Free Wisconsin Business Name Check

Starting a business? Use our free tool to search the Wisconsin Dept. of Financial Institutions' records and see if your desired name is available.

By clicking "Check Availability," I agree to LegalZoom's Terms of Use. This search is a preliminary check of state databases and does not include variations or trademarks. Results do not guarantee name availability or compliance with legal requirements.

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I was so nervous about my lack of…

I was so nervous about my lack of knowledge in forming an LLC! Legal Zoom made it so easy and clear! Super great service!

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Samuel Dean Horne Jr
March 18, 2026
LegalZoom

The process to form an LLC was easy

The process to form an LLC was easy. I would recommend paying a bit more instead of you trying to do it yourself. Paying extra for this service will ensure you correctly form your LLC.

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Paul Albert Paredes
March 16, 2026
LegalZoom

Filing for an LLC was a breeze

Filing for an LLC was a breeze, clear explatnations of what to select or not made the process very easy and fast.

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Daniel Rodriguez
March 7, 2026
LegalZoom

They made starting a business easy

They made starting a business easy. It took me an hour to get all the right documents done for starting an LLC. After an hour my business was registered and ready to go.

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Emily Marie Doyle
March 4, 2025
LegalZoom

I really appreciate the really easy…

I really appreciate the really easy step by step process they have. I had my LLC up and running in less then 7 hrs from starting the process.

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Robert
February 23, 2026
LegalZoom

Such an easy process helping us set up…

Such an easy process helping us set up our LLC! LegalZoom thinks of everything that we are still learning.

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K & R
February 25, 2026
LegalZoom

Legal Zoom made setting up my LLC so…

Legal Zoom made setting up my LLC so easy. They asked all the right questions and got my business going!

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Brandy Rogers
February 22, 2026
LegalZoom

Fast process and very easy steps

Fast process and very easy steps! The LLC formation was simple and smooth from start to finish. Everything was clearly explained, and the paperwork was handled quickly, I recommended!

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David Nicole
February 20, 2026
LegalZoom

The experience of setting up my own LLC…

The experience of setting up my own LLC was both quick, easy and simple

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Brian Pannebecker
February 12, 2026
LegalZoom

Efficient and professional assistance…

Efficient and professional assistance in quickly setting up my LLC. Started an application with Tailor Brands and later learned my expedited fee was only to submit to the State within two days, even though their website advertised 24 hours for an LLC formation and EIN. Should have started with Legal Zoom! Spoke with Gianna on the phone to set it up, logged into my account, and was done in an hour! Thorough and reliable.

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Jeanne Gamba
December 30, 2025
LegalZoom

BEST PHONE CALL IN THE 364.25 DAYS OF 2025

Wow! Being nervous and not knowing exactly which direction to take I went online last night and found LegalZoom. I wasn’t completely sure about it (getting the LLC) and my anxiety kicked in so I backed out of it. My number must have saved anyway in their archive because I received a call this morning. Martha Anguiano called and the encounter with her was just what I needed to encourage me further with my LLC process. She was very polite, knowledgeable and immediately gave me a list of what I can choose from to start. After discussing with her more about my plans she suggested the best start up package for me. Martha was so genuinely enthusiastic about my idea that I felt truly comfortable sharing with her. After getting off the phone my smile and heart expressed the connection that was made even if it’s only for the professionalism she offers as an agent, I’m grateful it was her that called as I stated to her, “I’m not sure how it would have went if it were another agent that called.” (I can be nervous when speaking and studdar my words but she made me feel completely heard and understood) I can only hope and believe the entire Team at LeagalZoom is just as pleasant, knowledgeable and concerned for the customers as she exemplified. If you see this message Martha, thank you so much you’re definitely a Golden Star in this universe. ⭐️✨⭐️ Looking forward to working with you & LegalZoom. Thank You!

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Shirley Hester
December 25, 2025
LegalZoom

Super easy to navigate

Super easy to navigate, This was the easiest deal to get my business llc. I am astounded at how painless this process was. You should really sign up.

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John Chambers
December 17, 2025
LegalZoom

My LLC setup

My LLC was set up quickly and efficiently, Thank you for the great job. Due today and completed today.

