Wisconsin Secretary of State Business Search
Free access to Wisconsin's official Secretary of State business entity database (Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Corporate Search (apps.dfi.wi.gov)). Search corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and verify business entities registered in Wisconsin. Complete step-by-step guide and FAQ included.
Wisconsin Business Database
Direct link to Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Corporate Search - Free Wisconsin business search
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Wisconsin uses the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) rather than the Secretary of State for business entity searches. The DFI maintains the Corporate Search system at apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/corpsearch/search.aspx. You can also search for annual report information through onestop.wi.gov/DFIAnnualReports/SearchBusiness.
How to Search Wisconsin Business Entities
Step 1: Access the Official Wisconsin DFI Corporate Search
Navigate to the official Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) business entity search portal at apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/corpsearch/search.aspx. You can also access it through apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/corpsearch/Advanced.aspx for advanced search options, or apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/corpsearch/Search.aspx, or wisconsin.gov/pages/business.aspx. These are the free, government-operated databases for all Wisconsin business entities including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
Select how you want to search: Basic Search (quick search by business name) or Advanced Search (detailed search with additional criteria). The Wisconsin DFI Corporate Search allows you to search for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other business entities. You can also search for annual report information through onestop.wi.gov/DFIAnnualReports/SearchBusiness.
Step 3: Enter Search Criteria
Type the business name in the search field. Try variations: with and without business suffixes (LLC, Inc, Corp, L.L.C.), partial names if exact match doesn't work, and check for common abbreviations. Wisconsin's search is case-insensitive and supports partial name matching. For Advanced Search, you can add additional criteria like entity type, status, or filing date. You can also search by entity number if you have it.
Step 4: Review Search Results
Browse the results list to find your business. Each result shows the business name, entity type, status, entity number, and other key information. Wisconsin's database typically shows multiple results if there are similar business names, so review carefully to find the correct entity. The results display information about corporations, LLCs, and other business entities registered in Wisconsin.
Step 5: View Detailed Entity Information
The detailed view provides comprehensive information including business name, entity number, entity type, status, registered agent name and address, principal office address, filing date, expiration date, filing history, and access to official records. Verify all information matches what you expect for the business you're researching. The Wisconsin DFI provides detailed entity information through the Corporate Search system.
Step 6: Verify Business Status and Check Annual Reports
Check that the business status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing'. If it shows 'Inactive', 'Dissolved', 'Merged', 'Withdrawn', or 'Revoked', the business may not be in good standing with the state. Active status indicates the business is current with all required filings and annual reports. Note the entity number for future reference. Wisconsin requires annual reports to maintain active status. You can search for annual report information through onestop.wi.gov/DFIAnnualReports/SearchBusiness.
Official Wisconsin Business Database
The Wisconsin Secretary of State maintains the official business entity database through <strong className="text-white">Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Corporate Search (apps.dfi.wi.gov)</strong>. This free government database contains information about all business entities registered in Wisconsin.
What's Included in the Database:
- • Corporations: C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit corporations, Professional corporations
- • LLCs: Limited Liability Companies (domestic and foreign), Professional LLCs
- • Partnerships: Limited partnerships, Limited liability partnerships
- • Foreign Entities: Out-of-state businesses registered to do business in Wisconsin
- • Professional Entities: Professional corporations and professional LLCs
- • Business Trusts: Statutory trusts and other business structures
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for a business in Wisconsin?
To search for a Wisconsin business, visit the official Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) business entity search portal at apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/corpsearch/search.aspx. You can also access it through apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/corpsearch/Advanced.aspx for advanced search options, or wisconsin.gov/pages/business.aspx. You can use Basic Search (quick search by business name) or Advanced Search (with additional criteria). The database includes corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in Wisconsin.
What is the official Wisconsin business entity search website?
The official Wisconsin business entity search portal is available at apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/corpsearch/search.aspx, operated by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). You can also access it through apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/corpsearch/Advanced.aspx for advanced search options, or wisconsin.gov/pages/business.aspx. This is the free, government-operated database where you can search for all business entities registered in Wisconsin, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.
What information can I find in the Wisconsin DFI business database?
The Wisconsin DFI Corporate Search provides business name, entity number, entity type, status, registered agent name and address, principal office address, filing date, expiration date, filing history, and access to official records. The system provides detailed information about corporations, LLCs, and other business entities registered in Wisconsin.
