Last Updated on May 15, 2023
WI SOS Business Search Overview
The Wisconsin Secretary of State manages a corporate division that keeps record of all the commercial activities going on in the state. The business corporation registry keeps track of all those corporate entities that are registered with the Wisconsin Secretary of State. All entities including Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships and Limited Partnerships, have their details recorded in the registry.
How to do a Wisconsin Business Entity Search
If you are finding a corporate entity that is based in Wisconsin, this is the right place for you. By using the online business entity search tool facilitated by the Secretary of State of Wisconsin, you can search the online database for any entity headquartered in the state.
Also see: How to start an LLC in Wisconsin
You can perform the search provided you have the corporate name handy. The search page is also made feasible for advanced search.
Read on the steps below which will assist you in your search.
Quick Links
Business Name Search
Step 1 – Visit the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website to search for registered business entities in Wisconsin. The page looks similar to the screenshot below.
Step 2 – Type the name of the business entity, say, “ABC supply”. The screenshot for the same is shown below.
Step 3 – Click on the Search button. The result page with a list of entities with the given name would appear as shown in the screenshot below.
Step 4 – Click on the entity name to get further details about the business.
Available information includes;
- Entity Name
- DFI Number
- Date of Formation
- Status (Good Standing, Dissolved, Organized, etc)
- Entity Date (Corporation, Limited Liability Company)
- Principal Office Address
- Registered Agent Information
- Business Owner / Director Information
Additionally, from this page, you can request a Certificate of Status or copy of the Annual Report for a small fee.
You can also file online reports and request certification of standing for the entity.
Business Licenses
The business name registration is different from a business license in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has more information regarding Wisconsin business licenses.
Also see: How to do a Wisconsin UCC search
Information on SOS Wisconsin (WI)

Office:
The Secretary of State of Wisconsin is one of the constitutionally elected executive branches of the Wisconsin State Government. The succession of the Secretary of State of Wisconsin lies in second for the Governor post. The election of the Wisconsin Secretary of State takes place on the election day in November and he takes office on the first Monday of next January.
Functionalities :
The Secretary of State of Wisconsin is responsible for a wide set of duties in the state. He is in charge of keeping record of all the legislative and executive acts in the state. He also acts as the custodian to the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin and has the authority to attest and authenticate government documents using the seal.
Wisconsing Department of Financial Institutions Contact Information
4822 Madison Yards Way, North Tower
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 261-9555
Fax: 608-267-6813