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customer
December 12, 2025
LegalZoom

Starting a new LLC

Starting a new LLC. Ali walked me through the entire process in less than 10 minutes. Quick, easy and highly professional. Thanks!!

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Christopher Eggert
December 12, 2025
LegalZoom

Piece of Cake!

Wow, if I had known HOW EASY it would be to create my own LLC I would have done it months ago! I literally created my own business in MINUTES. LegalZoom takes all of the fear, confusion, guesswork and administrative burden out of starting your own business. Strongly recommend it!

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Lori Ann Farrell
October 16, 2025
LegalZoom

Excellent, rapid, economical LLC formation…

Legal Zoom enabled me to very quickly and economically set up my LLC

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Sarah Collins
October 12, 2025
LegalZoom

They made creating my llc such an easy…

They made creating my llc such an easy process and gave me plenty of options. I genuinely never even thought of. So happy I had this option.

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Cassaundra Eckleberry
October 11, 2025
LegalZoom

Filed my LLC confidently thanks to LegalZoom

Sittie answered all my questions and made me feel much more confident about forming my LLC this morning. Including some basic tax questions that she was able to answer. So greatly appreciate her help.

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Cassandra E
October 8, 2025
LegalZoom

LegalZoom was great to start my first LLC

LegalZoom was great to start my LLC! The process was simple and easy! Very fast as long as you know what you want your name to be and what your business is doing. Highly recommend for the people that like to do it themselves online. Great experience

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Bruce. M
September 27, 2025
LegalZoom

Out-of-State LLC Business Formation

I was at a standstill with no resolution in sight - LegalZoom fixed me up within minutes & made filling the Out-of-State business form LLC-5 with the State of California, easy! Thank you!

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Cheryl Williams
September 23, 2025
LegalZoom

So Helpful…

Legal Zoom is quick and easy to create a New Corporation. The price is fair. Thank you for all your assistance.

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customer Kim
August 14, 2025
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I’m new to all this basically my first…

I’m new to all this basically my first time filing for a corporation on my own and I didn’t last in 30 minutes. This is great thank you it just walks you through everything you need with answering questions. Did you already know

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Brenda Reynoso
June 12, 2025
LegalZoom

Leogilyn Pavo was so helpful

Leogilyn Pavo was so helpful. I needed to change my business address and Leogilyn walked me through the process step by step. Leogilyn even looked up specific answers about my corporation so I could fill out the required forms correctly. I couldn’t have done this without Leogilyn’s help!

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Kate Lively
May 27, 2025
LegalZoom

Genaro was great!

Genaro was a great listener, remembered everything we spoke about and then walked me through the process of moving my LLC into a Corporation. Glad I called rather than try to do online - we got it all done in about 20 minutes.

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Folger Emerson
February 19, 2025
LegalZoom

Spoke clearly, was professional and very knowledgeable about his business

Edgar was so pleasant and professional and I will be sending more people to him for their corporation needs as well!! He is so knowledgeable about the sales products he sells. This was a flawless and simple process bc of him!

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Cheryl-Lyn LaRocca
February 10, 2025
LegalZoom

Nonprofit Advisor, Daniel Morgan is great

When I spoke with my nonprofit advisor Daniel, he was very thorough with explaining everything to me. I am new to this process and he made this experience a pleasant one.

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Brenda Jordan
March 2, 2026
LegalZoom

I'm a lawyer with almost 40 years of…

I'm a lawyer with almost 40 years of experience. I'm a DIY around the house handyman, and I DIM in law, but was short on time to establish a New York non-profit corporation in advance of actually moving to New York. Legal Zoom and Ms. Angeles were amazing. This project was accomplished with their professional zeal, and saved me a pile of time and money. Respect!

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Mary Thorpe
December 29, 2025
LegalZoom

Legal Zoom takes the guesswork out

I’ve used Legal Zoom to start my nonprofit, having them assist me with the 501(c)3 paperwork was the best thing I could’ve done. They took the guesswork out, they really made the process as simple and streamlined as possible. I have already referred several people to use this service!

