The procedure for registering your DBA will depend on the type of business you have. Below are the procedures for filing at both the state and the county levels.
DBAs for LLCs and Corporations
LLCs or corporations hoping to register a DBA can do so through the Secretary of State’s office. You do not need to register a DBA unless you’re using a business name that’s different from the name on your official business formation certificate.
LLC and corporate DBA names must be distinguishable from other business names registered with the Secretary of State. Before filing an assumed name application, check that your desired name is available by visiting the Secretary of State’s website to search business names.
You can complete the DBA registration process online, or by filling out a form and submitting it by mail or in person. The assumed name is effective on the date of filing by the Secretary of State. It expires on the first day of the anniversary month of your filing date, in the next year that is evenly divisible by five. After that, the DBA can be renewed in five-year increments.
The fee for a five-year DBA registration or renewal is $150. The registration fee is prorated if your initial registration will expire in less than five years. For example, if you register a DBA in 2022, it will expire in 2025 and your registration fee will be $90.
For additional information, you should contact the Secretary of State’s Business Service office.
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DBAs for Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships and Professional Service Corporations
Sole proprietorships, general partnerships and professional service corporations must register their assumed names through their county clerk’s office. In Cook County, you can register online or download and complete the form. For off-line submission, remember to have your form notarized. If your business is located in a county other than Cook, contact your county clerk’s office for information about forms and procedures.
Within 15 days of filing a county DBA application, you must run an ad in a local newspaper stating that you have registered your DBA. You must run the ad once a week for three weeks. After that period ends, you’ll receive a certificate of publication from the newspaper. Submit this with an original clipping of the ad within 50 days of your original application. Once that’s done, you’ll receive your assumed business name certificate.
The fee for filing an assumed business name in Cook County is $50. Fees may differ in other counties.
Getting an Additional DBA
It is possible to register and own more than one DBA. There is no limit on how many DBAs you can own, as long as you follow the process and pay the necessary fees.
