflect the new Illinois business name.
  • Consider the Impact on Existing Contracts and Agreements: Review your existing contracts and agreements to determine if they will be affected by the name change. You may need to renegotiate these contracts or obtain new ones under the new Illinois business name.

You should also amend the Illinois Articles of Organization and the operating agreement once you have changed your business name. The information should be up to date so your Illinois business won’t have any legal problems in the future. Check out the Best Trademark Services in Illinois to know whether your desired business name is available.

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How to Change a Business Name in Illinois

Depending on the kind of business entity you have, several processes may be involved in changing your business name in the Illinois. Here is a detailed explanation of each business structure:

Changing your company name in Illinois is relatively easy. Before we go into the steps, you should know that some rules must be followed when naming a business in Illinois. The name conventions may change depending on the type of corporate structure. The business must adhere to the following rules while changing the company name:

  • It should be possible to utilize the name.
  • Any other businesses do not use the name.
  • If the new entity is a limited liability company, the name must include “LLC.“
  • The name should be distinct from any governmental agency or institution, including banks and treasuries.

If you decide to start an LLC, read about the Illinois Business Name Search to check if your desired business name is available. Let’s now examine the procedures for changing the company name:

It is suggested that you speak with a legal professional before you begin changing your business name. They’ll understand what’s best for you and your company. To have an easy process for naming your LLC, you can alwasy hire the Best LLC Services for your business.

– WEBINARCARE EDITORIAL TEAM

Step 1: Choose a New Name For Your Business

You must decide on a new name before officially changing your business name in Illinois. Conduct thorough research to ensure the new name is unique, memorable, and represents your company’s values and services. You should also ensure that another business in Illinois does not already use the new name to avoid legal issues and customer confusion.

Some tips for choosing a new business name include:

  • Brainstorm a list of potential names and ask for feedback from friends, family, employees, and customers.
  • Consider the potential impact of the new name on your existing customers, partners, and vendors.
  • Research the availability of relevant domain names and social media handles to ensure a consistent online presence.

Before proceeding with the name change process, ensuring your chosen name is available in Illinois is essential. You must conduct a name search through the Illinois Secretary of State Corporation/LLC Search to do this.

If your desired name is already in use or too similar to an existing business name in Illinois, you must choose another name and repeat the search process. However, you can register your business under a different legal name if your preferred name isn’t available.  Once you have chosen a name, you can submit an application for a DBA (doing business as) in Illinois. In this manner, you can choose any name you desire for your business. A DBA allows a company to operate under the name of the person or entity who owns it. If you have decided to file for a DBA, you can file it in three methods, online, by mail, and in person filing.

However, before filing a DBA, you should know that you need to renew your DBA for up to Indefinite, which costs $50.

In Illinois, if you do not wish to file your LLC right away but want to hold the name that you have decided on, then you can reserve your LLC name for 90 days. You must file a name reservation application with the Illinois Secretary of State to keep the name. 

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Step 2: Prepare Documents to File the Articles of Amendment

After choosing a new business name in Illinois, you must begin putting together the Articles of Amendment as soon as you are prepared with the new Illinois business name. You must send the following information with the name change form: 

  • Current company name
  • New company name
  • Members’ (LLC) or Shareholders’ signatures (Corporation)
  • Illinois filing fee for amendments
  • The business’s entity number, as provided by the state of Illinois
  • Board of Directors expression of approval (for corporations)
  • Details about shares (if applicable)

When registering a new business name with the Illinois Secretary of State, you must provide the list of information indicated above. Ensure the information you offer for the Amendment corresponds to the initial filing materials. Please do so to avoid the registration being canceled.

Step 3: File the Articles of Amendment

Once you’ve confirmed that your new business name is available, you must file the necessary paperwork with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to change your business name officially. This process typically involves filing an amendment to your company’s Articles of Incorporation for a corporation or Articles of Organization for an LLC, depending on your business structure.

To file the amendment, you’ll need to:

  1. Obtain the appropriate amendment form from the Illinois Secretary of State.
  2. Fill out the form with the required information, including your current business name, new business name, and any other required details.
  3. Pay the filing fee, which may vary depending on your business structure and Illinois regulations. In Illinois, amendment cost is $50.
  4. Submit the completed form and payment to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, either by mail or online, depending on your Illinois’s filing options.

Once your amendment has been processed and approved, your business name will officially be changed in Illinois.

Things to do After Filing the Articles of Amendment

Additional considerations in filing the Articles of Amendment in Illinois.

After changing your business name, there are a few additional steps you may need to take:

  • Update your EIN: If your business has an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may need to notify the IRS of the name change. You can do this by writing a letter to the IRS or completing and submitting Form 8822-B.
  • Update your Business License: If your business operates with a business license, you must update the license with the new business name. You can do this by filing Illinois business license and paying an application fee ranging from $50 – $300.
  • Notify the Illinois Department of Labor and Workforce Development: If your business has employees, you will need to notify the Illinois Department of Labor and Workforce Development of the name change.
  • Update your Local Tax and Business Registrations: Depending on your local jurisdiction, you may need to update your local tax and business registrations with the new business name.

