Wisconsin (WI) Secretary of State (SOS) LLC & Business Search

A corporate record search facility is available on the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website. They offer a basic and advanced search facility plus a name availability search. Users can search for businesses registered in Wisconsin and view publicly available information about the businesses.

You can search their database by:

• Entity name
• Registered agent

Search by entity name

The Wisconsin corporate records database can be searched by entity name either on a basic search or an advanced search. The basic search is shown below.

The advanced search offers additional filters such as exact phrase, all words or starts with. You can also choose the entity status (in existence or not), entity name (current or old), entity types and registration date range.

The search results list all businesses that match your search criteria, and it displays information about the businesses including entity ID, entity name, entity type, registered effective date, status and status date.

You can view more information about any of the businesses listed by clicking on the entity name highlighted in blue. This opens the business record which displays publicly available information including:

• Entity ID
• Registered effective date
• Period of existence
• Status
• Status date
• Entity type
• Annual report requirements
• Registered agent details
• Principal office address
• Annual reports
• Certificates of newly elected officers/directors
• Old names
• Chronology

There are also several actions available which include ordering copies of documents, filing an annual report, requesting certificates and filing update forms.

Search by registered agent

You can also search the Wisconsin corporate record database by registered agent name on the advanced search. Additional filters can also be added for the entity status (in existence or not), entity name (current or old), entity types and registration date range.

Results are displayed in a list with all businesses listed that have a registered agent that matches their criteria. The list displays business information including entity ID, entity name, entity type, registered effective date, status and status date.

More information can be viewed for any of the businesses by clicking on the entity name in blue which includes address, history and further registered agent details, plus more as listed above in search by entity name.

Contact details

Website: https://sos.wi.gov/

Phone: (608) 266-8888

Address: B41 W State Capitol, Madison, WI 53703 (physical address) or PO Box 7848, Madison, WI 53707 (mailing address)

Hours: Monday-Friday 8.00am-12.00pm 1.00pm-4.30pm

How to register a business in Wisconsin?

If you are setting up a business in Wisconsin you will need to register your business before you start operating. Below are some steps to assist you in getting registered:

1. Business name – you will need to decide what to name your business and you will need to check that it meets the criteria and is available by doing a name availability check on the Wisconsin corporate record search.
2. Business structure – you will need to decide which business structure you are going to operate as such as a corporation or limited liability company.
3. Registered agent – you will need to appoint a registered agent if you are an LLC or corporation who can be a firm or authorized individual based in Wisconsin.
4. Entity registration – having decided the above you can use the Wisconsin One Stop Business Portal to register your business if you are setting up a limited liability company or corporation. Sole proprietorships are not required to file. Other entity types need to be registered through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
5. Business Tax Registration – most businesses may also need to register with the Department of Revenue to get a Business Tax Registration and will need a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).

How much does a Wisconsin business entity search cost?

Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions does not charge for business entity searches on its corporate record search facility.

How can I get a business license in Wisconsin?

There is no statewide general operating license that is required but there are many other types of licenses and permits that your business may be required to have. You will need to register with the Department of Revenue to collect sales tax and employee taxes. Regulatory, professional or occupational licenses may also be required and you can find out more information about licensing from the Department of Revenue, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Health Services, and the Department of Safety and Professional Services. The cost of licenses and permits varies depending on the type and issuer.