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Leah Arteaga
December 26, 2025
LegalZoom

Legal Zoom was incredibly user friendly…

Legal Zoom was incredibly user friendly! I was able to start my non-profit, Widows Walk Project Incorporated, within days. I had to call for support on one question. The representative was super helpful and had me off the phone within minutes. Legal Zoom mailed the established non-profit paperwork to me within three days. Thank you Legal Zoom for your expedience and support!

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Charlene Carroll
July 11, 2025
LegalZoom

Gail Vyeda Deserves Recognition — Outstanding Support!

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Gail Vyeda through LegalZoom’s Concierge service, and I cannot say enough good things about her. Gail is knowledgeable, patient, professional, and genuinely caring. From the very beginning, she made me feel supported, heard, and confident in the process of forming my nonprofit. She explained everything in clear terms, walked me through each step, and made sure I understood what was being filed and why. Even when I had questions outside the typical scope, she went the extra mile to help — always with kindness, clarity, and grace. She made what could’ve been a stressful experience feel seamless and empowering. Gail is exactly the kind of person who deserves to be recognized and promoted. Her dedication and warmth represent LegalZoom at its best. Thank you, Gail — you made a big difference in helping me bring my nonprofit vision to life! — LaTonya White, The Legacy Impact Fund (DBA Big Gló Foundation)

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LaTonya White
June 25, 2025
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The couple of representatives I spoke…

The couple of representatives I spoke with while in the process of registering my nonprofit and applying for the 501(c)3 status were professional, friendly, knowledgeable.

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Charles McGee
June 4, 2025
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LegalZoom has been a great source to…

LegalZoom has been a great source to work with. I would recommend anyone to utilize Legal Zoom who is starting a nonprofit. Very seamless and courteous! The customer service they have been providing has been excellent!

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Gabrielle Johnson
April 20, 2025
LegalZoom

Willie is the man!!

Willie did a great job answering all my questions and helping me understand different aspects of what what happens when starting my nonprofit with Legalzoom. Great customer service experience!

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Cody Daniels
March 4, 2025
LegalZoom

In the avalanche of many questions, Ana was there to guide me

Ana provided detailed information to my questions about a nonprofit. She was helpful and patient with me. She extended herself to keep in touch and work with me when I am ready. Thank you!

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Ms. Maria
February 18, 2025
LegalZoom

Incredibly helpful!

I called with some questions and received such helpful information! My nonprofit partner and I feel confident in moving forward with Legal Zoom services for our women centered nonprofit.

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Andrea
February 16, 2025
LegalZoom

Being a business owner of two businesses...

Being a business owner of two business. A for profit and now a nonprofit LegalZoom has made the business registration process effortless and seamless all while keeping my submitted documents legal with the state. I highly recommend any entrepreneur who's filing your business on your own to let LegalZoom do the handwork for you. They are fast, accurate, and efficient.

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Eujon S. Hughes, M.Ed.
February 3, 2025
LegalZoom

Gerald was extremely helpful to me in…

Gerald was extremely helpful to me in getting my order processed. He made it easy for me to just answer a question and continue with the process of setting up my nonprofit.

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Allison Melendez
January 20, 2025
LegalZoom

Outstanding Work

The professionalism of the team coupled with the speed of getting the nonprofit paperwork accomplished and through the system was excellent. I am very grateful. This is my second time working with Legal Zoom. Thank you very much.

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Mary G
January 2, 2025
LegalZoom

Great help

​"Five stars! Setting up the legal side of a new business can be overwhelming, but LegalZoom made filing my DBA completely painless. As I was getting No Stressing Me off the ground, I needed a service I could trust to handle the details right the first time. Their step-by-step guidance was clear, the pricing was transparent, and the turnaround time was surprisingly fast. They gave me total peace of mind so I could focus on designing and building my brand. I will absolutely use them again for future business needs."

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Rasheed
April 30, 2026
LegalZoom

SO VERY EASY!

LegalZoom made licensing and setting up a DBA so very simple, it took less than 10 minutes.

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Cyndi McLendon Smith
March 23, 2026
LegalZoom

Smooth Process

Kurt was very helpful and provided all the information needed to successfully complete the DBA process.

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Courtney Jackson
December 17, 2025
LegalZoom

Easy and professional

I was notified by text that I needed to contact LegalZoom to provide more information to move my DBA filing along. I called in and got Raffy. He was friendly and professional and took the time to confirm that LegalZoom had received the signed documents from me that were needed to take the next steps in this process. I was connected to Raffy on my first attempt and did not have to sit in a queue waiting for someone.

