Updated on February 16, 2024
An Illinois registered agent is either a person or a legal entity authorized to receive official documents on behalf of a corporation. Every corporation authorized to transact business in Illinois must have a registered agent. The agent must have a street address in the state; a post office box does not suffice.
Top Registered Agents (7)
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Northwest Registered Agent 3.5 out of 5 – 62 reviews | $125/year | 15/year | $0 | $0 | – |
InCorp Services 2.2 out of 5 – 16 reviews | $129/year | Yes | $0 | $49 | iOS |
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Registered Agent Search
Step 1 – Visit the Business Search portal on the website of the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State.
Step 2 – Scroll down and click on “Search the Database” beneath the “Search Corporation/LLC Entity Database” heading.
Step 3 – Select “Registered Agent” beneath “Choose a Search Method” and enter the agent’s name. Click “Submit.”
Step 4 – Review the list of agents. Click the name of the entity associated with the correct agent.
Step 5 – Clicking on the entity’s name brings up information about the entity, including its status, type, and annual report filing date, as well as information about the agent, including name and address.
Who can be a Registered Agent?
According to state law, an agent can be an individual residing in Illinois or a corporation registered in Illinois. A corporation cannot be its own agent.[1]
Can I be a Registered Agent?
Yes, if you’re a person residing in Illinois or a corporation authorized to do business in Illinois.
The most common way for a corporation to designate a registered agent is to include the agent’s name in the documents filed to form a corporation. Visit the Secretary of State’s website to register a business online. The filing fee is $150.
To file using a paper form, use BCA 2.10 for a domestic entity and BCA 13.15 for a foreign entity.
Articles of Incorporation (Form BCA 2.10)
Download: PDF
Application for Authority to Transact Business in Illinois (Form BCA 13.5)Changing a Registered Agent
A corporation’s board of directors can resolve to change its registered agent at any time. Should the agent’s office become vacant, or should the agent become incapacitated, then the corporation is required by law to select a different agent.[2]
A registered agent can be changed online. Click the link, enter the corporation’s file number, and click “Continue.” Input the current agent’s name and address, then click “Continue” and input the new agent’s name and address.
Another option is to complete the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office. Mail or deliver the completed statement to the Department of Business Services 501 S. Second St., Rm. 350 Springfield, IL 62756.
Statement of Change of Registered Agent (Form BCA 5.10/5.20)
Download: PDF
Resigning as a Registered Agent
A registered agent can resign at any time by giving written notice to the corporation and then filing the notice with the Secretary of State. Notice must be given to the corporation 10 days before filing.[3]
The Notice of Resignation of Registered Agent (Form 5.15) template can be used. Otherwise, the notice should indicate the name of the corporation, the agent’s name, and the corporation’s registered address. It should state that the agent resigns and the corporation has been notified of the resignation. The resignation becomes effective 30 days after filing.
Notice of Resignation of Registered Agent (Form 5.15)
Download: PDF