Companies are required to register with the Illinois Secretary of State before doing business in Illinois. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for an Illinois certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.
Operating without a certificate of authority may result in penalties or fines. In addition to the state’s requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors will often request a certificate of authority.
The most common reasons for applying for a certificate of authority include:
To obtain your Illinois Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved. Be sure to follow the state’s instructions carefully, as they can reject a document for the smallest error.
Mail or in-person.
Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments and mergers dated within the last 90 days.
Good standing certificate not required.
Mail or in-person.
Certified copies not required.
Certificate of good standing, or certificate of existence dated within 60 days.
Mail or in-person.
Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments and mergers dated within the last 90 days.
Good standing certificate not required.
Mail or in-person.
Certified copy of the articles of incorporation and all amendments and mergers dated within the last 90 days.
Good standing certificate not required.
Mail or in-person.
Certified copies not required.
If a General Partner listed is an entity not registered or qualified in Illinois, a Certificate of existence or certificate of good standing dated within 30 days is required.
Mail or in-person.
Certified copies not required.
Certificate of existence, or certificate of good standing, dated within 30 days.
In order to obtain an Illinois Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Illinois Certificate of Authority application, you must list a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).
Many businesses do not have an individual or physical address in a new state. Listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you get same day document scanning from our local office in all 50 states and DC. Our registered agent service is a flat rate of $99 per year, and you can easily add our service to any certificate of authority order.
Illinois Secretary of State - Business Services Department
Physical Address:
69 W. Washington St., Ste. 1240
Chicago, IL 60602
Mailing Address:
501 S. Second St., Rm. 350
Springfield, IL 62756
