How to Change Your Wisconsin Business Name

How to Get a New Business Name

Generally, there are three steps for how to change a business name in Wisconsin. We’ve outlined this process for you.  

1. Choose a new business name

The first step to changing a business name in Wisconsin seems simple enough: choose a new business name. But you have to follow state regulations for selecting your name. Primarily, your new business name must be “distinguishable” from other names that have been registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. This means that it cannot be too similar to another existing business name. 

You can check existing Wisconsin business names by searching the Department of Financial Institutions database or by calling their clerk. You’ll then reserve your proposed name with the Department of Financial Institutions. They suggest that you also include a backup name if the name you want is no longer available.

We can save you the stress of selecting and reserving your new business name through our Business Name Checker service and our Name Reservation service.  

2. Gather information for filing your amendment

You will next need to gather specific information to file Articles of Amendment to your Articles of Incorporation for a Corporation or Articles of Amendment to your Articles of Organization for an LLC for a business name change in Wisconsin. 

Generally, you need to provide the following information to prepare an amendment to formation documents in Wisconsin:

• The current legal name of your business
• Your amendment stating the new name of your business 
• For an LLC, a statement that the amendment was adopted by a vote by all of the members of the LLC
• For a Corporation, a statement that the amendment was adopted by the board of directors, the directors, and shareholders, or by the incorporators, depending on the circumstances 
• The date it was adopted
• The name of the person who drafted the amendment and their title 
• The name and signature of a person authorized to sign the amendment

The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions has convenient forms to facilitate making the name change. 

3. File your Wisconsin amendment 

Lastly, you’ll file your business name change amendment with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. You may file it by mail with the appropriate filing fee. You can request expedited processing for an additional fee. Be sure to send in the document with original signatures; otherwise, the Department of Financial Institutions may reject it.  

We can take care of your business name change amendment with our Amendment Filing Service. This way, you can focus on running your business rather than worrying about whether your amendment complies with Wisconsin’s requirements.  

After You Change Your Business Name

Your new business name is official. Next, you’ll update your business name in several other places. This may include changing your name with:

• The Wisconsin Department of Revenue
• Your banks and financial service providers
• Legal documents 
• Any licensing agencies
• Clients and customers

To reflect your new name, you may also consider updating your business marketing materials, brochures, website, and social media accounts.  

We Can Help

The process for changing a business name in Wisconsin can be complicated and confusing. We can help by taking care of your business name change with our Amendment Filing Service. Plus, we offer ongoing assistance to keep your business compliant with our Worry-Free Compliance service. Our Worry-Free Compliance service includes two business amendments each year. 

If you have any questions or concerns, you’ll have access to our customer success team. And if you’re just starting the process of getting your business together and haven’t formed an entity yet, our Wisconsin LLC and Wisconsin Corporation Formation Services can get you up and running fast. Let our services remove your stress about the legal ins and outs of changing your business name.  

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.