How to Change LLC Address in Illinois | A Step-by-Step Guide

Change LLC Address in Illinois

When you form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Illinois, you are required to provide a registered office address. This address is the official location where legal documents, such as the service of process, can be delivered. As your business grows, you may find it necessary to change your Illinois LLC’s address for various reasons, such as moving to a larger space, expanding to multiple locations, or simply changing your Registered Agent.

Changing your Illinois LLC address may seem daunting, but it can be simple and straightforward with the right information and guidance. In this article, Webinarcare Editorial Team will walk you through the necessary steps to change your Illinois LLC’s address, ensuring that you remain compliant with Illinois regulations.

What is a Limited Liability Company?

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a specific form of a private limited company that combines aspects of partnership and corporate structures. It is a legal form of a company that provides its owners with limited liability. This means the owners are not personally liable for the company’s debts and liabilities beyond their investments in the company.

When it comes to changing the registered address of the LLC, the responsibility typically falls on the managers or members of the LLC, depending on the company’s structure.

The process is often as follows:

  1. The LLC must approve the change of address. This may happen at a members’ or managers’ meeting.
  2. Once approved, the appropriate form or document to effect the change of address must be filed with the Illinois Secretary of State.
  3. The filing often includes a small processing fee. After accepting the filing, Illinois will update the public record with the new address.

In Illinois, the change of registered address can also be related to the address of the LLC’s Registered Agent. A Registered Agent is a person or entity appointed by the LLC to receive legal papers and service of process on its behalf. This is another crucial role in the LLC that might be involved in the address change, especially if the Registered Agent’s address is used as the business’s official address.

It’s important to note that the specifics of this process can vary quite a bit depending on the Illinois LLC’s operating agreement and the specific administrative rules and requirements of Illinois in which the LLC is registered.

Before you change your LLC address, it is advised that you consult with a legal expert. They will be aware of what’s best for you and your business. You can always start an LLC in Illinois, if you wish to protect your personal assets from business debts.

WEBINARCARE EDITORIAL TEAM

Reasons to Change Illinois LLC Address

Changing the address of an LLC in Illinois can be prompted by several reasons, each distinctive to the business’s circumstances and goals. Here are several common reasons:

  1. Relocation of Business: The main reason for changing an LLC address is the relocation of the business. This could be related to business expansion, more space, or moving to a more convenient location.
  2. Convenience or Strategy: Sometimes, an LLC might change its primary address for convenience or strategic reasons. For instance, the business might move closer to its customer base or an area with favorable economic benefits.
  3. Legal Requirements: If an LLC’s legal or Registered Agent changes its address, the company must also change its registered address since the Registered Agent’s location is where all legal correspondences are sent.
  4. Rental Issues: If the tenant agreement — such as a lease — expires or faces problems, it might compel an LLC to change addresses. Landlord disputes can also lead to a change of address.
  5. Management Changes: If the management or owner of the business changes and the old address is no longer feasible or relevant for the new management, a change of address becomes necessary.
  6. Privacy Concerns: Some LLC owners change their addresses for privacy reasons to separate their personal lives from their business activities.
  7. Cost Reduction: Sometimes, a business may change its address to move to a less expensive area to cut costs.
  8. Disaster Recovery: In the unfortunate event of a natural disaster or other unforeseen circumstances, such as a fire outbreak or civil disturbance, changing the LLC’s address might be necessary.
  9. Image and Branding: The business address can sometimes be part of the company image, particularly if the business is in an industry where location matters. An LLC may change addresses in such cases as part of a rebranding effort.

Remember, if your business operates as an LLC in Illinois, it’s important to update the Illinois Secretary of State or other relevant state agency whenever you change your business address. It helps to keep your business in good standing and to ensure that all official documents, notifications, and legal correspondences reach you or your Registered Agent.

How to Change Illinois LLC Address

To change your Illinois LLC address, you must follow the guidelines that include determining whether you need to change your LLC’s address, update your registered office address, update your principal place of business address, notify the IRS, and inform other relevant parties due to the amendment of your LLC address. 

Step 1: Determine If You Need to Change Your LLC’s Address

Before you begin the process of changing your Illinois LLC’s address, it’s essential to determine whether a change is indeed necessary. In Illinois, there are two primary addresses associated with your LLC:

Registered Office Address

This is the official address where legal documents and official correspondence will be delivered. If you are starting a business in Illinois or changing your Registered Agent, you will need to update this address. Changing your Registered Agent is one of the reasons why you need to change your Illinois LLC address because a Registered Agent should have a primary address in the state your LLC is registered. 

