Key Takeaways

  • A Wisconsin Certificate of Good Standing (or Certificate of Status) verifies that a business complies with state regulations.
  • You can order it online, by mail, or in person from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
  • Expedited and regular processing options are available, with fees ranging from $10 to $35 depending on service type.
  • The certificate is often required for business loans, foreign qualification, mergers, and licensing.
  • Entities must be up to date with filings and fees to be eligible.
  • Certificates can be obtained for LLCs, corporations, and limited partnerships.

Getting a Wisconsin certificate of good standing is a regular part of doing business. Certificates are available from D.C. and any state and are also known as a Certificate of Status. Order it in person, online, or by mail. When ordering online, the fee is $10, and it processes immediately.

How To Get A Certificate Of Status

It normally takes up to seven days to process when sent through the mail plus extra time for mailing it back. The fee is also $10. If you'd like expedited service, you can get it for $25 more and can expect it to take less than two days plus mailing time. When sending it in by mail, include the following information on the business form:

  • Name of the business
  • Payment
  • Information for return address
  • Any specific requests
  • Phone number

When making requests in person, it's important to know that same day service isn't available. It costs $10 for regular processing or $20 for regular processing a hard copy in addition to a fax. When doing an expedited order, only one fee needs requires payment no matter how many certificates are ordered. The payment options are money orders, check, or MasterCard and Visa for online orders. Make money orders or checks to the Department of Financial Institutions.

When You Need a Wisconsin Certificate of Good Standing

A Wisconsin Certificate of Good Standing is often required when a business needs to demonstrate its legal compliance and active registration with the state. Common scenarios include:

  • Registering to do business in another state (foreign qualification)
  • Opening business bank accounts
  • Securing loans or lines of credit
  • Completing mergers or acquisitions
  • Obtaining specific business licenses or permits
  • Reinstating a business after administrative dissolution

This document serves as formal proof that your entity is properly formed, has met all required annual filings, and is authorized to conduct business in Wisconsin.

How To Request an Electronic Copy

To obtain an electronic copy, you'll need to head to the Department of Financial Institution's website and find the business search function. After that, put your business name in the field and search the records. A list displays of all the names that match your search. Look through the names until you find the one you want to request a certificate for. On the next page, click the link for requesting a certificate of status, and choose the electronic option to get unlimited copies printed out right away.

Make sure you met all the requirements displayed on the next page and hit "click here" to begin the certificate request. Put in your contact information and continue to the next page. After making sure all the information is correct, go to the cart to pay the filing fee of $10. Hit "submit payment" to finalize the request and have access to the document.

How To Request a Printed Copy

To request a copy that's printed, you'll go to the same page as above and type in your business name to find it in the search records. Once you find the business, click on it and request the certificate. Choose the option to have it faxed or printed and mailed. You can also have it available for pickup. You'll then click the option to begin an order and type in your business name as well as how many copies you need.

Make sure your contact information is correct and pick which delivery option you want. After that, you'll put in your credit card information and hit "submit payment" to have the request be finalized.

Eligibility Requirements for Good Standing

To receive a Wisconsin Certificate of Good Standing, your business must:

  • Be properly registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
  • Have filed all required annual reports
  • Be current on all associated state fees and taxes
  • Not be in the process of dissolution or revocation

If any of these conditions are not met, your request may be denied until compliance is restored.

“Good Standing” Opinions Issued

Lenders often ask the local council to give their good standing opinion so they can have basic assurances about the lender when it comes to the borrower's status in the state. A normal formulation for the opinion for limited liability companies or corporations might state, "Borrower is a [corporation] [limited liability company] validly existing and in good standing under the laws of ____________." There is normally a local council that's in charge of these requests and will ask for the current standing certificate for the borrower from a government agency such as the Secretary of State.

Once you get a receipt for a certificate that says the entity was organized or incorporated and is in good standing, the council will then give their opinion based on the good standing certificate. In the state of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) doesn't issue good standing certificates but rather certificates of status. It will include the entity's organization, qualification, or incorporation in Wisconsin and other important matters related to the organizational status. This includes information like the company has met its annual reporting requirements. It also says if the company has attempted to file articles of dissolution at some point.

What’s Included in the Certificate of Status

Although Wisconsin issues a Certificate of Status rather than one explicitly labeled “Good Standing,” the content effectively serves the same purpose. The certificate includes:

  • Legal name of the business entity
  • Type of entity (LLC, corporation, etc.)
  • Date of formation or registration
  • Confirmation that the business is in existence and authorized to do business in Wisconsin
  • A statement verifying that the business has met filing obligations and is not dissolved

This certificate can be used in legal, financial, and governmental contexts to confirm your entity’s good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is a Wisconsin Certificate of Good Standing valid? Typically, it’s valid for up to 90 days, depending on the receiving institution’s requirements.

2. Can I get a Wisconsin Certificate of Good Standing for a sole proprietorship? No. Only formally registered business entities such as LLCs, corporations, and limited partnerships qualify.

3. What if my business is not in good standing? You must correct any deficiencies, such as filing overdue reports or paying outstanding fees, before a certificate can be issued.

4. Can I use the certificate for out-of-state business filings? Yes. It’s commonly required when registering your business in other states.

5. Is expedited service available for printed certificates? Yes. You can request expedited service for an additional $25 fee.

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