How to Do a Business Name Search in Wisconsin and Choose a Name for your LLC
Starting an LLC in Wisconsin isn’t a complicated process, but it’s important to follow the required steps. One of the first steps is to select your business name and make sure it’s available for you to use.
Before you register your name, it’s essential to perform a business entity search. This makes sure the name you want is unique and complies with all applicable state regulations. The guide below will walk you through the process of performing a business entity search in Wisconsin, understanding the state’s naming guidelines, and determining the next steps once you’ve chosen an available name.
Why You Need to Perform a Business Entity Search When Starting an LLC
A business entity search involves checking the availability of a name in the state and it is required if you plan to register an LLC in Wisconsin. This is crucial for several reasons:
- Ensuring your chosen name is not already in use by another business.
- Avoiding potential legal issues related to trademark infringement.
- Complying with Wisconsin-specific naming regulations.
- Establishing a unique identity for your business.
State Naming Guidelines
Wisconsin has specific guidelines you must follow when choosing a name for your LLC:
- Uniqueness: The LLC name must be distinguishable from all existing businesses registered in Wisconsin.
- Required Words: The name must include “Limited Liability Company”, “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
- Restricted Words: Certain terms that can confuse your LLC with a government agency (e.g., “FBI,” “Treasury”) are prohibited unless you have permission from that agency.
- Prohibited Words: Terms like “bank,” “trust,” or any words suggesting an association with the financial industry are restricted unless you comply with additional regulatory requirements.
When it comes to restricted and prohibited words, it’s best to just avoid using them. For more detailed guidelines, visit the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions’ website.
Conducting a Business Name Search in Wisconsin – Step-by-Step Guide with Tips
Access the Database
To begin your search, visit the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions’ Business Search.
Search options
You can perform a basic or advanced search. The basic search just asks you to put one or more words into the search bar. The advanced search has far more options, as seen below:
Fees
The search is free, but you’ll need to pay a fee once you reserve a name.
Different Filters
You can use different filters to get different results, including searching by active or inactive status, registration date, entity type (e.g., LLC, corporation, partnership), and more.
Search Tips
- Use different variations of the name to ensure your search is as thorough as possible.
- Check for similar names that might cause confusion.
- Pay attention to spelling and abbreviations.
Reviewing the Results
Once you get the search results, review:
- Entity Status: Active, inactive, dissolved, etc.
- Entity Type: LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.
- Registered Agent: Information about the registered agent on file.
For example, a search for the word “Cheese” in a business name turns up more than 500 results:
Fictitious Name/DBA
If you plan to do business under a different name than your LLC, you should also search the fictitious name database to ensure your DBA name is not already being used.
What to Do Once You Have a Name That Is Available
Consider reserving your name
You can reserve your LLC name for up to 120 days by filing a name reservation application with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and paying the $15 fee. This secures the name while you take the other necessary steps to form your LLC.
The name reservation form is available for download on the Secretary of State’s website. It includes detailed instructions on how to complete it.
Consider trademarking your name
Registering your name as a trademark provides protection against name infringement throughout the U.S. Visit the USPTO website for more information on the trademark process.
Consider Registering Your Domain
Secure a domain name that matches your business name to establish your online presence.
Conclusion
Selecting a name for your LLC is one of the most critical steps in starting your business. By performing a thorough business name search and following Wisconsin’s naming guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to making sure your business’s name is unique and legal. For more information and to start your business entity search, visit the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions’ website.
Ready to start your LLC in Wisconsin? Learn more about the process and associated costs at Tailor Brands. We have extensive experience in starting LLCs in Wisconsin and can help you during every step of the process. Visit our website to get started or to learn more about the cost of forming your Wisconsin LLC.
FAQ
Use the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions’ Business Search to check the availability of a name.
The fee for reserving an LLC name in Wisconsin is $15.
Yes, registering a DBA makes sure your fictitious name is legally recognized and protected in Wisconsin.
Your LLC name must be unique, include required words like “LLC,” and avoid restricted or prohibited terms.
If the name you want is taken, either consider variations or choose a new name. Check if the existing business is inactive or dissolved; if it is, contact the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions for further guidance on whether you can use this name.
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