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How To Do A Wisconsin Business Name Search

By: Startup 101
Last Updated: November 15, 2024

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The first step in forming an LLC or corporation in Wisconsin is to verify that the business name is available to use. Each business entity registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions must use a unique name. See our step-by-step guide to learn how to search Wisconsin businesses on the state’s business name database and quickly find out if the name you want is available.

Also See: Checklist To Start A Business In Wisconsin

Steps To Do A Wisconsin Business Name Search

Step 1: Register Online

Visit the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website.

Step 2: Search your Business Name

Enter the name you would like to use in the Name Search. In this example, we will search Wisconsin LLC by looking up the name “Lawn & Order.” After entering the name, click “Search Records.”

How to do a Wisconsin Business Name Search

When we search the registered names, we get a list of all the businesses with the words “Lawn & Order.” The name must be distinguishable from the other registered names to register a corporation or LLC name in Wisconsin. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since one is already registered.

Wisconsin Business Entity Search

Step 3: Review Results

To find more information about any registered small business names, click on the link in the “Entity Name / Type” column to see a detailed report.  In this example, we will look up “Lawn & Order LLC.” In this example, we will use the second link as the first one has been dissolved (See “Status” column)

Wisconsin LLC Name Search Details

While the company name “Lawn & Order” may not be available, other variants, such as “Wisconsin Lawn & Order,” are available. Searching for this business name brings a result that says, “Sorry, your search returned no records.”  Even if the name looks like it is available, the Department of Financial Institutions will do its own search to avoid confusing potential customers with a business name that sounds like someone else’s.  Typically, words that sound alike but are spelled differently and even have abbreviations will make names appear available but won’t be approved.

Wisconsin Business Name Availability

These are the basics of searching for a business name in Wisconsin.  Even when the name of the business you want looks like it is available, the Department of Financial Institutions will make a final determination when filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names. 

What information can be found on the Wisconsin business entity database?

The Wisconsin business search can find several pieces of information about the business. Some of the highlights include:

  • Business Name
  • Registered Effective Date: The date the entity was first filed with the Department of Financial Institutions
  • Status: Organized means the entity is in good standing, and all reports and filing fees are current. Other results include “Administratively Dissolved,” “Dissolved,” Delinquent,” and “Involuntarily Dissolved.” The names of these inactive results may be available to register.
  • Entity Type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, etc.
  • Registered Agent’s information:Wisconsin registered agent is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal, or tax notice be sent to the business. 

Wisconsin Business Name Search FAQs

How do I find a name for a Wisconsin sole proprietorship?

The Department of Financial Institutions Business Entity Database provides information on corporations and LLCs registered in Wisconsin, but the names of sole proprietorships and general partnerships are not available here. Instead, they are registered with the County Clerk’s office in the county where the business is located. 

To register, a sole proprietorship or partnership operating their business under a name that is different from the owner’s legal name will register for a Fictitious Business Name, which is also known as “Doing Business As,” DBA, Assumed Name, or Trade Name.

What are the requirements to name an LLC in Wisconsin?

In addition to being unique, the LLC’s name must include a special designator such as Limited Liability Company, LLC, L.L.C., etc., and it may not use restricted words such as bank or insurance unless the entity is licensed to operate as such.

Can an LLC name be reserved?

If you want a name but are not ready to register the LLC, you can file the Name Reservation Application. The name reservation will hold a name for up to 120 days,

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