Short answer: Must include Limited Liability Company or an abbreviation like LLC. Restricted words like Bank generally require special agency approval.
We've pulled these figures from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)'s own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Wisconsin naming rules
Must include Limited Liability Company or an abbreviation like LLC. Restricted words like Bank generally require special agency approval.
Open the official Wisconsin name search
Reserving a name
Wisconsin lets you reserve a name for $15, which holds it for 120 days.
Doing business under another name
Wisconsin DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $15.
How Wisconsin compares
Wisconsin's name reservation fee is $15. That's the 11th lowest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so Wisconsin comes in $10 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $15 | 38 of 50 |
| Illinois | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| Michigan | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| Ohio | $39 | 11 of 50 |
| Indiana | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Pennsylvania | $70 | 3 of 50 |
Wisconsin fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form 502) | $130 | $130 online, $170 paper due to paper filing surcharge |
| Name reservation (optional) | $15 | 120 days |
| Amendment | $40 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $15 | state |
Name search and rules: Wisconsin questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in Wisconsin?
Use the official Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a Wisconsin LLC name include?
Must include Limited Liability Company or an abbreviation like LLC. Restricted words like Bank generally require special agency approval.
Can I reserve an LLC name in Wisconsin?
Yes. Reservation costs $15 and holds the name for 120 days.
Do I need a DBA in Wisconsin?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $15.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: name rules restricted words exact restrictions.