Business Services

LP/LLLP/LLP Search - Certificate of Existence/Authorization

You may search the LP/LLLP/LLP Database by file number or name.

By searching the LP/LLLP/LLP Database, you can view a File Detail Report on a particular limited partnership, limited liability limited partnership or limited liability partnership, obtain a Certificate of Existence/Authorization on an existing entity, or conduct a preliminary search on the availability of a new limited partnership name. Note: The database is updated in Real Time.

Please Note: The pilot promotional program (with no expedited fee charges) for Web site filing of Certificates of Good Standing and Annual Reports expired November 30, 2008. Expedited processing fees will now be assessed on these transactions effective December 1, 2008. If you have any questions you may contact the Department of Business Services at 217-782-6961 or via email.

Search the Real Time LP/LLLP/LLP Database / Certificate of Existence

File Detail Report

The File Detail Report on a limited partnership, limited liability limited partnership or limited liability partnership includes the most commonly requested information on the business entity. Among the information provided for a particular entity would be the exact name, the date of formation or registration in Illinois, the jurisdiction, the duration or expiration date, and the name and address of the agent for service of process. The report will also indicate whether the entity is in good standing.

Certificate of Existence/Authorization

Providing that the entity is in good standing, from the File Detail Report of a domestic limited partnership, limited liability limited partnership or limited liability partnership, you may purchase a Certificate of Existence. From the File Detail Report of a foreign limited partnership, limited liability limited partnership or limited liability partnership that is in good standing, you may purchase a Certificate of Authorization. You may then immediately print out the certificate once the purchase has been completed. The certificate will indicate that the entity is in good standing with this office. The fee for a certificate is $47.00*. Payment of the required fee may be made by the following credit card types: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.

Click here to Authenticate a Certificate of Existence/Authorization. Note: You must use the authentication number printed on the certificate.

*The fee for a LLP Certificate is $27.00.

Limited Partnership Name Availability

By searching the LP/LLLP Database, you can also conduct a preliminary check of the availability of a proposed new limited partnership or limited liability limited partnership name. In order to conduct a search for name availability, please type the proposed new name in the space indicated.

By checking our database, you will learn if the proposed name appears to be already used by another limited partnership or limited liability limited partnership. The proposed new name must be distinguishable from any other LP/LLLP name on file with this office. If the requested name appears not to be currently in use, the search will result in no records being found. Therefore, the requested LP/LLLP name would appear to be available. Please be advised that this database check is a preliminary check and final determination of LP/LLLP name availability will be determined by the Secretary of State and in compliance with Illinois Statutes.

NOTE: Click here for an explanation of "distinguishable".

If you decide you would like to reserve a LP/LLLP name, you will need to complete and submit an Application for Reservation of name on form LP 109. Upon filing of this form and payment of the required $50 filing fee, the proposed name will be reserved for a period of 90 days.

Note: The reservation of a LP/LLLP name is an option, not a requirement.

LP 109 PDF For Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Limited Partnership

Alternatively, a preliminary check of LP/LLLP name availability may continue to be conducted via telephone by calling (217) 785-8960.

WARNING NOTICE:
The Department of Business Services Database includes information regarding corporations, not-for-profit corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships, as well as, other business-related information. This database is provided to the public for "individual searches only". The use of this website or database to copy or download bulk searches or information is prohibited. Pursuant to statute, the Department of Business Services offers information for sale. For contract information, please contact the Department of Business Services at (217) 782-6961.

Unauthorized Users: Please be advised that the information contained in this database is the property of the Office of the Secretary of State for the State of Illinois. Any unauthorized use of the database, unauthorized access, removal of data, copying or downloading of the database information is prohibited by criminal statutes, including the sections covering the offenses of computer tampering and aggravated computer tampering (720 ILCS 5/16D-3; 5/16D-4). Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

PDF - These publications and forms are provided in PDF (Portable Document Format) files, which can be viewed or printed using your Web browser and Adobe's Acrobat Reader software. Macintosh and Windows versions of Acrobat Reader may be downloaded free of charge from Adobe.