Wisconsin LLC Name Search & Entity Lookup (Guide)

Are you looking to start an LLC in Wisconsin?

The first step is to conduct a Wisconsin name search to ensure your desired business name is available and meets state requirements.

From understanding naming rules to finding out if your ideal name is available, this guide has everything to make your Wisconsin LLC name search simple and successful.

Should You Conduct a Wisconsin Name Search or an LLC Lookup?

When starting an LLC in Wisconsin, you need to know if your desired name is available. Conducting a name search or an LLC lookup can help with this.

Here are compelling reasons why you should conduct a Wisconsin name search:

• Ensures Name Availability: A Wisconsin name search confirms if your desired business name is unique and available. This helps you avoid choosing a name that’s already registered, saving time and possible legal complications.
• Prevents Legal Issues: By confirming your name isn’t too similar to existing businesses, you can avoid potential trademark disputes or infringement issues down the road.
• Builds Strong Brand Identity: Securing a unique name helps establish a distinct brand, making it easier for customers to recognize and remember your business.
• Streamlines Registration: Knowing your name is available simplifies the registration process with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), getting your LLC up and running faster.

Here are some great reasons to conduct a Wisconsin LLC lookup:

• Verify Business Status: A Wisconsin LLC lookup helps confirm if a business is active, inactive, or in good standing with the state, which is useful if you’re looking to partner with or gather information on an LLC.
• Access Key Business Details: By looking up an LLC, you can find essential details like the registered agent’s name, business address, and filing date. This can be helpful for networking or contacting other businesses.
• Gain Insight into Competitors: Conducting a lookup on competitors’ LLCs lets you gather valuable information about their registration details and, in some cases, their business structure.
• Ensure Compliance: If you’re doing business with another LLC, checking its status ensures it complies with Wisconsin’s filing requirements, reducing your risk of working with inactive or non-compliant companies.

DFI Wisconsin LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

Searching for an LLC name in Wisconsin involves several clear steps:

Step 1: Visit the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) website

Start by accessing the official website of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions at dfi.wi.gov. The DFI’s homepage is user-friendly, guiding you toward various business services, including name searches.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Business Services” section

Once on the DFI website, look for the “Business Services” section. This area contains various resources and tools for businesses in Wisconsin.

In the “Business Services” section, locate the link titled “Business Entity Search.” This link directs you to the database where you can search for business names.

Step 3: Enter the desired LLC name in the search field

Input your potential LLC name into the search field provided. Make sure to exclude terms like “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” during this step.

Focus on the core name you want to register. Accurate input of your desired name is vital since even slight variations can affect the search results.

Click the “Advanced Search” link to pick your search criteria. Options include searching “with the exact phrase,” “using all of the words,” and “that start with these words.”

The “Advanced Search” page lets you refine your search by:

• Entities or Registered Agents
• Entity Status
• Entity Name
• Entity Type
• Registration Date

With your name and criteria set, click the “Search Records” button to initiate the search process. This action prompts the system to retrieve relevant records. Depending on the database size, this may take a few moments.

Step 4: Review the search results for name availability

If after clicking the “Search Records” button and it shows “0 records for ‘your search term,'” it means the name is available.

But if the search displays a number of available results on your screen, it means the name is already in use. Wisconsin Search Corporate Records shows you the Entity ID, Entity Name/Type, Registered Effective Date, and Status / Status Date.

But that’s not all.

By clicking on the LLC name in blue, you get directed to a more detailed profile page containing more information about the LLC:

• Legal Entity Name
• Effective Date of initial registration
• Entity Type (Corporation, LLC, LP, etc)
• Registered Agent
• Registered Office Address of record
• DFI Entity ID# (not to be confused with FEIN)
• Charter document filing History
• Principal Office Address, if required by law
• Current Status (i.e. DIS-Dissolved; DLQ-Delinquent)
• Year indicator of most-recently filed annual report

If your desired name is available and there are no conflicts, you can proceed with the registration process. This involves filling out the necessary forms and submitting them to the DFI.