An example is having a Foreign LLC in Illinois; a Registered Agent should have the same address as your registered Foreign LLC.

Principal Place of Business Address

This is where your Illinois business operates. If you are moving your business, expanding to multiple locations, or changing your business structure, you must update this address. 

In some cases, you may need to update both addresses. Be sure to evaluate your specific situation to determine which addresses need to be updated.

Step 2: Update Your Registered Office Address

If you need to change your registered office address in Illinois, you will likely need to file an address change form with the Illinois Secretary of State. Below is an outline of the steps:

Obtain the Appropriate Form

Visit the Illinois Secretary of State‘s website to download the necessary form for changing your Illinois registered office address. This form may be called “Illinois Statement of Change of Registered Office” or something similar.

For you to update the registered office address, you need to have the following;

1. Your Illinois LLC must obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Illinois Secretary of State, confirming that it has complied with all filing and tax obligations in the state of Illinois.

2. Your Illinois LLC must conduct a name search on Illinois Secretary of State Corporation/LLC Search to ensure that its desired name is available for use in the state of Illinois. However, 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. 

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 Illinois DBA (doing business as). 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 every Indefinite, which costs $50.

3. Your Illinois LLC should prepare and file the Articles of Domestication with the Illinois Secretary of State, providing information about its existing Illinois LLC, its desired Illinois LLC name, and its new registered office address in Illinois.

4. Your Illinois LLC has designated a Registered Agent with a physical address in Illinois and is available during regular business hours to receive legal and official documents on behalf of the LLC.

In Illinois, your Registered Agent must:

  • Be a resident of Illinois or a business entity authorized to do business in Illinois
  • Have a physical address in Illinois (P.O. boxes are not acceptable)

Choosing a reliable and responsible Registered Agent is essential, as failure to receive and respond to legal documents can seriously affect your business. 

You can serve as your own Registered Agent or appoint a friend, family member or hire the Best Illinois Registered Agent Services.

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Complete the Form

Carefully fill out the form, providing all required information, including your Illinois LLC’s name, current registered office address, and new registered office address. You may also be required to provide the name and address of your new Registered Agent if you are changing agents.

Submit the Form

Once the form is completed, please submit it to the Illinois Secretary of State, along with any required filing fees. You can usually submit your form online, by mail, or in person.

The fees in Illinois for this process are as follows:

  • Articles of Domestication: The filing fee for Articles of Domestication with the Illinois Secretary of State is $100.00 for conversion.
  • Dissolution of Illinois LLC: The fee for filing the Illinois Articles of Dissolution with the Illinois Secretary of State is $5.

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Confirm the Change

After submitting your form and other required documents, you should receive a confirmation from the Illinois Secretary of State that your address change has been processed. Keep this confirmation as proof that you have updated your registered office address.

Step 3: Update Your Principal Place of Business Address

If you need to change your Illinois LLC’s principal place of business address in Illinois, you may need to update your business license or other permits, depending on your specific situation. Here are some general steps to follow:

  • Contact Local Agencies: Contact the Illinois Secretary of State that issued your business licenses or permits to determine their specific requirements for changing your address. Depending on your business type and location, this may include city, county, or state agencies.
  • Keep Records: Retain copies of any updated Illinois licenses, permits, or other documents as proof that you have changed your principal place of business address. This may be necessary for future filings, audits, or compliance requirements.
  • Update your Licenses and Permits: Follow the instructions provided by the Illinois Secretary of State to update your business licenses and permits with your new principal place of business address. 

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Step 4: Notify the IRS of Your Address Change

In addition to updating your Illinois LLC’s address with the Illinois Secretary of State and local agencies, you should also notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of your address change. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Complete Form 8822-B: Download and complete IRS Form 8822-B, “Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business.” This form informs the IRS of your LLC’s new address.
  • Mail the Form: Mail the completed Form 8822-B to the IRS at the address specified in the form’s instructions. There is no filing fee associated with this form.
  • Update your EIN: If your Illinois LLC has an Employer Identification Number (EIN), you should also update the address associated with your EIN by contacting the IRS via phone, mail, or fax. The specific contact information and instructions can be found on the IRS website.

