Corporate Names Can Be Checked Instantly Over Internet By SECRETARY OF STATE GEORGE H. RYAN

One of the most-demanded business services from the Secretary of State's office - a check on the availability of corporate names - is now accessible over the Internet.

The "Corporate Name Availability Search" on our office's World Wide Web site, the "Illinois Gateway," lets Illinois businesses and law firms learn in seconds whether a corporate name is available.

This new feature gives anyone interested in finding a name for a new business an alternative to telephoning our Business Services Department, which receives hundreds of telephone calls each day from customers seeking a corporate name.

We still provide the same information over the telephone, but I believe the Internet service offers a quicker and more convenient alternative - 24 hours a day.

Name checks can be made for a specific name or by topic. For instance, anyone typing in the keyword "pizza" will get a complete listing of Illinois corporations using the word "pizza" in their names.

A reservation form can be downloaded directly after a user determines that a name is available. The form then can be mailed in with the appropriate fee.

As with telephone inquiries, there is no guarantee that a corporate name will not be officially reserved by another business until the appropriate forms and fees are received by the Business Services Department.

This new service was introduced recently as part of a special feature called "Illinois Means Business," which has been highlighted on the "Illinois Gateway" since May. Users also can find the service by clicking on the "Departments" button to find the "Business Services" listing.

"Illinois Means Business"

The "Illinois Means Business" feature allows businesses to download all of the state forms needed for any filing involving business corporations, not-for-profit corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships.

My office also added a form to the Gateway that allows users to request checks on as many as three corporate names. That form still will be offered for anyone seeking a written confirmation that a corporate name is available.

Another recent electronic service, "Administrative Code Online," allows computer users to search the complete listing of state rules and regulations by topic.

These electronic services give Illinois businesses and law firms a new way to carry out business with the Secretary of State's office. I invite more people to use these options because they save time for everyone.

Our office also took a major step this spring toward a new era of service by pushing for legislation allowing the Secretary of State's office to conduct business by fax or other electronic means, including via the Internet. The legislation would let our office accept electronic signatures in place of handwritten signatures, allowing transactions over phone lines and computers. The measure was unopposed in the General Assembly and awaits the Governor's action.

Finally, the "Illinois Means Business" feature offers links to several other home pages offering information for businesses, including the U.S. Small Business Administration and the International Business Home Page at Illinois State University.

Other "Gateway" Services

After making its first appearance in February, the "Illinois Gateway" home page is now averaging about 180 visits daily. An array of services is available, including on-line registration for organ donors, state and federal tax forms, requests for license plates, orders for Secretary of State publications, information on the holdings of more than 800 Illinois libraries, early Illinois land sale records and early Chicago City Council proceedings, maps to locate a drivers license facility, and a complete list of Illinois lobbyists.

Future "Gateway" Services

The Gateway will be expanded in the near future with the complete "Handbook of Illinois Government," which is published biennially.

Future plans also include allowing Illinois residents to buy license plate stickers, renew their drivers licenses, check on securities dealers, file investor complaints, register as lobbyists and take a "virtual" tour of the Capitol.

Using the Gateway to renew a drivers license could become possible if the Governor approves the "Safe Driver Renewal" proposal approved by the General Assembly in the spring. That effort would let about 1.1 million drivers a year renew their driving privileges without visiting a drivers license facility.

The Internet is a great way to offer information about government services, but more important, it is a great way to offer government services.

The Gateway's address is http://www.sos.state.il.us. •

August 1996 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 21