Critical LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in Wisconsin

Here are the critical rules to keep in mind when naming your LLC in Wisconsin:

1. Required Terms

Every Wisconsin LLC must include “Limited Liability Company” or its abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.” in the business name. This clearly identifies the business entity type, helping prevent misunderstandings regarding its structure and liability protections.

2. Uniqueness and Distinctiveness

Your LLC name must be distinguishable from all existing businesses registered in Wisconsin, including reserved names.

Simple alterations—like changing punctuation, adding a numeral, or abbreviating words (e.g., “and” to “&”)—are not enough to make the name distinct.

3. Avoiding Misleading Names

Your name should accurately reflect your business activities. Names that imply services you don’t provide (e.g., a financial term like “wealth management” when you don’t offer financial services) are likely prohibited.

4. Prohibited and Restricted Terms

Avoid using words that suggest an affiliation with government agencies (e.g., “FBI,” “Treasury”) or that imply a specific professional service that may be regulated, such as “bank,” “insurance,” or “trust.”

These terms typically require additional licensing or approval from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and other regulatory bodies.

5. Fictitious Business Names (DBAs)

If you intend to operate under a different name than your LLC’s legal name, Wisconsin permits you to register a DBA (“Doing Business As” name) with the state.

This name must comply with all state naming rules, and it allows the LLC to market itself under a more consumer-friendly or specialized name without changing its legal identity.

6. Name Reservation Option

If you’re not ready to form your LLC immediately, you can reserve your desired name for up to 120 days with the Wisconsin DFI by submitting a name reservation application.

This is especially helpful if you need time to complete other aspects of your business setup but want to secure the name in advance.

7. Registered Agent Requirement

Wisconsin LLCs are required to designate a registered agent with a physical address within the state. This individual or entity is responsible for receiving official state correspondence and legal documents on behalf of the LLC.

The registered agent’s address must be current and consistent across all official records, including those tied to the LLC’s name.

What Words are not allowed in my Wisconsin LLC name?

Certain words are not allowed when choosing a name for your Wisconsin LLC.

• Government-Related Terms: Words like “FBI,” “CIA,” “Secret Service,” “Treasury,” “Federal,” and “State Department” cannot be used.
• Professional Terms: Terms such as “Bank,” “Banking,” “Trust,” “Insurance,” “Credit Union,” and “Surety” are restricted.
• Educational Terms: Words like “University,” “College,” “Academy,” and “Institute” are restricted, as these terms suggest that the LLC is a licensed educational institution.
• Medical and Legal Terms: Terms such as “Doctor,” “Lawyer,” “Attorney,” “Hospital,” and “Clinic” are often restricted. These imply the offering of regulated medical or legal services, which require specific licensing.
• Financial and Security Terms: Words like “Investment,” “Mutual,” “Annuity,” “Brokerage,” and “Security” are restricted, as they imply involvement in investment or financial advising services.
• Restricted Professions: Some professional titles like “Engineer,” “Architect,” “Certified Public Accountant,” and “Surveyor” may be restricted, as they indicate specific expertise that requires professional certification.
• Nonprofit and Charitable Terms: Terms like “Foundation,” “Charity,” and “Nonprofit” are restricted to avoid misleading consumers into believing the LLC operates as a charitable organization.
• Corporate Indicators: Words such as “Corp,” “Incorporated,” “Inc.,” and “Corporation” are not allowed in LLC names, as they imply that the business is a corporation rather than an LLC.

How do I File a Wisconsin LLC Name Reservation? (In steps)

Here are the steps for filing a name reservation for your Wisconsin LLC:

Step 1: Visit the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) website

Start by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) website at dfi.wi.gov. This site contains all the necessary resources and forms for business registrations, including name reservations.

