Wisconsin business search
Wisconsin's official business search is Business Entity Search, run by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. It's free, and you can search by name, file number or agent.
Search Wisconsin recordsHow to check if a name is taken in Wisconsin
- Type the main words of the name into the search. Leave off endings like LLC or Inc.
- Look for exact matches and close ones. States usually refuse a name that only differs by punctuation, spacing or the ending.
- If nothing close comes up, run a free trademark search. A state accepting your name doesn't give you the right to use it as a brand.
LLC name endings in Wisconsin
An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company, Limited Liability Co..
Once the name is clear
Wisconsin charges $130 to form an LLC and $100 to form a corporation. See how to start an LLC in Wisconsin, or a Wisconsin DBA if you only need a trade name.
Wisconsin business search questions
Is the Wisconsin business search free?
Yes. The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions doesn't charge to search its records.
Does searching reserve a name in Wisconsin?
No. A search only shows what's on record today. The name is yours once your filing is accepted, and most states also let you pay to hold a name for a set time.
Can I see who owns a Wisconsin LLC?
The record shows what Wisconsin requires a company to file, which is often its registered agent and sometimes its managers or members. Many states don't list owners at all.