To move your limited liability company to Illinois you’ll probably go through a process called domestication. Here’s what to know:
Can I move my LLC to Illinois?
Yes. If you formed your LLC in a state other than Illinois but hope to operate your business in the Prairie State, you have a couple options:
- Form a new LLC – This would require you to dissolve your LLC in its current state of domicile (i.e. where it’s currently registered), and form a new Illinois LLC from scratch.
- Foreign register – If you’d like to remain registered in your current state, you can Register a Foreign LLC in Illinois, which would allow you to do business there. (“Foreign,” in this sense, just means out-of-state.)
- Domestication – Domestication is the state assisted process of transferring formation papers from one state to another.
The best option for your business will depend on your unique circumstance. But domestication is often the most cost-effective and hassle-free choice.
What is the domestication process for an LLC in IL?
To domesticate your LLC in Illinois, you would have to file a Statement of Domestication with the IL Secretary of State Department of Business Services. This statement should include the following information:
- Name, type (i.e. LLC) and jurisdiction of entity in its current location
- Name and jurisdiction of the entity once it’s domesticated in Illinois
- Address of registered agent
- Effective date of domestication (either “upon filing,” or a chosen future date)
- Authorized signature
Where do I send my IL statement of domestication?
While you can file many business documents online through the IL Secretary of State website, statement of domestication forms must be mailed to the secretary of state:
Department of Business Services
501 S. Second St., Rm. 350
Springfield, IL 62756
How much does it cost to domesticate an LLC in IL?
The standard filing fee for LLC domestication is $100, or $200 for expedited processing. However, know that if you choose the expedited service you’ll have to submit your application in person to the department’s Springfield or Chicago office.
Springfield office:
Limited Liability Division
501 S. Second St., Rm. 351
Springfield, IL 62756
Chicago office:
69 W. Washington St., Ste. 1240
Chicago, IL 60602