Run by the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). It covers corporations, LLCs, and nonprofits.
Wisconsin Secretary of State | Business Entity Search
In Wisconsin, business records are kept by the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), not the Secretary of State. Its free Corporate Records Search (CRIS) shows an entity's status, registered agent, prior names, and even merger or acquisition history.
Business Name Availability Check
State of Wisconsin
What the Wisconsin Corporate Records Search Covers
Each record lists the official name, status and status dates, registered agent, principal office, state of incorporation, prior names, and merger notices.
Searching is free; copies of annual reports and charter documents are ordered for a fee.
How to Search by Business Name
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1
Open the Wisconsin Corporate Records Search
Go to the DFI's Corporate Records Search, or use the direct link below. It is free.
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2
Run a keyword search
Enter a keyword from the business name, then apply a filter to the results. You can also use the advanced search.
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3
Read the results
Results show matching entities with their status. Click an entity to open its record.
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4
Review the entity record
The record shows the official corporate name, status and status dates, registered agent and office, principal office, state of incorporation, entity type, prior names, and any merger notices.
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5
Order annual reports if needed
Annual reports (with officer/director information) and charter documents can be ordered through the DFI Online Order System.
Ready to try it? Open the official Corporate Records Search and run your query.
Search Wisconsin businesses ↗All the Ways to Search Wisconsin Records
Keyword (Name)
Search a keyword from the business name, then filter the results. The most common starting point.
Open this search ↗Advanced Search
Use advanced criteria to refine a broad search.
Open this search ↗Registered Agent
The registered agent and office appear on each entity record.
Open this search ↗Document Orders
Order annual reports and charter documents through the Online Order System.
Open this search ↗Rules That Make Your Search Work
- Run a keyword search on the business name, then filter the results.
- Wisconsin business records are kept by the DFI, not the Secretary of State.
- The record shows prior corporate names and merger or acquisition notices.
- Searching is free; copies of annual reports and charter documents are ordered for a fee.
- Officer/director information lives in the annual report, which you can order.
- Wisconsin entities file an annual report, due at the end of the registration anniversary quarter.
Reading the Entity Detail Page
| Field | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Entity ID | The identification number the DFI assigned to the entity. |
| Corporate Name | The official registered name, with prior corporate names also shown. |
| Status | Whether the entity is in Good Standing or another condition, with status dates. |
| Entity Type | The structure, such as a Domestic or Foreign LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit. |
| State of Incorporation | The home state where the entity was originally formed. |
| Registered Agent & Office | The name and Wisconsin address of the agent designated to receive legal documents. |
| Principal Office | The entity's principal business address as most recently reported. |
| Prior Names / Mergers | Prior corporate names and any merger or acquisition notices. |
| Annual Report (order) | Officer/director detail is in the annual report, which you can order from DFI. |
Two official references help you go further:
How to View and Download a Company's Filings
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1
Open the entity’s record
Run a keyword search and open the record.
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2
Review status and history
Check the status and status dates, registered agent, prior names, and merger notices.
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3
Order documents
Order annual reports (with officer/director detail) and charter documents through the Online Order System.
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4
File the annual report
File the annual report with the DFI by its quarterly deadline.
Annual report: Wisconsin entities file an annual report with the DFI, due at the end of the calendar quarter of their registration anniversary. Officer/director detail lives in that report.
Wisconsin Business Search - Common Questions
Is the Wisconsin business search free?
Yes. The DFI Corporate Records Search is free. Copies of annual reports and charter documents are ordered for a fee.
Does Wisconsin have a Secretary of State for businesses?
No. Business entity records are kept by the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).
Where do I find officer and director names?
Officer/director information is in the annual report, which you can order through the DFI Online Order System.
Can I see a company's former names?
Yes. The record shows prior corporate names and any merger or acquisition notices.
Does Wisconsin require an annual report?
Yes. Wisconsin entities file an annual report, due at the end of the calendar quarter of their registration anniversary.
A name is available in Wisconsin. Does that mean I can use it?
Not necessarily. State availability does not clear a name against federal trademarks. Run a USPTO trademark screen and check domain and social-handle availability before committing.