Firm Names Instructions

Registration of Firm Names Instructions

1. You may register your firm name with the Register of Deeds if your firm is a (1) sole proprietorship, (2) general partnership, or (3) association.
2. If your firm is a corporation or limited partnership, you need to register it with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Corporations Section (608-261-7577), 345 W. Washington Ave., 3rd floor, P.O. Box 7846, Madison WI 53707-7846.
3. If you plan to obtain credit for your business you are required to register you firm name under Wisconsin State Statute 134.17. There is a $1,000 fine or one year in jail for failure to do so.
4. For firm names to be registered by the Register of Deeds Office, use the REGISTRATION OF FIRM NAMES form. The form may be printed from this webpage. It must be completely filled out legibly, using black ink. Your signature must be notarized, so do not sign until you are witnessed by a notary public.
5. Before filling out the form, you must check to make sure no one else in the county where the business is located is using your desired firm name. First of all, check the listings in the phone directory or look in the real estate index at the Register of Deeds Office. You should also check the DFI corporation names index or contact by phone at 608-261-7577.
6. The fee for recording a firm name document is a flat fee of $30.
7. Your form must be filled out completely. Be sure to put your return address and document drafter on the form. Mail it to your county Register of Deeds Office along with a check for the recording fee.