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Step 5: Inform Other Relevant Parties of Your Address Change

To ensure that your Illinois LLC remains in good standing and that you continue to receive important correspondence, you should also inform the following parties of your address change:

  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Vendors and suppliers
  • Customers and clients
  • Utility providers
  • Illinois Insurance companies
  • Relevant industry associations or organizations

Update the Articles of Organization

When changing the address of your LLC in Illinois, one of the pertinent requirements could be updating your Articles of Organization, which is the document initially filed to establish your business entity officially.

The Articles of Organization includes various pieces of information about the LLC, such as its name, primary place of business, and Registered Agent information. When you change the business address, it’s critical to ensure that the details on the Articles of Organization reflect this modification.

The process usually involves the following steps:

  1. Obtain the Proper Form: The LLC must get the right form to amend the Articles of Organization in Illinois. This information is typically available on the state’s Secretary of State website or other relevant state agencies.
  2. Complete the Form: Fill out the form according to the instructions provided.
  3. Submit and Pay Fees: Once the form is completed, submit it to the Illinois Secretary of State, along with any necessary filing fees. The fee for the amendment is $150.
  4. Record Keeping: Keep a copy of the amendment or change of address form for the company’s records.

Remember that the process and requirements for changing an LLC address may vary based on the regulations in Illinois, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional or refer to the Illinois Secretary of State website for accurate information.

Advantages of Changing Illinois LLC Address

Changing the address of an LLC in Illinois could bring several advantages, depending on the specific circumstances and reasons behind the move:

  • Business Growth and Expansion: If the change of address is due to the need for more space, the LLC is growing and expanding, which is a positive outcome.
  • Access to Resources: Moving to a new location could provide better access to essential resources, such as proximity to suppliers, customers, or a skilled labor pool, enhancing the company’s operation and potential profitability.
  • Strategic Benefits: The LLC might move to an advantageous business environment with strategic benefits such as a more favorable regulatory climate, lower taxes, or business-friendly policies.
  • Improved Professional Image: Moving to a prestigious business district or a well-known commercial area could enhance the professional image of the LLC and make it more attractive to clients or investors.
  • Lower Operating Costs: Changing the address could lower costs if the new location has cheaper rent, utility, or other operational expenses.
  • Improved Work Environment: A new address could mean a better work environment for employees, boosting morale, productivity, and, ultimately, the bottom line.
  • Enhanced Privacy: If an LLC owner uses a home address as the registered address, moving to a new, separate business address can help maintain privacy and separate personal life from business matters.

While these potential benefits can be compelling, it’s important to remember that changing an LLC’s address also involves informing the relevant government bodies in Illinois, updating business contacts, and possibly revising marketing materials. LLC owners should factor these considerations into their decision-making process.

Can Form 882-B Be Used to Change the LLC Name? 

Form 8822-B, titled “Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business,” informs the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of an address change for a business or a change in the responsible party. It cannot be used to change the name of an LLC.

To change the name of Illinois LLC, you must follow the appropriate process in the state where your LLC is registered. This typically involves filing Articles of Amendment or a similar document with the Illinois Secretary of State. After the name change has been approved at the state level, you should inform the IRS by following the instructions on your tax return or by sending a signed letter to the IRS office where you filed your return.