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Linda Crossley
September 3, 2025
LegalZoom

10/10 customer service

Both Kathy and Princess made the process of filing my DBA incredibly easy and were able to walk me through the process the entire time. Both were incredibly kind and helpful and I'm so grateful to the LegalZoom team for being there to support me through any troubles I have with my small business!

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Kate
August 19, 2025
LegalZoom

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was…

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and pointed me in the right direction. My dba was filed swiftly and I was informed about the progress the entire time. Very happy with the results.

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karl anderson
July 11, 2025
LegalZoom

KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service

KIERVE was very knowledgeable and provided the information I requested with additional things to assist me with creating a new DBA. I appreciated how patient they were and ensured everything had processed to the next step before we signed off the chat. Excellent customer service!

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Tenika Ashley
July 2, 2025
LegalZoom

Customer Service exceeded my expectations.

After an initial dilemma with my DBA filing in California, a LegalZoom account executive took the reigns and made everything right by going above and beyond my expectations. Thank you LegalZoom!

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Clinton Goodrich
May 19, 2025
LegalZoom

Very helpful

I called in looking for help with my DBA and was able to complete setting it up effortlessly and got help with a few more items I didn’t even know I needed.

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Kevin McCarthy
February 23, 2025
LegalZoom

Joe was extraordinary

Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!

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Juan Ferrer
February 19, 2025
LegalZoom

Perla Gallegos was Great

Perla Gallegos was great with follow ups and transparency as it relate to my business formation. I hope all Legal Zoom employees represents the way in which Perla Gallegos has done so in representation of the company.

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Joe Davis
March 2, 2026
LegalZoom

Legalzoom has handled all our business…

Legalzoom has handled all our business formation needs with the utmost professionalism and timely filing. We appreciate their friendly and easy to use website.

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KOTEKA OGBURN JENKINS
October 20, 2025
LegalZoom

Love how easy to understand the process…

Love how easy to understand the process of formation they have made!

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Y.A
August 26, 2025
LegalZoom

The request I made for formation…

The request I made for formation documents was taken care of immediately and professionally. They were very helpful in getting me what I needed.

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Bruce Fleishaker
August 9, 2025
LegalZoom

I had the absolute pleasure of working…

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Maria as my business formation specialist at LegalZoom, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her support throughout the process of creating my LLC. From start to finish, Maria was patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly thorough. She took the time to answer every one of my questions—no matter how small—and walked me through each step with clarity and confidence. Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but Maria made the entire experience smooth and manageable. Her dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for her clients truly stood out. Thanks to her guidance, I felt supported and well-informed every step of the way. Thank you, Maria, for your outstanding service and for going above and beyond. You are truly an asset to the LegalZoom team!

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Diego Louis
May 24, 2025
LegalZoom

Using Legal Zoom made my business…

Using Legal Zoom made my business formation very easy. The program is user friendly and explains every step clearly.

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Anna Silvia Mejia
April 19, 2025
LegalZoom

Legal Zoom is a true one stop shop

This is the second company I have formed using Legal Zoom. They say what they are going to do and they do it. Legal Zoom provides all the tools and services you will need to quickly start your company, allowing you to focus on your business. The business formation specialist I spoke with, Juan was great; extremely knowledgeable and professional while giving me the feeling that I was talking with an old friend.

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Steve Robbins
March 21, 2025
LegalZoom

The agent was extremely helpful and…

The agent was extremely helpful and gave me the info that I was looking for. As soon as I got off of the phone with her, I got the official acceptance of my business formation!

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Joshua Roberts
March 17, 2025
LegalZoom

Seamless Support from Day One

I was impressed by how quickly Alan, my Business Formation Specialist, reached out to me. Having support from day one is incredibly reassuring, especially as I navigate starting my first business. I look forward to seeing how my relationship with LegalZoom and my experience with their services evolve.

