An Assumed Name, also known as a DBA, standing for "Doing Business As," is required to conduct business under a name other than the real name(s) of the individual(s) doing business. To get an Assumed Name, first make sure it is not in use by another McLean County business by searching the name on our Assumed Name Search site. Next, file a Certificate Intention (PDF) form with the County Clerk. We recommend filing your certificate intention in person to ensure that you are able to meet your deadline for publication. For more information about the Assumed Name process, including cost to file and deadlines, please carefully read the Assumed Name Packet (PDF). The process includes publishing in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks and submitting the proof of publication to the County Clerk within the deadlines. Assumed Name customers will receive a folder with the all the documents linked on this page when they come in to the office. Our office is open Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm except for County Holidays. You will need to bring cash or check for payment.  Currently we cannot accept credit or debit for Assumed Names.  The Assumed Name fee will be $19 (+ $1 for notarization = $20). 

Once you submit to us the proof of publication from the newspaper, our office has 5 business days to mail out your certificate of business ownership. Please note that we will mail the certificate to the business address that you indicated on the form. Make sure that mail addressed to your business name will reach you at that address.

If you have a change to your business after filing your Assumed Name Certificate Intention, please complete and return the Supplementary Certificate (PDF) form. The cost to file a supplementary certificate is $4 (+ $1 for notarization = $5). If you want to do business as an LLC, LLP or corporation (PDF), contact the State of Illinois. To search the name of an LLC, LLP or corporation, go to the State's website.

Business Licenses

The County Clerk’s office does not issue business licenses.   Our office cannot offer any legal advice.  Contact the administration of the municipality in which you intend to do business to see whether you need a business license.  The Town of Normal, for example, requires you to register your business annually. Choose from the links below or find the contact information of the appropriate municipality on the webpage linked above.

Town of Normal:  https://www.normal.org/109/Business-Licenses.  

City of Bloomington:  https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/departments/city-clerk/license-permits/license-applications-and-renewals 

McLean County Health Department (i.e. food businesses) https://health.mcleancountyil.gov/488/Food-Information 

Helpful links:

Tax Information for Businesses from the IRS
State of Illinois Business Portal
Department of Commerce bureaus and offices

Cyber Readiness Starter Kit (Cyber Readiness Institute)

Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small Business (Global Cyber Alliance)

Protecting your Small Business from Cyber Threats - webinar (Cybercrime Support Network)