Is the Wisconsin business search free?
Yes, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions business entity search is completely free. The official search portal at apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/corpsearch/search.aspx provides free access to search and view business entity information. Some third-party sites may charge fees, but the official state database is free to use.
How do I verify a Wisconsin business is legitimate?
To verify a Wisconsin business, search the DFI Corporate Search for the business name or entity number, check that the status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing', verify the registered agent and address match what you expect, review the entity number and filing date, check the filing history, verify annual report status through onestop.wi.gov/DFIAnnualReports/SearchBusiness, and cross-reference with business licenses if applicable. Always use the official Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions database for verification.
Can I search Wisconsin businesses by entity number?
Yes, the Wisconsin DFI Corporate Search allows you to search by entity number, which is the unique identifier assigned by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to each business entity. You can also search by business name or use Advanced Search with additional criteria. The entity number is useful for finding specific businesses when you have the exact number.
What types of business entities are registered in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin registers various business entity types including corporations (C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit), Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, professional entities, and foreign entities registered to do business in Wisconsin. All of these can be searched through the official DFI Corporate Search at apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/corpsearch/search.aspx.
How do I check if a business name is available in Wisconsin?
To check if a business name is available in Wisconsin, use the official DFI Corporate Search at apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/corpsearch/search.aspx. Use Basic Search or Advanced Search to search for the exact name you want to use. If no results appear, the name may be available. However, you should also check for similar names and consult with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions for official name availability confirmation before filing. Wisconsin requires that business names be distinguishable from existing entities.
What is the difference between Basic Search and Advanced Search in Wisconsin?
Basic Search in Wisconsin allows quick searching by business name. Advanced Search (available at apps.dfi.wi.gov/apps/corpsearch/Advanced.aspx) provides more detailed search capabilities with additional criteria such as entity type, status, filing date, and other filters. Use Basic Search for quick lookups and Advanced Search for more specific searches with multiple criteria.
What is the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)?
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is the state agency responsible for regulating business entities in Wisconsin. It maintains the Corporate Search system which provides access to business entity searches, filings, and records. The DFI oversees corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities registered in Wisconsin. Note that Wisconsin uses the DFI rather than the Secretary of State for business entity searches.
What is an entity number in Wisconsin?
An entity number is the unique identifier assigned by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to each business entity registered in the state. This number is used for official filings, searches, and record-keeping. You can search for businesses using their entity number in the DFI Corporate Search.
How often do Wisconsin businesses need to file annual reports?
Wisconsin requires most business entities to file annual reports to maintain active status. The filing requirements and deadlines vary by entity type. Corporations and LLCs typically must file annual reports with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Check the entity's detailed information in the database to see filing history and status. You can also search for annual report information through onestop.wi.gov/DFIAnnualReports/SearchBusiness. Late filings may result in penalties or administrative dissolution.
Can I search for annual report information in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can search for annual report information through the Wisconsin One Stop portal at onestop.wi.gov/DFIAnnualReports/SearchBusiness. This allows you to check the annual report status and filing history for Wisconsin business entities. Annual reports are required to maintain active status for most business entities in Wisconsin.
About Wisconsin Secretary of State Business Search
What is the Wisconsin SOS Business Search?
The Wisconsin Secretary of State business search is the official government database that contains information about all business entities registered in Wisconsin. This includes corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other business structures operating in WI.
When you search "secretary of state wi business search," you're looking for this official database to verify business registrations, check entity status, and conduct due diligence on Wisconsin businesses.
What Information Can You Find?
- •Business entity name and type (Corporation, LLC, etc.)
- •Registration date and current status
- •Registered agent information
- •Principal office address
- •Officers and directors (for corporations)
- •Annual report filing status
Why Use the Official Wisconsin SOS Database?
The official Wisconsin Secretary of State database (Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Corporate Search (apps.dfi.wi.gov)) is the most reliable source for business entity information. It's free, updated in real-time, and provides authoritative data directly from the state government. Unlike third-party services that may charge fees or have outdated information, the official database ensures you're getting accurate, current business entity data for Wisconsin. Always verify business entities through the official WI SOS database before entering into business relationships or financial transactions.
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