Written by: Carolyn Young
Carolyn Young has over 25 years of experience in business in various roles, including bank management, marketing management, and business education.
Reviewed by: Sarah Ruddle
For over 15 years, Sarah Ruddle has been a noteworthy leader in the business and nonprofit world.
Updated on July 25, 2023
Illinois law requires your LLC to hire a registered agent, a person or company authorized to accept official correspondence on behalf of your business, such as legal or tax documents.
A registered agent ensures your business receives all key documents and notices and complies fully with state regulations.
In Illinois, an LLC owner, known as a member, can be the registered agent, or you can choose an individual that meets state requirements. In Illinois, registered agents must:
Many business owners hire a registered agent service to ensure all important documents are received and addressed in a timely manner. A registered agent service also offers convenience.
If you choose to be your registered agent, you’ll have to be available at your registered agent’s address during regular business hours. However, a registered agent service will allow you the flexibility to run and grow your business wherever you need to be.
An agency also offers privacy. Since they will receive all official correspondence for your business, you would never be served with a summons for your business in front of customers or employees.
Some registered agent services operate nationally, allowing you to form LLCs in other states if your business expands. However, if you don’t choose a national agency, you’ll need one with an office in Illinois.
You’ll also want an agency that will:
Prices for registered agent services vary, which may affect your decision. Registered agent services generally run $50 to $300 annually.
In Illinois, you’ll officially appoint your registered agent when you form your LLC by filling in the registered agent information on your articles of organization.
You can file your Articles of Organization online or on paper. Read on for instructions for both options.
To file online, visit the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State’s page titled “LLC Articles of Organization.” Here you can read the filing guidelines. Then, when you’re ready to begin, scroll to the bottom and click “File.”
Go through this next section and fill out your LLC’s information.
In the Registered Agent and Registered Office section, fill in your registered agent’s name and address. If you’d like to be your LLC’s registered agent, input your name and address here.
Complete the rest of the application, and pay the $150 filing fee by credit card.
To file by mail, download and fill out the Illinois Articles of Organization.
In section four, fill in your registered agent’s name and street address. If you’d like to be the registered agent for your LLC, fill in your information here.
Print two copies of your Articles of Organization.
The filing fee is $150, payable by certified check, cashier’s check, or money order to the Secretary of State. Mail your documents and payment to:
Department of Business Services
Limited Liability Division
501 S. Second St., Rm. 351
Springfield, IL 62756
Once your LLC is approved in Illinois, your registered agent is officially appointed. You do not need to do anything further in terms of registering your agent.
Illinois requires your LLC to have a registered agent. Some LLCs appoint a member as their registered agent, but hiring a professional service offers many advantages.
You’ll likely need to decide on whichever route you choose before you form your LLC. You can change your registered agent later if you do so, though it requires additional paperwork.
Yes. When filling out your Articles of Organization, simply put your name and address in the space for a registered agent.
A registered agent receives all government notices and documents for your LLC and must be at the designated address during business hours. Of course, you can be your registered agent, but designating someone else helps you maintain privacy and gives you greater freedom of movement.
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