Step 2: Navigate to “Business Entity Forms”

Once on the DFI website, click on the “Business Services” menu and click the link “Business Entity Forms.” This section lists various application forms related to business registrations.

Clicking on this link will take you to a page with downloadable forms. Here, you can find everything you need to reserve a name for your LLC.

Step 3: Select “Name Reservation” from the list of forms

From the list of available forms, look for the option that states “Name Reservation Application.” This specific form is what you need to reserve your desired LLC name in Wisconsin.

Once you have selected the Name Reservation Application form, download it to your device. After downloading, print the document. Fill out all required fields carefully.

Step 4: Submit the completed form and payment by mail or online

After completing the form and preparing your payment ($15), submit everything. If mailing, address the envelope to the appropriate office as indicated on the form.

If submitting online, use the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) One Stop Business Portal at onestop.wi.gov.

Once you submit your application, you should receive confirmation of your name reservation. This may come via email or through postal mail. Keep this confirmation safe, as it serves as proof that your desired LLC name has been reserved.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When starting your business, it’s important to consider more than just the LLC name. You should check domain availability, conduct a trademark search, and understand filing requirements for Doing Business As (DBA) names.

Check Domain Name Availability

Checking domain availability is crucial because a matching or similar web domain bolsters your online presence and makes it easy for customers to find you.

Use domain search tools like GoDaddy or Namecheap to see if your desired domain name is available. Ideally, secure a “.com” version as it’s the most recognized and trusted.

If the “.com” extension is taken, other options like “.net,” “.biz,” or “.co” are worth considering. Extensions specific to industries, like “.tech” or “.shop,” can add context to your business.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

Even if a business name is available for your LLC, it might be trademarked at the state or federal level. Using a name that’s already trademarked could lead to legal disputes and brand confusion, which could disrupt your business operations.

Begin your search with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database, which includes federal trademarks, and check Wisconsin’s state trademark records to ensure the name is free from claims in your region.

This process protects your business from infringement issues and allows you to select a unique brand name without unforeseen legal complications.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in Wisconsin

A DBA lets you operate under a different name than your registered LLC name while keeping your legal structure intact.

In Wisconsin, DBAs (or trade names) must be registered with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). This requires a separate filing, along with a fee, and ensures your chosen DBA complies with state naming regulations.

A DBA can enhance your brand’s marketability, allowing for a name that may be more consumer-friendly or directly tied to your industry.

Final Thoughts – Is it Worth it to Search and Reserve My Business in Wisconsin?

Reserving and thoroughly searching for your business name in Wisconsin is a worthwhile step for setting a strong foundation.

Conducting a name search ensures that your chosen LLC name is unique, compliant with state regulations, and legally available. It helps prevent costly trademark conflicts that could arise if another entity already has rights to the name.

Reserving your name gives you the time and security to prepare other business setup requirements without worrying that someone else might claim the name.

By securing your name early, you’re more likely to find matching domain names and social media handles, which adds to brand consistency and recognizability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What steps are involved in filing an LLC name in Wisconsin with the Secretary of State?

To file your LLC name, you need to complete an application for registration and submit it along with the required payment. You can do this online through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

Is a registered agent required to form an LLC in Wisconsin, and how is one appointed?

Yes, a registered agent is required for an LLC in Wisconsin. You can appoint an individual or a business entity with a physical address in Wisconsin.

What is the process for checking the ownership details of an existing LLC in Wisconsin?

To check ownership details, visit the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions’ website and search for the LLC by name or entity ID. This will provide the relevant ownership information.

Are there any special naming requirements for LLCs in Wisconsin?

In addition to being unique, the name must not imply that your LLC is a corporation or other entity type unless it is registered as such. It’s also essential to include “LLC” in the name.

How do I reserve a business entity name in Wisconsin before forming an LLC?

To reserve a business name, complete the name reservation form available from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and submit it with the $15 fee. This ensures your chosen name is set aside for your LLC.