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Rosemart Aoki
March 6, 2025
LegalZoom

ClarisseTravel Wine Tourism Agency

I recently utilized LegalZoom's services. The platform was user friendly, making the complex process of business formation straight forward and accessible. The customer service team was knowledgeable and responsive, promptly addressing all my inquiries. The efficiency and professionalism demonstrated by LegalZoom have provided me with confidence and peace of mind. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable business formation assistance.

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ClarisseTravel LLC
February 20, 2025
LegalZoom

The business formation specialist…

The business formation specialist Ramses Cardenas understood my needs and articulated well the company's product. I chose the pro package because it was my best option based on the information Ramses supplied. The process was quick easy and to the point.

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Aaron Kinney
February 20, 2025

Find a name, launch your dream

A perfect name is the first step in launching your business. In this guide, learn how to choose a name and ensure that it’s available before making it official in Wisconsin.

light

Pick the perfect name

Choose a business name that highlights what your company is about—its values and services. Think of a few different names in case your top choice isn’t available.

rocket
Make your name official

Wisconsin businesses register with the Department of Financial Institutions. Submit your formation paperwork before you get started with operations.

stamp
Protect your business name

Business registration only secures your name in Wisconsin. For broader protection, consider a trademark, which provides you with legal recourse if someone tries to use it.

Start your business, guided by experience

From naming your business to registering it as an LLC, our services help ensure accuracy and let you start your business with confidence. Let us handle the details so you can focus on your vision.

Start My Business

100% Accurate Filing Guarantee

100% Accurate Filing Guarantee

We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect 

due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.

We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.

How to Conduct a Wisconsin Business Name Search

A business name search helps you verify that a name is available for use before you register your company. You can also do one to find more information about existing Wisconsin businesses.

Key takeaways

  • Before you formally register your business in Wisconsin, perform a business name search to see if your first choice is available in the state. 

  • All Wisconsin business entity searches and filings are done through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (WDFI), not the Secretary of State.

  • If your business name isn’t distinguishable from others currently in use, the WDFI could reject your registration filing.

  • LegalZoom’s free business name search helps you do a preliminary check of the WDFI database to see if your preferred name seems to be available.

Get into the details of a Wisconsin name search below, and learn more business names and registration in The Badger State.

A smiling woman taking notes while on a phone call

Why does a Wisconsin business name search matter?

With business name registration, don’t take a “wait and see” approach. If you don’t confirm whether your preferred name is available before you file formation paperwork, the WDFI can reject it, causing you to resubmit and pay for another registration filing. 


Instead, do a little legwork ahead of time by running a business name search before you register. With a name search, you can help confirm that your desired name is available for reservation and registration before you file, leading to a seamless formation experience.

Example: If “Madison Marketing Group LLC” is already registered, a name like “Madison Marketing Group Inc.” would likely be rejected, as different designators don't constitute distinguishability in Wisconsin.

Who needs to conduct a Wisconsin business name search?

If you plan on operating a business in Wisconsin, you should conduct a business search before registering with the WDFI. Here’s who that includes:

  • Corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs). These entities must include entity designators, like “Corp.” or “LLC.” 

  • Nonprofit corporations. Nonprofits must register with the state to qualify for tax incentives and adhere to the same rules as other entity types.

  • Limited partnerships (LPs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs). LPs and LLPs formally register with the WDFI and must make sure that their names are distinguishable from others on record.

  • General partnerships and sole proprietorships. General partnerships and sole proprietorships are not required to register in Wisconsin. However, if the owners decide to operate under a name different from their legal name, they must apply for a “doing business as” (DBA) name—called a “trade name” in Wisconsin. These names are subject to the distinguishability requirement as formal entity types.

Get more details on the specific requirements for your business entity in the Wisconsin Statutes.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

The simplest, most flexible way to structure your business to protect personal assets.

Read about LLCs

Corporation

(S corp or C corp)

A more complex structure with the ability to issue shares and go public, or go global.

Explore corporations

Partnership

(LP or LLP)

Allows business partners to work together while maintaining some liability protections.

Partnership basics

Doing business as

(DBA)

A way to change your public-facing name without having to make changes to your business entity.

Dig into DBAs

How to conduct a Wisconsin business name search

There are a few ways to conduct a Wisconsin business name search.

