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Illinois · Foreign LLC · updated

How to register an out-of-state LLC in Illinois

An LLC formed in another state registers to do business in Illinois with a foreign registration filing (Illinois's fee is $150). It needs a Illinois registered agent and usually a good standing certificate from its home state. As of October 2026.

Illinois state fee$150per the state's fee schedule
Our filing service$120we prepare and file it
State fee + ours$270card processing is added at checkout
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The 5 steps to register a foreign LLC in Illinois

Background on when a state counts you as "doing business": foreign qualification explained.

  1. 1

    Confirm you are doing business in Illinois

    Where people get stuck

    An office, employees, or regular in-person work in Illinois usually counts; a few sales shipped in usually does not. Illinois's own statute decides. If you have not formed the LLC yet, forming it in Illinois directly is often simpler (start an LLC in Illinois).

  2. 2

    Get a good standing certificate from your home state

    Order it first

    Most states ask for a recent certificate of good standing (or existence) from the state where the LLC was formed. How to order one in each state.

  3. 3

    Name a Illinois registered agent

    Required

    The LLC needs an agent with a Illinois street address. Ours is $74.25 a year, the same at renewal. Illinois agent rules.

  4. 4

    File the foreign registration with the state

    We file this one

    You file it with Illinois's business filing office; Illinois's fee is $150 (Illinois fee schedule). The current form is on Illinois's official site. We file it for $120 plus the state fee.

  5. 5

    Keep up with Illinois's yearly filing

    From next year

    A registered foreign LLC files Illinois's yearly report like a local one. The Illinois annual report is due the 1st day of your formation anniversary month, with a state fee of $75. Deadline and free reminders.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to register a foreign LLC in Illinois?

Illinois's fee is $150 per the state's fee schedule. If we file it, our fee is $120 on top. Add the home-state good standing certificate and a Illinois registered agent.

What happens if I do business in Illinois without registering?

States commonly bar an unregistered LLC from suing in their courts until it registers, and can charge back fees and penalties. Check the state's own rules.

Do I still file reports in my home state?

Yes. The LLC keeps its home-state filings and adds this state's.

Is it cheaper to just form the LLC in Illinois?

If Illinois is the only state where you operate, usually yes: one state's fees and one registered agent. Our best-state comparison covers all 51.

Is this page legal advice?

No. It explains the filing in general terms. For your situation, talk to a licensed attorney, or book a free call with us.

More Illinois business guides

Start an LLC LLC cost Registered agent Annual report Good standing Name search Sales tax permit Dissolve an LLC Change agent Amend an LLC Change the name Withdraw a foreign LLC

Nearby states

Indiana Iowa Kentucky Wisconsin All states

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Have us register your LLC in Illinois

$120 plus Illinois's $150 state fee. Checkout shows the full total before you pay.

Register my LLC in Illinois

Rather talk first? Call Ray or Vinny at (954) 470-8356.