FAQs

How do I change my LLC’s address in Illinois?
You can change your LLC’s address in Illinois by filing Articles of Amendment with the Illinois Secretary of State.
What is the fee for changing my LLC’s address in Illinois?
The fee for changing your LLC’s address in Illinois is $25.
Can I change my LLC’s address online in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your LLC’s address online in Illinois by submitting an online amendment filing via the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.
How long does it take to change my LLC’s address in Illinois?
It typically takes about 2-4 weeks for the Illinois Secretary of State to process your LLC’s address change.
Do I need to provide any documentation to change my LLC’s address in Illinois?
Yes, you will need to provide an original and signed Articles of Amendment form to change your LLC’s address in Illinois.
Can I change my LLC’s registered agent at the same time I change my address in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your LLC’s registered agent at the same time you change your address in Illinois by filing an Articles of Amendment form.
What is required to update my LLC’s name and address in Illinois?
To update your LLC’s name and address in Illinois, you will need to file Articles of Amendment specifying the changes with the Illinois Secretary of State.
If my LLC is dissolved, what happens to its address information in Illinois?
If your LLC is dissolved, its address information in Illinois will be removed from the state’s records.
Can I use a PO box for my LLC’s address in Illinois?
No, you cannot use a PO box for your LLC’s address in Illinois as it is not a physical location.
Do I need to update my LLC’s address if I move my business within the same city in Illinois?
Yes, you will still need to update your LLC’s address even if you move your business within the same city in Illinois.
Can I update my LLC’s address in Illinois even if I’m not a resident of Illinois?
Yes, you can update your LLC’s address in Illinois even if you’re not a resident of the state.
Is there a deadline to change my LLC’s address in Illinois?
There is no deadline to change your LLC’s address in Illinois, though it is recommended to do so as soon as possible after the move.
How can I check if my LLC’s address change has been approved in Illinois?
You can check the status of your LLC’s address change by using the Illinois Secretary of State’s online search tool.
Will I receive a new LLC certificate after changing my address in Illinois?
No, you will retain your existing LLC certificate even after changing your address in Illinois.
Can I change my LLC’s address in Illinois via mail?
Yes, you can change your LLC’s address in Illinois via mail by filing a printed and completed Articles of Amendment form along with the $25 fee.
Is a signature required to change my LLC’s address in Illinois?
Yes, the Articles of Amendment form to change your LLC’s address in Illinois must be signed and dated by an authorized person.
Are there any other fees associated with changing my LLC’s address in Illinois?
No, there are no additional fees associated with changing your LLC’s address in Illinois beyond the $25 filing fee.
What consequences are there for failing to update my LLC’s address in Illinois?
Failure to update your LLC’s address in Illinois can result in being unable to receive official state mail, late fees, and potentially even administrative dissolution.
Can I change my LLC’s mailing address in Illinois to a different location than the physical address?
Yes, you can change your LLC’s mailing address in Illinois to a different location than the physical address if desired.
Where can I obtain Articles of Amendment to change my LLC’s address in Illinois?
Articles of Amendment forms to change your LLC’s address in Illinois can be downloaded online or picked up in person at the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
Can I expedite the processing time for changing my LLC’s address in Illinois?
Yes, you can expedite processing time for changing your LLC’s address in Illinois for an additional $100 fee.
How often do I need to update my LLC’s address in Illinois?
You only need to update your LLC’s address in Illinois when the address has changed.
Are LLCs required to have a physical address in Illinois?
Yes, LLCs are required to have a physical address in Illinois for the purpose of receiving legal and government correspondence.
What happens if I forgot to change my LLC’s address in Illinois?
If you forget to change your LLC’s address in Illinois, you may incur late fees and your business information can become outdated.
Do I need an attorney to change my LLC’s address in Illinois?
It is not necessary to have an attorney to change your LLC’s address in Illinois, though it may be beneficial to consult with one before submitting any forms.
Can I use a virtual address for my LLC’s address in Illinois?
Yes, you can use a virtual address registered with the Illinois Secretary of State as long as it is a physical location.
Can I change my LLC’s address in Illinois before it is formed?
You cannot change your LLC’s address in Illinois before it is formed, but you can include the desired address at the time of formation.
If I move to another state, do I need to change my Illinois LLC’s address?
If you move to another state, you will need to dissolve your Illinois LLC and either form a new LLC in your new state or convert your existing LLC to the new state’s laws.
How do I change the registered office address of my Illinois LLC?
You can change the registered office address of your Illinois LLC by filing an Articles of Amendment/Correction with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.
What is the fee to change the registered office address of my Illinois LLC?
The filing fee for Articles of Amendment/Correction is $150 for an Illinois LLC.
How long does it take to change the registered office address for an Illinois LLC?
The processing time for filing Articles of Amendment/Correction with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office can vary, but it can take at least 10 business days or longer.
What is the mailing address to file the Articles of Amendment/Correction for an Illinois LLC?
You can mail the Articles of Amendment/Correction to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office at 501 S. Second St, Springfield, IL 62756.
Can I file the Articles of Amendment/Correction online for an Illinois LLC?