Use LegalZoom’s business name lookup tool

LegalZoom’s business name check tool is free and allows for unlimited searches. With our tool, you can easily look up names on file with the DFI. All you have to do is type in your desired name, choose the business entity type, and click “Check Availability.” The tool combs the WDFI database for similar names and tells you whether your business name is available or not. 


Run checks for variations of the name including different spellings, pluralizations, and more to ensure that you cover all your bases.

Search Wisconsin’s state records

You can also search name availability on the WDFI’s website. 

  • Step 1: Visit the state’s name availability search portal. Head to the WDFI’s specific Name Availability search option through its Corporate Records database.

  • Step 2: Enter your search criteria. Type in the name you’d like to search, such as “Lakeside Designs.” Click “Search Records.” 

  • Step 3: Review results. The tool will tell you if any WDFI records appear to conflict with your name or not. If there are conflicting records, you’ll be able to click to view the existing business with the same or similar name. 

  • Step 4: Conduct an advanced search. If you’d like, you can perform an advanced WDFI Corporate Records search. At the top of the results page or on the portal’s home page, select “Advanced Search.” You’ll be able to enter your search criteria, choose what results you want to see (e.g., exact phrase, name contains, etc.), choose the entity status (e.g., in existence or no longer in existence), and more. 

TIP: Wisconsin provides the option to call the Corporation Bureau and have an agent perform a name availability search for you. This can give you an extra sense of security about your name availability. You can reach the Corporation Bureau at (608) 261-7577

How to conduct a trademark search for your Wisconsin business name

While a business name check tells you if a name is available for reservation or registration in Wisconsin, it doesn’t tell you if it infringes on any trademarks. That’s why it’s crucial to conduct a trademark search to ensure that you’re abiding by state and federal trademark protections.

  • Search for free with LegalZoom. LegalZoom’s Free Trademark Search checks the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database for names that match your search criteria exactly. If the tool shows that your name is already trademarked, continue searching other names or variations of your preferred name. You get as many searches as you’d like—free!

  • Go beyond the basics with LegalZoom’s comprehensive trademark search. Our Comprehensive Trademark Search executes a full-scope search of existing and pending marks with the USPTO and provides ranked results to help pinpoint potential conflicts. You can select between a federal search and a combined federal, state, and common law search, based on your specific needs.

When you’re ready to register your trademark, turn to LegalZoom’s Premium Trademark Registration service—the #1 trademark filer with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 1

A woman taking notes at a desk

Need name ideas?

LegalZoom offers a free AI-powered business name generator tailored to over 40 industries, including real estate, construction, and photography. It's fully customizable to your business, your market, and your brand.

Other searches you should run before registering your Wisconsin business name

Checking the WDFI’s Corporate Records database is a great—and necessary—place to start, but there are other types of searches you should perform before formally registering your business.

USPTO trademark search

Remember that state business registration only protects the use of your business name by other companies operating in Wisconsin. That means that your business name may or may not be trademarked at the national level.


To avoid infringing on pending or existing federal trademarks, perform a search through the USPTO’s trademark database, or use LegalZoom’s free trademark search tool, which combs the USPTO database for you, letting you know if your name is available or not.


With a USPTO trademark search, you can also look up other types of brand assets, including:

  • Taglines

  • Logos

  • Brand-specific symbols

If your name is trademarked, you unfortunately won’t be able to use it. This is where your backup options come in handy. You’ll need to keep searching until you find a name that hasn’t been trademarked.

Wisconsin trademark search

It’s also important to conduct a state trademark search to ensure that your business name doesn’t infringe on state trademark protections. You can either use LegalZoom’s Comprehensive Trademark Search tool, which performs federal and state trademark and common law searches. Alternatively, you can search the WDFI’s trademark database, which shows all active and expired trademarks in Wisconsin.

Domain name search & social media search

An online presence is important for any business to grow and thrive—yours included. Setting up a website and social media profiles is a great step to start marketing your Wisconsin business. Even if you’re not quite ready to launch your online presence, you can still check that your business name is available to reserve. This can be a helpful step even before you register with the WDFI. Here’s what to look up:

  • Existing businesses on the internet. See if your business name pops up on popular search engines, such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo. If similar or exact names exist in top results, it may be worth choosing a variation of your preferred business name just to stand out.

