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Name availability · WI

Wisconsin business name search

Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institutions has two tools on the same site: a Corporate Records Search and a separate Name Availability Search. Corporate records don't include sole proprietors, tradenames (DBAs) or trademarks, so a clean result doesn't mean nobody is using the name. DFI says any verbal answer is tentative, and nothing is final until your filing comes back marked "FILED."

How to check if a name is available in Wisconsin

  1. 01

    Run the Name Availability Search

    Open the Name Availability Search on apps.dfi.wi.gov and enter your proposed entity name.

  2. 02

    Look up records in Corporate Records Search

    Search the same words in Corporate Records Search to see existing entities and their status codes, such as DIS for dissolved or DLQ for delinquent.

  3. 03

    Check what this search leaves out

    Tradenames, trademarks and sole proprietors aren't in corporate records. Use DFI's trademark search (free account needed) to check for state-registered names and marks.

  4. 04

    Search the USPTO

    Wisconsin doesn't require tradename or trademark registration, so many businesses never file one. Check tmsearch.uspto.gov for federal marks as well.

  5. 05

    Domain, socials and alternatives

    Check the domain and handles, which often show businesses the state search can't. Our free generator at /business-name-generator/ can help if you need more options.

Wisconsin business naming rules

  • A name must be distinguishable on DFI's records from other registered entities and from names that have been reserved or registered.
  • Verbal search results are tentative. Don't treat a name as available until your filing is accepted and marked "FILED."
  • Tradename and trademark registration in Wisconsin is optional. It's a way to notify the public that you're using a name.

Reserving a name

Wisconsin offers a short-term name reservation of 60 or 120 days and a long-term reservation of 10 years. Check the current fee on DFI's site.

DBAs and trade names

Wisconsin doesn't require DBA registration. Sole proprietors can choose to register a tradename with DFI through its trademark program, but tradenames and sole proprietors don't appear in the Corporate Records Search.

Still looking for the right name?

Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the Wisconsin search above.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I search business names in Wisconsin?

Use DFI's Name Availability Search and Corporate Records Search on apps.dfi.wi.gov. Neither includes tradenames, trademarks or sole proprietors.

Do I need a DBA in Wisconsin?

No. Wisconsin doesn't require it. Sole proprietors can choose to register a tradename with DFI.

When is a Wisconsin business name officially mine?

Only when DFI accepts your filing and returns it marked "FILED." Search results and phone checks are tentative.

How long can I reserve a name in Wisconsin?

A short-term reservation lasts 60 or 120 days, and a long-term reservation lasts 10 years.

General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI); a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.