Why Change Your Business Name?

There are various reasons why a  business owner might want to change their business name. These can include:

  • Rebranding: If your current Illinois business name no longer reflects your products or services, rebranding can help revitalize your company’s image and attract new customers.
  • Expanding or Refocusing: Your business may have evolved over time, and the original name may no longer accurately represent the scope of your operations.
  • Merger or Acquisition: If your business merges with another company or is acquired, a name change might be necessary to reflect the new owner or combined services.
  • Legal Issues: If your business name infringes on a trademark or is too similar to another company’s name, you may need to change it to avoid legal disputes.
  • Improved Marketability: A new business name in Illinois can be more memorable, easier to pronounce, or better suited to your target audience.

How Long Does Changing The Business Name Take?

The time it takes to change a business name can vary depending on factors such as the Illinois’s processing times, the method of submission (online or by mail), and whether all necessary information and fees have been submitted correctly. Generally, once you have submitted the required paperwork and fees to the Illinois Secretary of State, it can take a few days to several weeks for the name change to be processed and approved.

What Happens If I Don’t Update the Website or Stationery?

If you change your business name in Illinois but do not update your website, stationery, or other marketing materials, you may face several potential issues:

  • Customer Confusion: Your customers may need clarification about the change in the business name and may not recognize that your company is the same one they have previously done business with. This confusion could lead to a loss of trust and potentially a loss of customers.
  • Inconsistency in Branding: When your business name is inconsistent across all platforms, including your website and stationery, it can negatively impact your brand image. Not updating your marketing materials may make your company appear unprofessional or disorganized, which could harm your reputation.
  • Legal Issues: Depending on Illinois regulations, you may be legally required to update your marketing materials with your new business name. Failure to do so could result in penalties or fines. Additionally, if you use a trading name or DBA (Doing Business As) name, you may need to register that name separately with the appropriate government authority to avoid legal issues.
  • Communication Problems: Please update your website and stationery with your new Illinois business name to avoid issues. Clients, vendors, and other partners may not recognize the new name and may not associate it with your company, leading to missed opportunities and potential misunderstandings.

To avoid these potential issues, updating your website, stationery, and all other marketing materials as soon as possible after changing your Illinois business name is essential. This ensures that your customers know the change, maintains consistency in your branding, and helps prevent legal or communication.

If I Have a Foreign LLC, Can I Change the Name Aside from the Original Name?

Yes, if you have a foreign LLC in Illinois (a limited liability company formed in one state but doing business in another state), you can change the name of the foreign LLC. 