  • Domain name availability. To build a website, you’ll need a unique domain name. Check domain name registrars, like GoDaddy and Squarespace, to see if your business name is available. If it is, purchase it as soon as possible to keep others from taking it.

  • Social media handle availability. Do a search on social media platforms where you might create business profiles, such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, to check if your business name is available as a handle. 

These online searches pave the way for you to launch a digital presence for your brand, which helps ensure continuity between your business name and online brand assets.

What to do after a Wisconsin business name check

Now that you’ve verified that your business name is available, you can start the registration process:

  • Register your business with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. You can submit formation paperwork directly with the WDFI, but for the easiest, most seamless method, use LegalZoom’s formation service to start your Wisconsin business with confidence. You can also reserve your business name for 120 days.

  • Register a DBA (called a trade name in Wisconsin) if you plan on operating under a different name from the one listed on your formation documents.

What to do after you’ve registered your business name

Reserve a domain name and social handles

Your online presence is just as important as your storefront. Here’s how to secure it:

checkmark

Claim your domain name

Choose a domain that matches your business name as closely as possible.

checkmark

Check social media availability

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are key for connecting with customers. 

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Think long-term

Even if you don’t plan to use all platforms right away, securing them now ensures you won’t lose them later.

Protect your brand with a trademark

A trademark ensures your business name is legally yours and provides:

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Exclusive rights

Prevents competitors from using your name.

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Legal protection

Enforces your rights in court if necessary.

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Brand credibility

Demonstrates professionalism and trustworthiness.

LegalZoom’s trademark registration service connects you with experienced attorneys who guide you through every step of the process, increasing your likelihood of approval.

How to find information about an existing Wisconsin business

There may be instances in which you need to find information about a business registered in Wisconsin. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can use the following methods.

Use an employer identification number (EIN)

To check a company’s credit and financial details, you’ll need their EIN, which is a federal identification number for businesses. But looking up a company by their EIN can’t be done with a Wisconsin business entity search. Instead, you’ll need to use the following search methods:

  • Use a third-party service. You can look up Wisconsin businesses with an EIN through data and analytics companies like Dun & Bradstreet. You may be charged a fee to perform this type of search.

  • Conduct a search with credit bureaus. You can gather financial details about a business by reaching out to credit reporting bureaus. For example, an Experian Business Credit Report lets you check a company’s financial and legal standing.

These types of business searches are helpful for gaining insights into a company before investing in or partnering with them.

Reach out to the registered agent

Wisconsin business entities that register with the WDFI are required to designate and maintain a registered agent, who acts as the business’ legal point of contact. Here’s how to perform a Wisconsin registered agent lookup.

  • Step 1: Find the agent. Enter the company’s name in the WDFI’s business entity search tool. On the results page, select the business you’re looking up. On the business’ profile page, under “Addresses,” find the agent name and address.

  • Step 2: Contact the agent. Reach out to the agent at the address on file. You can contact the registered agent if you have legal business with the company or would like more information about the business.

Contact a company’s registered agent when you have legal business or need to deliver legal documents.

LegalZoom can help you file your state's formation paperwork and get your business on the right track.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a Wisconsin business name search free?

Yes, both the Wisconsin DFI name availability search and the LegalZoom business name search tool are free to use.

Can I use the same name as a dissolved Wisconsin business?

If a Wisconsin business is dissolved, you may be able to register its name. This option isn’t guaranteed, though, so it’s best to contact the Wisconsin DFI at (608) 261-7577 to confirm whether the name can be used before you attempt to register it.

Does my Wisconsin LLC name need to be unique nationwide?

No, Wisconsin LLC names only need to be unique in the state itself. However, if there is a federal trademark on your preferred name, you may not be able to use it even if it's available for registration in Wisconsin. Always run a USPTO trademark search in addition to a Wisconsin LLC search.

What happens if my Wisconsin LLC name is rejected after filing?

If your Wisconsin LLC name is rejected after filing, you’ll need to choose a different name and resubmit your formation paperwork with the DFI, along with paying the filing fee again. That’s why it’s a good idea to perform a Wisconsin business name search before you register with the DFI.

Get helpful tips and information

1 LZ Legal Services is the number one law firm filer by volume for US-based businesses at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.