Yes, you can file the Articles of Amendment/Correction online through the Illinois Secretary of State’s website for a $5 discount off the filing fee.
Do I need to provide a reason for changing my Illinois LLC’s registered office address?
No, you do not need to provide a reason for changing your Illinois LLC’s registered office address.
Can I use a virtual office service for my Illinois LLC’s registered office address?
Yes, you can use a virtual office service as your Illinois LLC’s registered office address.
Can I change my Illinois LLC’s registered agent at the same time as changing the registered office address?
Yes, you can change your Illinois LLC’s registered agent at the same time as changing the registered office address through the Articles of Amendment/Correction filing.
What is the fee to change my Illinois LLC’s registered agent?
The filing fee for changing the registered agent of an Illinois LLC is $25.
Can I use a family member or friend as my Illinois LLC’s registered agent?
Yes, you can use a family member or friend as your Illinois LLC’s registered agent, as long as they are at least 18 years old and have a physical address in Illinois.
Do I need to obtain the consent of my new registered agent before changing their information for my Illinois LLC?
Yes, you should obtain the written consent of your new registered agent before changing their information for your Illinois LLC.
Can I have a different address for my Illinois LLC’s mailing address and registered office address?
Yes, you can have a different address for your Illinois LLC’s mailing address and registered office address.
What happens if I do not change the registered office address of my Illinois LLC?
If you do not change the registered office address of your Illinois LLC and it is incorrect or outdated, you may not receive important legal and tax documents, such as subpoenas, notifications from the Illinois Secretary of State, or documents from the IRS.
Can I change the registered office address of my Illinois LLC if it is located outside of the state?
Yes, you can change the registered office address of your Illinois LLC if it is located outside of the state, but you must also file a Certificate of Authority with the Illinois Secretary of State to authorize your LLC to do business in Illinois.
Are there any restrictions on where the registered office address for an Illinois LLC can be located?
Yes, the registered office address for an Illinois LLC must be located within the state of Illinois, and it must be a physical location where the registered agent can be found during regular business hours.
Can my Illinois LLC use a temporary or seasonal address as its registered office address?
Yes, your Illinois LLC can use a temporary or seasonal address as its registered office address, as long as it is a physical location where you can receive mail and legal documents during regular business hours.
Can I change the registered office address for my Illinois LLC more than once in a year?
Yes, you can change the registered office address for your Illinois LLC more than once in a year, but each change requires a separate fee and filing with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Can I change the registered office address for my Illinois LLC without the consent of all members?
Yes, you can change the registered office address for your Illinois LLC without the consent of all members, but you should notify them of the change and update your operating agreement accordingly.
Do I need to publish notice of the change of registered office address for my Illinois LLC?
No, it is not required to publish notice of the change of registered office address for your Illinois LLC, but it may be a good idea to let your creditors, suppliers, and customers know of any changes to your contact information.
Are there any penalties for not updating the registered office address for my Illinois LLC?
Yes, failure to update your registered office address can result in penalties, such as forfeiture of your right to do business in Illinois and fines ranging from $200-$300.
Can I change the registered office address of my Illinois LLC if I am in the process of being sued?
Yes, you can change the registered office address of your Illinois LLC if you are in the process of being sued, but it is important to also inform the court and provide updated information to the parties involved.
Can I change the registered office address of my Illinois LLC if there is a pending administrative filing or proceeding?
No, if there is a pending administrative filing or proceeding with the Illinois Secretary of State, you cannot change your LLC’s registered office address until the proceeding is completed.
Can I use a co-working space as my Illinois LLC’s registered office address?
Yes, you can use a co-working space as your Illinois LLC’s registered office address, but you must make sure that there is someone available during regular business hours to accept service of process and other legal documents.
Can I change the registered office address of my Illinois LLC myself without the help of an attorney or filing service?
Yes, you can change the registered office address of your Illinois LLC yourself without the help of an attorney or filing service, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and make sure that your documents are filed accurately to avoid delays or fines.
What do I do to notify the IRS of the change in registered office address for my Illinois LLC?
You must update your LLC’s Form 8822-B Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Application with the new registered office address and mail it to the address listed on the form.

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Conclusion

Changing your LLC’s address in Illinois can be relatively simple if you follow the above steps. By updating your registered office and principal place of business addresses, notifying the IRS, and informing other relevant parties, you can ensure that your LLC remains compliant with Illinois regulations and continues to operate smoothly.

Remember to keep records of all address changes and any updated licenses, permits, or other documents, as these may be necessary for future filings, audits, or other compliance requirements. And as always, consult with a legal or business professional if you have any questions or concerns about your situation.

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