FAQs

How do I change my business name in Illinois?
You can change your business name by filing the necessary paperwork with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
Can I change my business name without filing any paperwork?
No, you must file the appropriate paperwork to change your business name in Illinois.
How long does it take to change my business name in Illinois?
The processing time can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to finalize a business name change in Illinois.
What paperwork do I need to change my business name in Illinois?
You will need to file an Application for Reservation of Name, Articles of Amendment, and a Certificate of Amendment.
Where can I find these forms?
You can find the necessary forms on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website or by contacting their office.
How much does it cost to change my business name in Illinois?
There is a fee associated with filing the necessary paperwork. The exact cost will depend on the type of business entity and other factors.
Do I need to obtain a new EIN when I change my business name in Illinois?
No, you can use the same EIN if you are changing only your business name.
Will I need to reprint all of my business materials with my new name?
Yes, you will need to update all of your business materials with your new name.
Can I change my business name with my local county clerk’s office?
No, you must file the proper paperwork with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
Do I need to notify all of my customers and clients of my name change?
Yes, it’s important to inform all of your customers and clients of your name change to avoid confusion.
Can I change my business name to anything I want?
No, certain words and phrases may be prohibited or restricted in Illinois.
How can I determine if my new name is available?
You can search the name database on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website to see if your desired name is available.
Can I amend other aspects of my business in addition to changing the name?
Yes, you can amend other information on the articles of amendment at the same time as changing your business name.
Will the Illinois Secretary of State’s office automatically notify the IRS of my name change?
No, you will need to notify the IRS of your name change separately.
Can I file my paperwork online?
Yes, you can file articles of amendment and the application for reservation of name online.
Will changing my business name affect my personal liability?
No, changing your business name typically does not impact your personal liability.
Do I need to provide a reason for changing my business name?
No, you are not required to provide a reason for changing your business name.
Do I need to have an attorney handle my name change?
No, but if you feel more comfortable with an attorney handling it, then you can hire one.
What are the consequences if I don’t file the proper paperwork to change my business name in Illinois?
Your business may not be recognized as a legal entity and may face penalties.
Do I need to advertise my name change in a newspaper?
No, Illinois does not require businesses to advertise name changes in a newspaper.
Can I change my business name to be identical to another business in Illinois?
No, your business name must not be identical to any existing business in Illinois.
What is the purpose of the Application for Reservation of Name?
The application reserves a name for a period of 90 days, allowing time to file the articles of amendment.
Is there any age requirement for changing a business name in Illinois?
No, there is no age requirement for filing a name change.
Can I change my business name to a name that isn’t in the English language?
Yes, but be sure the name you chose is allowed, and if a name is in a different language, accurate registration will need to be made.
Can I change my business name if I am a foreign business entity?
Yes, you must file the proper paperwork with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
Can I change the spelling of my business name when I change it?
Yes, you can change the spelling of your business name at the time you change it.
What are some common mistakes when changing a business name in Illinois?
Some common errors include not updating all business materials, improperly filing paperwork, and failing to notify customers and clients of the name change.
Do I need to wait for my name change to be approved before conducting business under the new name?
It’s recommended that you wait to conduct business under your new name until it has been officially approved by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
What is the cost to change a business name in Illinois?
The cost to change a business name in Illinois is $25.
Do I need to file a new registration if I change my business name in Illinois?
No, you do not need to file a new registration if you change your business name in Illinois. You just need to file Articles of Amendment with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
When should I change my business name in Illinois?
You should change your business name in Illinois if you want to operate under a new name or if your business name no longer represents your business properly.
Can I change the name of my LLC in Illinois, and if so, how?
Yes, you can change the name of your LLC in Illinois by filing Articles of Amendment with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
Can I change my business name without affecting my tax ID number in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your business name without affecting your tax ID number in Illinois.
Do I need to change my business name on my business license in Illinois?
Yes, you will need to change your business name on your business license in Illinois.
How long does it take to change a business name in Illinois?
It typically takes about 2-3 weeks to change a business name in Illinois.
Will I receive a new certificate of incorporation when I change my business name in Illinois?
Yes, you will receive a new certificate of incorporation when you change your business name in Illinois.
Can I change the name of my business online in Illinois?
Yes, you can change the name of your business online in Illinois by using the Illinois Secretary of State’s online system.
Will changing my business name in Illinois affect my business license, permits, and registrations?
Yes, changing your business name in Illinois can affect your business license, permits, and registrations. It’s important to update these documents with your new business name.
Do I need to notify my customers, suppliers, and vendors of my business name change in Illinois?
Yes, you should notify your customers, suppliers, and vendors of your business name change in Illinois.
Can I change my business name to anything I want in Illinois?
No, you cannot change your business name to anything you want in Illinois. Your new name must be unique and not already used by another business in the state.
Can I change the name of my corporation in Illinois?
Yes, you can change the name of your corporation in Illinois by filing Articles of Amendment with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
Can I change my business name and keep my existing domain name in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your business name and keep your existing domain name in Illinois as long as it’s available and not already owned by another business.
Do I need to update my business name on my website in Illinois?
Yes, you need to update your business name on your website in Illinois.
Can I change the name of my partnership in Illinois?
Yes, you can change the name of your partnership in Illinois by filing an Amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
What happens if I don’t change my business name in Illinois?
If you don’t change your business name in Illinois, you may be subject to fines and other legal penalties.
How many business names can I have in Illinois?
There is no limit to the number of business names you can have in Illinois.
Can I revert to my old business name if I don’t like the new one in Illinois?
Yes, you can revert to your old business name if you don’t like the new one in Illinois.
Do I need to amend my operating agreement if I change my LLC’s name in Illinois?
Yes, you should amend your operating agreement if you change your LLC’s name in Illinois.
Can I change my business name to a non-existent name in Illinois?
No, you cannot change your business name to a non-existent name in Illinois.
Does changing my business name in Illinois affect my registered agent address?
No, changing your business name in Illinois does not affect your registered agent address.
Can I use my new business name before the name change is finalized in Illinois?
No, you cannot use your new business name until the name change is finalized in Illinois.
How do I know if my new business name is available in Illinois?
You can check if your new business name is available in Illinois by doing a name availability search on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.
Can I change my business name as part of my annual report filing in Illinois?
No, you cannot change your business name as part of your annual report filing in Illinois. You need to file Articles of Amendment with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
How do I change the name of my sole proprietorship in Illinois?
You can change the name of your sole proprietorship in Illinois by filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the county clerk where your business is located.
Can I use my old business name and new business name at the same time in Illinois?
No, you cannot use your old business name and new business name at the same time in Illinois. You need to complete the name change process before using your new business name.

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Conclusion

Changing your business name in Illinois can be a strategic decision that helps your company evolve and remain competitive. By following the steps outlined in this guide and conducting thorough research, you can ensure that your business name change is completed legally and efficiently. Remember to notify all relevant stakeholders, update your marketing materials, and revise any contracts or agreements to reflect the new business name.

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