How to Get Certificate of Status in Wisconsin (2025)

The Certificate of Status is a significant document that LLC owners require if they want to expand their business out of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Secretary of State issues this document in favor of the company with the required details to submit it to the other state into which it is going to expand.

When you file an LLC in Wisconsin while residing in a different state, you submit the certificate of authority to the Wisconsin SOS. Similarly, an LLC formed in Wisconsin (as a principal office) has to submit this document while forming an LLC in other states. In this article, LLCBuddy editors share the ins and outs of getting the Certificate of Status in Wisconsin.

What is a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin

The Certificate of Status is a document that every business in Wisconsin requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation in Wisconsin, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in Wisconsin. Whether you form an LLC or any other form of business, you must get this document.

If you take your business to a different state, a Certificate of Status will be a necessary document to be produced. It shows that your business does not have any illegitimate or outlawed activities. Besides, to restore or reinstate an LLC in Wisconsin after dissolution, you must obtain this document.

How to Obtain a Wisconsin Certificate of Status

The Wisconsin Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Status, you must fill out the form and send it to the Wisconsin SOS along with the required filing fees. There is some information you will need to enter while submitting the form. Here are the points to add-

Step 1: Get the Form

In Wisconsin, you can obtain the Certificate of Status via online application. Visit the portal and order your document after making the required fee payment on the site.

Generate Certificate of Good Standing:

Online application: Request for Certificate of Status (Request for copies)
Offline application: Request for Certificate of Status by mail (request a copy)
Fees: $10

The following points are required to be mentioned in the form-

Details of the Requester: The first information you need to provide is the details of the requester. Provide your full name, address (which can be your business address), and phone number.

Name of Your Business: Provide the exact name of your business. Make sure no spelling mistakes are made. The spelling must be the same as mentioned in the Certificate of Formation. Besides the name, provide the company registration number or file number. The SOS issues this number after you file the Certificate of Formation. This is not mandatory, but it is recommended that you share the file number to get the process done quickly.

Details of Return Method: The certificate can be collected in person or by mail from the Wisconsin SOS. If you request the document in person, you can return it in person or by mail. Choose which way you want it.

Copies of the Certificate: You can request the number of copies of the certificate from the SOS. There is a box in the form that you must check for multiple copies of this document. You can obtain more than one copy of the Certificate of Compliance for various purposes. It is recommended that more copies of the certificate be obtained for future use.

Fax Copy of the Certificate: You might get a Fax copy before receiving the certificate’s hard copy. This is one of the options available in some of the states. If you want to receive the fax copy of the certificate, you must provide the fax number while filing the form.

Copies of Other Documents: If you want, you can request copies of other documents filed with the SOS. Other documents include the Wisconsin Articles of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation for corporations, LLC amendments, corporation amendments, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional, and you can avoid this. You must pay a stipulated fee for every copy you request.

Step 2: Submit the Form

You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person, whichever is available and more convenient. Send the form to the State of WI – Dept. of Financial Institutions, P.O. Box 93348, Milwaukee, WI 53293 for offline filing. You must search the Wisconsin SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $10 must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Status. The amount might be more depending on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might have to pay an additional fee for that.

Processing Time: The Certificate of Status’s processing time varies from state to state. Also, it depends on the expedited filing as well. It can take a few days to a few months to obtain the Certificate of Status in Wisconsin.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Status

Once you submit the form and the necessary filing fee, your forms start processing. The process might take a lot of time. If you do not want to wait, you can check with the Wisconsin SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Wisconsin, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Status.

What Information do You Have in the Wisconsin Certificate of Status

The Certificate of Status consists of very pivotal information related to your business. The following is the information your Certificate of Status will have-

The entity type (LLC, Corporation, LLP, LP, or any other registered entity type) when it was formed
The date of filing the business entity (filing the formation document).
The current name and address of the business entity
Whether the business entity exists today
Name and address of the Registered Agent
The State where the document is issued
A declaration that the business entity has paid all the required taxes and complies with all applicable legal requirements.
A declaration that the business entity met all the requirements to get the document.

Who Should Obtain the Certificate of Status

Any business entity, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Corporation, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a Limited Partnership (LP), or any other registered business structure in Wisconsin is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Status. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Status because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Status

The Certificate of Status in Wisconsin is a character certificate for any business. Obtaining this document makes your business legitimate officially. You need this document every now and then while making business decisions. You must obtain the document for the following reasons,

To get business loans and advances or investors
To get business bank accounts
To purchase insurance for business coverage
To renew licenses & permits
To set up your business in other states, for example, a Foreign LLC.
To sell or transfer your business completely or partially to another.
To get into a legal business contract with other businesses or clients.
If your LLC is dissolved for any administrative reasons and you want to restore it, you must obtain the Certificate of Status for reinstatement.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the Wisconsin Certificate of Status is needed.

FAQs

What is a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?

A Wisconsin Certificate of Status, also known as a Certificate of Good Standing, is a document that verifies that a business entity is in compliance with state regulations and authorized to do business in the state of Wisconsin.

Why do I need a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?

You may need a Wisconsin Certificate of Status to demonstrate your business’s good standing to clients, banks, or other entities. It may also be required to obtain certain licenses or permits.

