A private corporation may be served (1) by leaving a copy of the process with its registered agent or any officer or agent of the corporation found anywhere in the State; or (2) in any other manner now or hereafter permitted by law. A private corporation may also be notified by publication and mail in like manner and with like effect as individuals.
2-204.Service on private corporations.
Article II. Civil Practice · Part 2. Process · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceAllows a private corporation to be served by leaving process with its registered agent or any corporate officer or agent found anywhere in the State, or by any other legally permitted method, and lets it be notified by publication and mail the same way individuals can.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/2-204
Plain-English Summary
This section keeps service on a private corporation simple. Process may be left with the corporation's registered agent, or with any officer or agent of the corporation found anywhere in the State, and the section leaves the door open to any other method now or later permitted by law.
The section also lets a private corporation be notified by publication and mail, in the same manner and with the same effect as service on individuals, when the circumstances for that kind of notice apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can accept service for a private corporation?
Its registered agent, or any officer or agent of the corporation, found anywhere in the State.
Does this section limit service to only those methods?
No. It also allows service "in any other manner now or hereafter permitted by law."
Can a private corporation be served by publication?
Yes. The section says a corporation may be notified by publication and mail in the same manner and with the same effect as individuals.
Does it matter where in Illinois the officer or agent is found?
No. The section allows service on an officer or agent found anywhere in the State.
Does this section treat foreign corporations differently from Illinois corporations?
No. It applies to "a private corporation" without distinguishing between the two.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 83-707.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: serving a corporation in Illinoisregistered agent service of processcorporate officer accepting serviceservice by publication on a corporation