Be Your Own Registered Agent › Illinois
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent in Illinois? Yes, If You Meet These Rules
Generally yes, if you are an individual who meets the Illinois rule below: An Illinois resident, or a business authorized to do business in Illinois. The LLC cannot act as its own agent. Check with the Illinois Secretary of State before you file.
The Illinois rule
Who can serve: An Illinois resident, or a business authorized to do business in Illinois. The LLC cannot act as its own agent.
The address: The address has to be a registered office in Illinois that matches the agent's business office. A P.O. box alone is not accepted.
The LLC itself cannot be its own agent in Illinois; an individual or another business serves. Changing agents in Illinois costs $25. Source: 805 ILCS 180/1-35, checked October 20, 2026.
The trade-offs
- Your Illinois address goes on the public filing.
- Papers are handed to you at that address, so you need to be there when the state’s rule says.
- If you move, you file a change of agent ($25 in Illinois).
If you would rather not
Mainstay Filing is $149 a year for registered agent service in Illinois, the same at renewal. Service of process is scanned and uploaded the same business day at no fee.
Can I be my own registered agent in Illinois?
Generally yes, if you are an individual who meets the Illinois rule below: An Illinois resident, or a business authorized to do business in Illinois. The LLC cannot act as its own agent. Check with the Illinois Secretary of State before you file.
What does it cost to change registered agents in Illinois?
$25 to the state.