How can I obtain a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?

You can obtain a Wisconsin Certificate of Status by submitting a written request to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and paying the required fee.

What information is included on a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?

A Wisconsin Certificate of Status typically includes the business entity’s name, registration number, status (active or inactive), and the date of issuance.

How long does it take to receive a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?

The processing time for a Wisconsin Certificate of Status varies, but it is typically issued within a few business days after the request is received.

Do I need a Wisconsin Certificate of Status for each business entity I own?

Yes, you will need a separate Wisconsin Certificate of Status for each business entity you own that is registered in the state.

Can I request a Wisconsin Certificate of Status online?

Yes, you can request a Wisconsin Certificate of Status online through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website.

How much does a Wisconsin Certificate of Status cost?

The cost of a Wisconsin Certificate of Status varies, but it is typically around $10 to $20 per copy.

Can I expedite the processing of my Wisconsin Certificate of Status request?

Yes, you may be able to expedite the processing of your Wisconsin Certificate of Status request for an additional fee.

What is the validity period of a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?

A Wisconsin Certificate of Status is typically valid for a specific period of time, such as 30 days or 60 days from the date of issuance.

Can I use a Wisconsin Certificate of Status for legal purposes?

Yes, a Wisconsin Certificate of Status can be used as evidence of a business entity’s good standing in legal matters.

What should I do if my Wisconsin Certificate of Status is lost or damaged?

If your Wisconsin Certificate of Status is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate copy from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

Will a Wisconsin Certificate of Status show if my business is in compliance with tax laws?

A Wisconsin Certificate of Status may indicate whether your business entity is in compliance with state tax laws, but it is recommended to contact the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for specific tax information.

Can I request a Wisconsin Certificate of Status for a business entity that is no longer active?

Yes, you can request a Wisconsin Certificate of Status for a business entity that is no longer active, but the status will reflect that it is inactive.

How can I verify the authenticity of a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?

You can verify the authenticity of a Wisconsin Certificate of Status by contacting the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions or checking the department’s website.

What is the difference between a Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, a Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Status are often used interchangeably to refer to the same document that verifies a business entity’s compliance with state regulations.

Can I request a Wisconsin Certificate of Status on behalf of someone else?

Yes, you can request a Wisconsin Certificate of Status on behalf of someone else with their authorization and necessary documentation.

Will a Wisconsin Certificate of Status show any pending regulatory actions against my business?

A Wisconsin Certificate of Status typically does not show pending regulatory actions against a business entity. It mainly reflects the entity’s current standing with the state.

Can I use a Wisconsin Certificate of Status to apply for a loan?

Yes, a Wisconsin Certificate of Status may be required by lenders as part of the documentation for a loan application to demonstrate your business’s good standing.

What is the turnaround time for receiving a Wisconsin Certificate of Status through mail?

The turnaround time for receiving a Wisconsin Certificate of Status through mail can vary, but it is typically within a week of the request being received.

Are there any restrictions on how a Wisconsin Certificate of Status can be used?

There are typically no restrictions on how a Wisconsin Certificate of Status can be used, but it is intended to provide verification of a business entity’s standing in Wisconsin.

Can I request a Wisconsin Certificate of Status for a foreign business entity registered in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can request a Wisconsin Certificate of Status for a foreign business entity that is registered to do business in Wisconsin.

Will a Wisconsin Certificate of Status include information on the business entity’s registered agent?

A Wisconsin Certificate of Status may include information on the business entity’s registered agent, but it is not always guaranteed.

How can I pay for a Wisconsin Certificate of Status request?

You can typically pay for a Wisconsin Certificate of Status request by check, money order, or credit card.

Can I request additional copies of a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?

Yes, you can request additional copies of a Wisconsin Certificate of Status for an additional fee.

Will a Wisconsin Certificate of Status indicate if my business entity has any outstanding fines or penalties?

A Wisconsin Certificate of Status may indicate if your business entity has any outstanding fines or penalties owed to the state, but it is recommended to contact the appropriate agency for updated information.

Can I request a Wisconsin Certificate of Status for an individual instead of a business entity?

No, a Wisconsin Certificate of Status is typically issued for business entities and does not apply to individuals.

Is a Wisconsin Certificate of Status the same as a Certificate of Existence in other states?

In many states, a Certificate of Status and a Certificate of Existence are equivalent documents that verify a business entity’s good standing to do business in that state.

What should I do if the information on my Wisconsin Certificate of Status is incorrect?

If you believe the information on your Wisconsin Certificate of Status is incorrect, you should contact the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to request a correction.

Why would I need a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?

You may need a Certificate of Status for various reasons such as registering to do business in another state or applying for a loan.

In Conclusion

The Certificate of Status is a vital document for any business entity in Wisconsin, as it enables you to expand your operations throughout the United States. It’s essential to provide accurate and truthful information in this document. If you plan to establish the same business in another state, obtaining a Certificate of Status is necessary.

While forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation in Wisconsin, it is necessary to have some documents filed with the State authority. The Certificate of Status is one of them. In some cases, if the business gets shut down or dissolved due to administrative reasons, this document helps the owners retrieve their business in the future. In this article, we shared DIY ways to get the document, but you can always hire a professional to get that for you.